Music of The Netherlands today is largely influenced by tradition in the UK and the US. Some of it is sung in English and some in Dutch, but most natives will listen to English-speaking bands and musicians.
Traditional Dutch music is not widely heard throughout the country today, but it still holds a place in cultural practices and tradition. The more traditional songs are called "Levenslied," which means "songs of life." The lyrics speak of day-to-day routines and struggles. They are usually very simple, Beatles-style songs about love, loss and loneliness. Traditional instruments used in the genre include the accordion and organ.
Much like Sweden and Germany, The Netherlands today offer a pretty grand techno/dance music scene. Some of the most accomplished musicians in the last couple of decades include DJs and house artists. Many of these musicians have even gained international recognition, including Tiësto, Armin van Buuren and Afrojack. Amsterdam hosts the world's most renowned electronic music conference and fest each year, called the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE).
Although the Dutch are very familiar with English songs and artists, many native pop musicians do sing in the Dutch language and gain popularity mainly just within the country. For example, the popular Dutch band Tambourine gained success in the '90s and still woos Dutch music-lovers with its native instrumentals and lyrics.
In addition to electronic dance music, another genre called Boerenrock has swept the Dutch nation and is popular within the country. In English, Boerenrock translates to "farmer's rock" and mixes rock and pop accompanying lyrics that resonate with rural life. Boerenrock is a more small-time genre and tends to be heard in smaller, grungier venues rather than concert halls. The musicians don't display large productions for their shows, but keep it simple yet rowdy.
In America, Vengaboys are most likely known for the one-hit-wonder song "Boom Boom Boom Boom." What many people don't know is that this band is a popular Eurodance group based in Amsterdam.
The group enjoyed its first dose of international success in the early '90s with lighthearted, electronic pop hits that stole the hearts of teens everywhere.
Vengaboys are made up of two lead vocalists and two male dancers, making the pop/electronic/organized dance genre a serious thing at the turn of the century (i.e. Backstreet Boys).
Although the group's international popularity seemed to have ended by the late nineties, "Vengaboys are back in town," especially in Europe and The Netherlands. The group has received multiple awards as best-selling artists and an influential Eurodance group.
Today, Vengaboys are still making it big overseas with new singles, new albums and new tour dates.
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