11 March 2025

8 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with CountryToCountry Festival

FESTIVAL REVIEW: Country 2 Country Rotterdam Showcased Country Brilliance

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the RTM Stage at Rotterdam Ahoy transformed into a vibrant hub of country music as the C2C: Country to Country festival kicked off its fourth Dutch edition. Europe’s largest traveling country festival brought together thousands of fans for a day filled with twangy guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and cowboy boots aplenty. Headlined by the dynamic Lainey Wilson, the event showcased a stellar lineup of both established stars and rising talents from the United States and Europe, proving once again why C2C has become a must-attend celebration for country music lovers across the continent. From the main stage to the intimate spotlight stages, Rotterdam pulsed with the spirit of Nashville, offering a taste of the USA in the heart of the Netherlands.

To kick off proceedings, The Castellows took the stage at the RTM Stage in Rotterdam in the afternoon, delivering a performance that left a lasting impression on the Dutch audience. The trio—sisters Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo), and Lily (vocals)—brought their signature blend of neo-traditional country to the festival’s mainstage, sharing the spotlight with headliner Lainey Wilson and other notable acts like Nate Smith and Wyatt Flores. Hailing from Georgetown, Georgia, and now based in Nashville, The Castellows have quickly risen through the ranks of the country music scene, and their Rotterdam debut showcased why they’re a band to watch. Halfway through the set, The Castellows welcomed fellow performer Wyatt Flores on stage to perform their collaborative track ‘Sober Sundays’, marking a special moment in the set.

Their sound—a seamless fusion of classic country roots and modern polish—resonated through the venue, with Lily’s crystalline vocals cutting through the mix, supported by Ellie’s intricate guitar work and Powell’s nimble banjo picking. The crowd, a mix of dedicated country fans and curious newcomers, was in awe of the performance and the relatively new group was sure to welcome a string of new fans to their base, as evident by the huge queue for the signing session right after their performance.

The Castellows

After attending the signing session of The Castellows, it was time for the next act on the main stage: Wyatt Flores!

Flores strode onto the stage with his acoustic guitar in hand. Knowing Flores only from his collaboration with The Castellows, we were taken aback by his performance. In ‘Sober Sundays‘, Flores’ performance is softer and slower, but his original material has a lot more up tempo songs. He opened with West of Tulsa, a track from his 2023 EP Life Lessons, its haunting melody and introspective lyrics setting the tone for a set that felt both intimate and expansive. His voice—raspy yet tender—carried the ache of small-town struggles and hard-earned wisdom, resonating with an audience far from the dusty plains of his Stillwater roots. Backed by a tight band, Flores also dipped into newer material from his debut album Welcome to the Plains, released in late 2024. Tracks like “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight” pulsed with a fuller sound. Wyatt Flores is an artist quickly on the rise, and Rotterdam got to witness it firsthand. With a fall tour alongside Zach Bryan on the horizon, Flores’ C2C debut was a powerful preview of a career poised to soar.

Wyatt Flores

In-between of acts on the main stage, the front of the stage was dubbed to be the ‘Spotlight Stage’, on which a growing artist claims the space for 30 minutes while the crew is setting up the gear for the upcoming act, a brilliant way to fill the time and keep the attendees entertained and keep the crowd split between the mainstage and the smaller Saloon Stage where you could enjoy a cold beverage, a USA inspired selection of food and even purchase cowboy boots, CDs, watches and much more.

After a much-needed breather, Winchester 49 took to the stage in the mainstage area. Their set was the first time today that the entire mainstage area was brimming with fans, and even though the festival was a seated event, many attendees were standing, with many people even standing to the sides beside the chairs. Winchester 49 brought their distinctive blend of Southern rock and Appalachian country to the Dutch audience, spotlighting tracks from their 2024 album Leavin’ This Holler, released in August. The album, their fifth, has been noted for refining their raw, rootsy sound with a more polished production, earning praise from outlets like Rolling Stone.

49 Winchester

To keep the attendees entertained after 49 Winchester, Kassi Ashton took the stage on the Spotlight stage. The Missouri-born singer-songwriter took to the Spotlight Stage as part of the festival’s first day, joining a lineup headlined by Lainey Wilson. Known for her debut album Made From The Dirt released in 2024, Ashton delivered a set featuring songs like Drive You Out of My Mind, showcasing her blend of country with rock and soul influences. Her performance was one of several across three stages, entertaining a crowd of country music fans gathered for the fourth Dutch edition of Europe’s largest travelling country festival. Ashton later expressed her excitement about returning to C2C on social media, thanking the audience for the warm reception.

Kassi Ashton

After the Spotlight stage set, the main stage was all set for the final act before headliner Lainey Wilson would take the stage. This particular slot which comes with a set that lasts 70 minutes was filled by the immensely popular Nate Smith.

