Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
Kick Me Out are a new Dutch band featuring classic punk vibes mixed with influences from metalcore and thrash metal. Co-founder and drummer/vocalist Boudewijn Jansen spoke to us about the formation of the band, as well as the process of recording debut EP ‘No Puppets’.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
It all started when I, Boudewijn Jansen, and Leander van Bijnen (guitar/vocals) started our own band with a few friends. Through time, line up chances were made, because of musical differences. We had a lot of past members, eventually our drummer left (we are still good friends with him) and I thought to myself “without drums we can’t actually play”. I had some experience with drums, so I wanted to give it a shot. And it worked out great. Then we went searching for a new vocalist and by accident we found Nienke Schimmel, who happened to have a good friend who plays bass and likes the music. And now here we are.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band? And how was it?!
Our first gig with this formation was a milestone. It was for a competition in my hometown, Leusden. At first it was very thrilling, but when we eventually started playing we were just having a great time. This is what we are doing it for. Still to this day, every show is amazing to do. We live for that.
Debut EP ‘No Puppets’ was released earlier this year, how quick was the recording process?
Well as you can see, two of the tracks were already released before: Falling From The Sky and Holding On. All songs are recorded at the same studio though. But the first time we went in the studio, we came across a lot of issues. We weren’t ready yet. This had to do with inexperience. So we went back and bettered ourselves to be studio ready. The next time, we had to bring our new experience to practice and in some way, the same issue appeared. We had to stick our heads together and really evaluate this issue and find a suitable solution. Which we eventually found and then we could do 2 tracks the next time in one session.
But we couldn’t record everything we have in our set-lists. That’s a shame. We are trying to produce some recording DIY, we are getting close, but it takes a lot of time to get it right. As the musical standards are high now, so if we want to release something, it has to sound great too.
You blitzed through a cover of Pink’s ‘What About Us’ on the EP, what was it about this one that made you want to cover it?
Well that’s funny. We signed ourselves up for the Voice of Holland and got through the pre-selection. We have done three songs actually for The Voice. But this one stuck, we all loved playing it. The sound was great for Nienke, Leander loved the lead parts. And the rhythmic parts for bass and guitar, together with the drums give an awesome feeling. We played it sometimes live too and the crowd loved. As it is familiar, as the rest of our song aren’t know to the public, but this one does. There we make a connection with them.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
A lot of bands! Recently we have set a main course for our direction for the band, and 2 bands are on top of the list were we relate to now, and that would be Chunk No Captain Chunk and A Day To Remember.
What is the local punk scene like in the Netherlands? Do you have a favourite club to play?
There are few clubs we can go to, furthermore, we had a Dutch tour planned to visit them. These are ACU in Utrecht, that was a great show, we played there in January and would come back again. Astrant in Ede, Jonosh in Heusden (we had played there before), lovely crowd. And a few more.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
You have to listen to the bands you relate too, but take elements from something different to add more value. Never copy others. But find something main thread of the genre and give your own spin to it. Like ADTR, they play jump rope with the genres and they execute it well. But also CNCC have their own unique sound, while they are both in easycore.
Who do you feel is the next worldwide band to break out?
Fit For a King is going places. While She Sleeps is also getting booked more and more for great events, but not as headliner, but they could manage that within a few years. Issues have released a monster of a record. I hope they can get to bigger stages.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I was addicted to music on an early stage. And I always sang along to every track. My first girlfriend motivated me to find a band to play with, as I had done a few performances for my high school. On the internet it was easy to find my first band to get into. But I could only do vocals, I wanted to write my songs too, that’s when I took a few guitar lessons. I am not a master guitar player. But I can make some rhythm parts.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
That would be Slipknot in Ziggo Dome if I’m not mistaken. We would have gone to I Prevail, but that was the day corona hit our country.
The album that you have in your album collection/spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I really love We Are Harlot. They released one album, but it has such a great old school rock and roll vibe, and Danny’s voice really compliments the music as a whole. Leander and I even went to their one and only show in Amsterdam. There wasn’t a big crowd, but everyone had such a good spirit, that it became an amazing night.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
Write new music, invent ways to play shows again. We are headlining Proving Grounds Streamfest, an initiative from Proving Broadcast which I founded. And we play a private show in Zeist. And stay in touch with all the venues we are familiar with, and keep selling our brand to stay relevant.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
We are really active on social media, we are on Instagram and Facebook. And got our own web shop on kickmeout.nl where fans can buy merchandise which will be shipped directly to their homes.
