Eelke Ankersmit

Eelke Ankersmit is the former frontman of band The Rag Trade, whose self-titled debut album was brimmed with songs about growing up and relationship issues. Reviews for the album were unanimously positive. It got the band a couple of live-performances on renowned Dutch national radio station 3FM as well as some festival gigs. After finishing his studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with a 9,5 (out of 10) for his graduation performance, it is was time for Eelke Ankersmit to continue his musical endeavours; this time on his own. The path leading up to the release of his solo debut already brought him a gig in the Main Concert Hall of reputable venue Paradiso in Amsterdam. Recently, Eelke won the Dutch pop song competition for singer-songwriters and (semi)acoustic acts, ‘Mooie Noten 2016’, focusing on composition, lyrics and musical presentation. On his debut EP Old Friend, heartache is a recurring theme, as well as the road to adulthood which never seems to end. Each of the songs has its own feel and instrumentation, sometimes with emphasis on the lyrics, sometimes complementing them, but leaving no-one untouched. After about 60 shows in the last year and a half, Eelke has now started work on his debut album. With some unexpected influences of, amongst others, The Smiths, his sound continues to fluctuate. This new inspiration, combined with the refined songs Eelke is
known for, will lead to an endearing new album. His first single from the album will be released on April 7th.