Band
- Years active:
- 2026 - Present
- Heritage:
- The Hague, Netherlands
- Genre(s):
- Blues
- Members:
- Mees Vullings
Pedro Croes
Redmer Kamsma
Dylan van de Grift
Lars Douma
Ishmerai Gill - Links:
biography
The Bird Experience has been emerging from the underground anything but slowly. Their voodoo-infused psychedelic bluesrock ‘n soul moves with a strange magnetism, casting a spell on anyone who wanders too close. On stage, the ritual deepens. Their performances are chaotic, hypnotic, and wildly unpredictable, with rhythm that coils around your spine and commands you to move whether you will it or not. One moment you’re swaying, the next you’re caught in something that feels closer to possession than a concert. Before playing a single live show, a booking agency and record label already stepped in, while major festivals such as the renowned Roadburn and Bevrijdingsfestival followed soon after. A bold first chapter that speaks volumes about the band’s drive, and if anything, hints at an exceptionally bright future.
“Canto VII” , the first single, strikes like blunt steel and is shadowed by devilry and the occult. It is recorded with a full twelve-piece band, weaving rich harmonies, powerful vocals, high-octane rhythms and psychedelic tension into a near-maniacal delivery that leaves the listener stunned, shaken, and exhilarated.
Their upcoming self-titled debut album delivers a wide range, from carnivalistic back-alley blues and freaked out anti-capitalist slow burns to catchy, foot-tappin’ funk. All while maintaining an overarching, distinctive sound. The harmonica isn’t a nostalgic throwback here. It’s a centerpiece, sometimes wielded like a weapon, other times like a lover’s voice. Classy as a crushed velvet glove, dirty as the floor it lands on.
“One of the most exciting bands to emerge from the current Dutch underground. Centred around harmonica player and singer Mees Vullings (also of Heath), they channel the spirit of Screaming Jay Hawkins, Paul Butterfield, and Eric Burdon and War. The Bird Experience excel at voodoo-infused psychedelic blues rock and gritty soul; but this is not a throwback to the heady 60s and 70s, it’s Mees proving that these genres are still relevant and alive and well in the 21st century.” – Walter Hoeijmaker (Roadburn)
“The influences come from blues, psych-rock, jazz, funk, and much more, but with the passion and musical craftsmanship on display, it reminds me most of Eric Burdon & War. It’s bursting with musical fire and pure fireworks, yet it grooves like crazy. A future classic in the making?” – Cor Schilstra (Rockportaal)
“When this album is released, I can envisage it turning some heads, as it is such a unique collection of songs that cuts across a variety of styles that are performed superbly by this group of youngmusicians.” – Adrian Blacklee (Blues Matters, UK)
shows shows shows shows shows shows
- 27-04-2026 The Bird Experience in Burgerweeshuis Deventer, NL
- 24-05-2026 The Bird Experience in Over De Top Festival Lichtenvoorde, NL
- 04-07-2026 The Bird Experience in Dijkpop Andijk, NL
- 21-08-2026 The Bird Experience in Wild & Vri-J Festival Zieuwent, NL
The Bird Experience
Canto VII
Discography
The Bird Experience
- The Bird's Boogie
- Canto VII
- Blood For Bones
- She's So Fine
- Shaking
- Joe's House Of All-American Family Entertainment
- Memoria
- If Dead Could Dance
- Ceremony
