In 2015, we ran an EP review for The Kingfisher, an EP by Rosemary and Garlic, a Dutch collaboration between Anne van den Hoogen (vocals) & Dolf Smolenaers (keys). According to their website, we were first to take notice which is always great to hear.
On that EP the reviewer, Joseph Peach (also a musician), noted the varied musical approach and suggested that it was the contrast between the lyrics and the music that gave the EP such an appeal. Following the EP release, they began to draw a lot of attention from the likes of Laura Marling who added them to her Spotify playlist and Simon Raymonde (Bella Union) who played them on Amazing Radio. The band sold out all its EPs and became the best-selling folk act on Bandcamp.
Earlier this year we premiered their video for I’m Here which was filmed in the house of the Italian painter Claudio Acchiardi.
Bringing things right up to speed, there have been some major developments which are sure to bring this duo an even larger audience than what they currently enjoy (which is impressive by any standard). They caught the attention of Nettwerk CEO and co-founder Terry McBride, who personally signed the duo, becoming the label’s first Dutch signees. “I already loved their song ‘Old Now,’ but after hearing ‘I’m Here’ a few times I knew they would be a great addition to the Nettwerk family,” says McBride.
“We are honoured to start working with Nettwerk Music Group,” says Rosemary & Garlic. “Nettwerk attaches great importance to authenticity, quality and emotion within music and so do we. At the same time, the label is very dynamic and takes the lead in this digital age. Nettwerk was responsible for Coldplay’s Parachutes, an album that left a great impression to both of us in our teens. And still one of the most beautiful albums in the world.”
Rosemary & Garlic’s forthcoming self-titled debut studio album will be out 12th January. The album effectively captures the emotions of all four seasons. Nature is a major theme in the album’s sound and lyrics. During her study of literary history, Anne fell in love with Romanticism – an 18th century artistic, literary, and intellectual movement, in which nature was used as a metaphor for emotions and main characters sought authenticity.
Contemporary artist Gregory Euclide, who is most famously known for creating the artwork for Bon Iver’s critically acclaimed second album, created the album’s gorgeous and striking artwork. The first single “Take This Hand” is out now.
Rosemary & Garlic European Tour Dates
23rd Nov – Brighton, UK @ The Brunswick *
24th Nov – Oxford, UK @ Tap Social Movement *
26th Nov – London, UK @ Servant Jazz Quarters *
22nd Nov – Oss, NL @ Groene Engel ^
20th Nov – Groningen, NL @ Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival
* Gitta de Ridder
^ Kim Janssen