Wortel

Power trio Wortel (Dutch for ‘Carrot’) plays an irresistible mix of garage rock, post-punk and stoner rock. Their music is often explosive, at times entrancing, but always groovy and full of unexpected twists.

With their energetic shows, they’ve impressed their live audiences since their early years. In 2019 for example, they won ‘Slag om Stukafest’, a band competition from Utrecht. When the pandemic closed every stage shortly after that, Wortel dove into the studio and wrote two EPs: They Said It Would Be Fun (2022) & No Nippin' (2023). In 2024, they participated in the famous Dutch music festival ‘Popronde’, for which music platform Never Mind The Hype declared them ‘NMTH Talent’. They met all expectations as they got audiences all over the country dancing ánd moshing.

Due to their growing audience, they quickly crowdfunded their self-titled debut album, a.k.a. ‘The Orange Album’ (2025). On this record, they highlight both personal and social themes. Their lyrics are at times metaphorical and layered, as well as a direct attack on polluters, abusers of power and everyone who chooses to look away. Yet, there is always room for hope. That’s why at the end of their album or shows, you are left with a sense of militancy. “We never surrender, we don't give up.”

And their name? It's based on singer/guitarist Sander Zwart’s orange hair, which he shaved off in the video for My Old Friend.

Wortel is: Vocals/guitar: Sander Zwart Bass guitar: Jelmer Silvis Drums: Lazlo de Vries