Under the Surface

Under the Surface

On May 21, 2015, drummer Joost Lijbaart, guitarist Bram Stadhouders and singer Sanne Rambags gave their first concert in Breda. What started as an experiment quickly grew into a band that conquered the world. In the 9 years since their first meeting, the group has played more than 250 concerts in 30 countries. Now they look back on the band's formation and try to capture the magic that happens every time Under the Surface comes together. A book and film about the band will be released on July 17, and a CD containing the band's very first recordings will be released on July 18. During their last album 'Miin Triuwa' the band was already looking for their own history and discovered their own folk by creating beautiful songs based on old Dutch lyrics. Through a book, film and album they now tell the story of the band and the elusive magic that has been there from the beginning.

The film

The short film 'Under the Surface' tells the story of three individuals who found each other in their joint search for adventure and universal truths. The film offers insight into the motivations and visions of the band members and Under the Surface as a whole, asking; what is our purpose here on earth? The stories are beautifully artistically depicted by British duo David Lam and Hannah Thompson of ON Studios in the UK, who created the film and provide images for otherwise elusive feelings and magic.

The book

In 2020, the group started a collaboration with world-famous illustrator Mark Wilkinson (known for his work for Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, The Beatles and many others), who knows how to capture the atmosphere of the band with his designs. The 100-page art book about Under the Surface provides an even deeper look into the soul of the group. Through diary fragments, photos and collages you will get to know the many layers that form Under the Surface. The reader also gets a behind-the-scenes look at the many worldwide tours of the past 9 years. What happened during the countless tours? What development has the group undergone? And what does the future bring? It is a book about reflection, making visible what is often invisible, and looking ahead to the future.

The album

Six months after their first meeting, Under the Surface recorded a first series of pieces as an experiment in the Muziekgebouw van de Omroep (MCO) in Hilversum. That night magic happened; the three musicians seemed to understand each other almost effortlessly. It was after this evening that Sanne Rambags, Joost Lijbaart and Bram Stadhouders decided to give improvised concerts together under the name Under the Surface. The improvisations recorded by the band at the time have never been released before, but show Under the Surface in its purest form, even now, 9 years later.

Musicians

Sanne Rambags - vocals, Bram Stadhouders - guitar, Joost Lijbaart - drums, Nathan Wouters - bass and Annabel Laura - guitar / vocals / percussion / keyboard / lyre