You may not automatically associate Amsterdam with music, but you should. The city has a thriving live music scene that the Dutch have been enjoying for years, and now it’s time for you to enjoy it too.
A great introduction to the scene is London Calling, a twice yearly event based at the Paradiso. Indie kids from across the country use this opportunity to see the artists who are set to become massive before they hit the mainstream.
The festival will be returning on 24th-25th May 2013, but for a taster of what’s in store, let’s take a look at highlights of the Spring 2012 festival.
Who to look out for:
Grimes is becoming a growing electro-pop sensation in the UK over the past few months, and her appearance was a true highlight of the festival.
The Canadian is regularly featured on BBC Radio One, and has been hailed as the next ‘big thing’ on the electro scene.
King Krule is another young artist making waves in the British music scene before even releasing an album, the lucky London Calling festival goers will have witnessed greatness in the making. The artist has clear inspiration from electronica and hip hop, though his docile, smooth vocals are a thing of unique beauty.
Austra are a duo hailing from Canada producing a unique mix of quirky Kate Bush style vocals with stripped-back electro beats; they’re set to be one of the biggest bands of 2013. They supported Arcade Fire at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, proving that they’re the next big thing of the alt-music scene.
Essential Information:
Accommodation - If you’re travelling with friends, a hostel will be a lot more convenient and cheaper than a hotel. Luckily, Amsterdam has a huge variety of hostels, many for under £10. Try out Hostel Centraal for a convenient, simple hostel for you and your friends to crash after the musical mayhem.
Travel – Return flights can be bought from £76 from the UK. Travel Insurance – for good deals on travel insurance consult the following resource.
What else to do:
Whilst you’re in Amsterdam you may want to explore the city further. Culture fans will enjoy the Van Gogh exhibition, which features a wide variety of accurate replicas of the artist’s work.
History buffs may want to visit the annexe in which Anne Frank and her family lived during the Second World War; meanwhile, foodies will be spoilt for choice by the many local specialities on offer from steak to patisseries.
