
Donna Blue
Donna Blue
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Pop / Indie pop
https://www.bluedonnablue.com
Moving from a dream state to lush sensory excitement, the duo behind Donna Blue invites you into a grainy, cinematic realm. For those who accept the invitation, the reward is tantalising: the twang of jangly guitars, sensual vocals, coolness and velvet curtains concealing a mysterious parallel universe. Once you’re in, you’ll want to surrender to their noir-romantic sound.
Their music reminds one of the likes of Nancy & Lee, Serge Gainsbourg and Julee Cruise – whilst also drawing inspiration from film composers such as Ennio Morricone, Piero Piccioni and John Barry. It leads the way into bygone, or perhaps, for the poet and dreamer, future days – offering an escape from the mundane as it transports you to a hazy Côte d’Azur, or an old 60’s spy movie.
Originally hailing from The Netherlands, the group has an international outlook, touring with their band throughout Europe (gaining support from platforms such as TV channel ARTE and Clash Music, who called their songwriting ‘irresistible’), and venturing out overseas for performances in the United States.
Showcases:
- Wednesday Mar 16, 2022 8:40pm – 9:20pm CT @ Cheer Up Charlie’s Inside
- Thursday Mar 17, 2022 12:30pm – 1:10pm CT @ Flatstock Stage at Austin Convention Center

Robin Kesters Credit: Sanja Marušić
Robin Kesters
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Rock, Dream Pop
robinkester.com/
With her hypnotic voice and a soft spot for open guitar tunings, electronics and vintage synths, Robin Kester makes music that is simultaneously evocative and exhilarating. The tracks on the mini-album This Is Not A Democracy reference Sufjan Stevens’ enigmatic hymn, Cate Le Bon’s indie pop, Beach House’s dream pop and the enchanting beauty of Weyes Blood, as well as the 70s of Nick Drake and Karen Dalton are never far away.
“It is at once impressionistic, volatile and graceful but at its heart lies a quiet euphoria.” is how Conor O’Brien describes Robin Kester’s music. After a joint tour through the Netherlands and Belgium, the Villagers frontman wanted to contribute to Cigarette Song, one of the tracks from This Is Not A Democracy. The first physical release of Robin Kester was recorded in the studio of Marien Dorleijn (Moss), a former psychiatric hospital in the woods of Den Dolder. Besides O’Brien and Dorleijn, Maarten Vos can also be heard with cello and modular synths on three tracks.
Transport without pushing. Repent without preaching. This is not democracy. This is the world according to Robin Kester.
Showcases:
- Monday Mar 14, 2022 7:00pm – 7:40pm CT @ Native
- Friday Mar 18, 2022 9:00pm — 9:40pm @ Stephen F’s Bar