His performance showcased his talent for songwriting, as well as tells the story of Smith, who came to Nashville with 14 dollars to his name, and turned it all around by signing a record deal and handing Nr. 1 hits left and right with singles like ‘Whiskey On You’ and ‘World On Fire’. Most recently, he even re-released his song Bulletproof with a guest feature of no one other than the iconic Avril Lavigne.
It’s apparent that Smith’s heart is in it, as he pours his heart and soul into his performance, backed by an incredible live band. When he revisited the story of his origins, Smith even teared up a bit during the performance of Wreckage. Even though his popularity right now, and an impressive listener count of 8.9 million on Spotify alone, Nate Smith is just getting started and is definitely a name you are going to want to remember.

Nate Smith

Avery Anna

In the intermission between Nate Smith and Lainey Wilson the Spotlight Stage came out again, showcasing a youngster by the name of Bayker Blankenship with an incredibly powerful voice. He commandeered the stage alone, as it was just him, accompanied by his guitar, playing songs from his starting discography. While his performance was impressive, we were also very interested to see Avery Anna play the Saloon stage.

Under the soft glow of string lights, we witnessed Avery Anna’s last few songs, in which she turned a bustling festival into an intimate gathering. With nothing but her voice and the gentle strum of her guitar, backed by a live band, she captured the crowd, each lyric delivered with raw emotion. Her rich, velvety tone wrapped around the audience, making a sea of strangers feel like old friends.

By the time her set ended, the applause wasn’t just enthusiastic—it was heartfelt. She hadn’t just performed; she had connected. It was clear that Avery Anna had left a lasting mark on everyone, including us.

Avery Anna @ Country To Country 2025 — #image_title

Finally, it was time for the headliner of the day. Nate Smith already mentioned her as the Queen of Country: Lainey Wilson.

Lainey Wilson’s headlining performance at the C2C: Country to Country festival in Rotterdam Ahoy was nothing short of spectacular. The Louisiana native, known for her signature blend of modern and traditional country, delivered a powerhouse set that captivated the European audience. From the first moment onwards, Wilson enchanted the audience with her rich, soulful vocals and authentic storytelling that resonated deeply.

Lainey Wilson’s performance at C2C Rotterdam was a defining moment—not just for her own career, but for country music’s presence on the global stage. It is no secret that country music has been making major waves across the ocean lately, and the enthusiasm for this festival showcases just that. We are ecstatic that more and more country artists are making their way over to Europe.

For fans in attendance, it was an incredible day to remember—an unforgettable performance from a string of unique and inspiring artists at the top of their game.

Lainey Wilson

16 February 2025

4 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Motionless In White

CONCERT REVIEW: Motionless In White Outdo Themselves During Sold-Out Tilburg Show

Motionless In White continue to ride the wave of popularity since the release of Scoring The End Of The World with another headliner tour through Europe, with support from Fit For A King and Brand of Sacrifice. Luckily for us, this tour includes a stop in The Netherlands, and so, last night we witnessed Motionless In White taking their game to a brand new level.

For us, the night started with Fit For A King. From the first crushing breakdown to the final, anthemic chorus, the Texas-based band commanded attention. Vocalist Ryan Kirby’s guttural screams and soaring cleans were perfectly balanced, delivering the kind of raw emotion and precision that has become their signature. Tracks like The End and “Breaking the Mirror” had the pit moving, while When Everything Means Nothing saw fans passionately singing along.

Even as an opener, Fit For A King commanded a strong presence. Their lighting setup and visuals—though understandably scaled down compared to the headliner—added to the intensity, creating a fitting atmosphere for their heavy-hitting setlist. Effortlessly, Fit For A King did a solid job warming up the crowd for the main act. By the time they closed out their set, the pit was in full force, and even those in the back seemed locked in. In addition, the band revealed to be back early next year with a tour of their own to support the release of their upcoming record. Exciting times ahead!

For us, Fit For A King‘s performance warming up the crowd for headliner Motionless In White was a reminder of why they are one of the leading acts in the metalcore scene today. Their ability to deliver a powerful, high-energy show while maintaining a connection with their audience is a rare and commendable talent. For fans of the genre, this was a set to remember, and for those experiencing the band for the first time, it was a compelling introduction to what Fit For A King is all about. Fit For A King have a signature catchy chorus, so chances are they have made some new fans in the audience today.

After the band’s two sold-out performances in Melkweg Amsterdam last year, it was finally time for Motionless In White to headline Tilburg’s Poppodium 013, with a capacity of 3000 fans which sold out months in advance.

From the moment the lights dimmed, it was evident that this was not just another metalcore show but a full-fledged production, which for the European fans was a welcome change. The back of the stage was dominated by three massive LED screens, which alternated between eerie visuals, thematic backdrops, and live camera footage of the band members. This feature allowed fans, even those in the back of the packed venue, to get close-up perspectives of Chris Motionless and the rest of the group as they tore through their set.

But the visual component didn’t stop there. Throughout the evening, a troupe of dancers made several appearances, each time clad in new, elaborate costumes that matched the tone of the songs being performed, their presence amplified the overall intensity of the show.

While Motionless In White has an extensive discography spanning nearly two decades, their setlist leaned heavily on their most recent release, Scoring The End Of The World. Tracks like Meltdown, Sign of Life, and Werewolf were performed with remarkable precision and were met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the crowd, with Slaughterhouse even bringing on Fit For A King frontman Ryan Kirby on stage to take on the vocals of Knocked Loose’s Bryan Garris. Besides the many songs from the band’s most recent album, the 2017 album Graveyard Shift was also very heavily showcased this evening with 6 songs on the setlist being from this album. Even 8 years later, songs like Soft, Rats and of course, Voices remain to be fan favourites.

Motionless In White‘s trajectory is undeniably upward, and with the success of their sold-out show at Poppodium 013, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them headlining larger clubs or even arenas after another successful album. Their show at Poppodium 013 was more than just a performance; it was an experience. The intricate visual elements, theatrical stage presence, and well-balanced setlist is something to look forward to on their current tour. We cannot wait for the band to be back and you can check out photos from the performance in the gallery below.

Fit For A King

Motionless In White

7 February 2025

3 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with The Devil Wears Prada

CONCERT REVIEW: The Devil Wears Prada Bring 20 Years Of Metalcore Mayhem

On February 5, 2025, Haarlem’s Patronaat became the battleground for one of metalcore’s most celebrated acts as The Devil Wears Prada brought their The Devil Wears Prada Is Eternal tour to the Netherlands. Marking two decades of relentless riffs, raw emotion, and uncompromising energy, the band proved why they remain at the top of their game. With support from Kingdom of Giants, Ocean Grove, and Senna, the night was primed to be an unforgettable celebration of heavy music.

As the lights dimmed and the stage pulsed with anticipation, The Devil Wears Prada stormed onto the stage, immediately igniting the crowd with the crushing “Mammoth”. The energy inside Patronaat was ferocious from the very first breakdown, with the audience erupting into moshing and crowd surfing that would last throughout the entirety of the set. The setlist was a perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh material from their most recent album Color Decay, pulling tracks from across their expansive catalog. Fan favourites like “Danger: Wildman” and “Born to Lose” brought a wave of chaos to the venue, while newer tracks such as “Watchtower” and “Salt” showcased the band’s ability to evolve without losing their signature sound. The band’s ability to evolve was most notable by the live performance of the band’s more electronically driven Reasons (with Excision), which translated phenomenally well to a live rendition.

Frontman Mike Hranica delivered an unmatched performance, shifting effortlessly between his visceral screams and moments of haunting spoken-word intensity. Jeremy DePoyster provided melodic balance and banter in between songs, his clean vocals soaring over the crushing instrumentals, while Kyle Sipress and Mason Nagy kept the band’s sound massive with their tight guitar work and bass lines. Meanwhile, drummer Giuseppe Capolupo was a machine behind the kit, driving each song forward with relentless precision.

The band’s connection with the audience was undeniable. Every breakdown was met with fists in the air, and every chorus screamed back with unwavering passion. The live renditions of “Reaching” and “Chemical” brought a more melodic moment to the set, allowing a brief respite before the intensity kicked back into overdrive. Closing out the night with “Hey John, What’s Your Name Again?”, the band left Patronaat in absolute carnage, proving that even after 20 years, their fire burns brighter than ever.

With a performance that was both nostalgic and forward-thinking, The Devil Wears Prada made it clear—they are eternal and we cannot wait for the next chapter.

The Devil Wears Prada @ Patronaat Haarlem — #image_title

7 February 2025

4 mins read

Photography: Eva van den Bosch

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Papa Roach

CONCERT REVIEW: Papa Roach Play Sold-Out Show In Amsterdam’s AFAS Live

On the same night that their rock contemporaries Rise Against played in the Netherlands, Papa Roach took to the stage at Amsterdam’s AFAS Live to a packed house, celebrating an incredible 25 years as a band. Marking this milestone, the band fittingly named their tour Rise of the Roach, curating a setlist that honoured their extensive discography with a special emphasis on their debut album, Infest.

Joining them on this tour was an unexpected but intriguing choice: Florida-based metalcore band Wage War. While not an obvious pairing with Papa Roach, Wage War have been making waves in the heavy music scene with their ever-evolving sound. Their latest album, STIGMA, released in 2024, heavily influenced their setlist, introducing fans to a collection of tracks that showcase a dynamic range—from signature metalcore aggression to rock, trap, hip-hop, and electronic elements. While many in the audience were unfamiliar with the band at the start, Wage War’s energy and genre-blending performance won over the crowd, ensuring that their presence left a lasting impression.

With the anticipation building, the moment finally arrived for Papa Roach to take the stage. A towering curtain concealed the band as they launched into the opening track, Even If It Kills Me. The tension peaked as the first chorus hit, the curtain dramatically dropped, and the audience erupted in cheers. From the outset, Papa Roach delivered an all-out spectacle, complete with pyrotechnics and CO₂ blasts, setting the tone for an extraordinary evening.

While Infest received a well-deserved spotlight, the setlist also featured a strong presence of newer material. The band’s 2022 album, Ego Trip, contributed five tracks to the performance, seamlessly woven in with a selection of fan-favourite hits spanning their entire career. Classics like ...To Be Loved, Falling Apart, and Born for Greatness stood out as highlights, perfectly complementing the band’s reputation for high-energy, adrenaline-fueled live shows.

Speaking of energy, frontman Jacoby Shaddix was an unstoppable force. Throughout the night, he commanded the stage with relentless enthusiasm, sprinting from one side to the other while forging an intimate connection with the crowd. His charisma extended beyond mere performance—between songs, he engaged with individual fans, making the massive venue feel surprisingly personal. Despite his constant movement, his vocal delivery remained remarkably strong, proving why Papa Roach have continued to thrive for over two decades.

A defining factor in the band’s enduring success is their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Though they first skyrocketed to fame with the anthemic Last Resort, their commitment to musical reinvention and high-calibre songwriting has ensured their relevance 24 years later.

While the majority of the night was an energetic onslaught of riffs, pounding drums, and singalong moments, the band made time for a heartfelt interlude midway through the set. Papa Roach have long been vocal about mental health awareness, and this commitment was on full display as they paused to reflect on the topic. They even made a generous donation to the Dutch suicide prevention organization 113. The band then delivered an emotionally charged performance of Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark), followed by Roses On My Grave, creating a poignant contrast to the night’s otherwise high-octane energy.

Visually, the show was just as impressive as its sound. The stage design incorporated massive LED screens that enhanced the performance with striking visuals, while an intricate light show pulsed in perfect sync with the music. A constantly shifting sea of colours set the atmosphere for each song, and frontman Jacoby Shaddix was often bathed in a spotlight—much to the delight of photographers capturing the moment.

With 25 years under their belt, Papa Roach continues to prove they are far from slowing down. Their live sound remains as powerful and polished as ever, and the scale of their production grows with every tour. As the show came to a triumphant close, fans left ecstatic by the show they had just witnessed. The band has already been announced as part of the Lowlands Festival lineup for summer 2025, and if tonight’s performance was any indication, their return to the Netherlands will be nothing short of spectacular.

Wage War

Papa Roach

14 January 2025

1 min read

Photography:

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Architects

Architects Release New Single ‘Blackhole’ Ahead Of New Album Release

Architects have released another track from their upcoming new album The Sky, The Earth And All Between as teased yesterday. Today, the band released Blackhole, with an accompanying music video!

On the new release, frontman Sam Carter shared the following statement: “So excited to have ‘Blackhole’ out, it’s one of my favourite songs from the album. The video is equally as intense as the song. We filmed the video at such a wild location and we really are at the top of those buildings that you see. This is Architects at our most ferocious.”

Architects will be releasing their brand new album The Sky, The Earth And All Between’ on the 28th of February via Epitaph Records and will be playing some shows supporting Linkin Park later this year.

Check out the brand new music video for Blackhole below and let us know your thoughts on the new Architects song!

14 January 2025

1 min read

Photography:

Written by: Glenn van den Bosch

what's happening with Mayday Parade

Mayday Parade Announce New Tour With Microwave, Grayscale & Like Roses

Exciting news for Mayday Parade fans! After teasing an upcoming tour announcement, the full details for the upcoming shows have dropped. Later this year, the band will embark on a North America tour, in which they will celebrate 20 years as a band.

In addition, Mayday Parade are also gearing up towards a new album release. The new album Sweet will be released on the 18th of April. The tour will kick off a few days after that, with a show on the 22nd of April in St. Pete and concludes June 7th in Tallahassee, where the band originates from and played their first shows as a band 20 years ago.

For these shows, Mayday Parade will be joined by Microwave, Grayscale and Like Roses making it a very stacked bill. You can get pre-sale tickets on January 15th at 10am local time by using password CHEERS at http://maydayparade.com. General tickets will go on sale this coming Friday.

Check out all the tour dates on the poster below and let us know if you are going to any of the newly announced shows.

#image_title