Greendive’s ancient history
The story of the Dutch band greendive begins in 1996. The band starts off playing covers, bringing its own unique style and interpretation to the songs. In 2000, the urge to write and play their own compositions prevails and the first greendive-songs are written. This marks the beginning of something new… making, playing and feeling their own music. The music exudes inspiration of great artists like Jeff Buckley, The Frames, Kashmir, Muse and Starsailor. The music is best described as melancholic, intense and verging towards the dramatic. “It’s purely the heart that speaks…â€.
In early 2001, greendive has enough songs to quit playing cover songs and focus entirely on their own material. From that moment on, they play their own music throughout the country (NL) on a weekly basis. This is a great progression and the band grows stronger in its sound and definition. In June 2001 they make their first demo with six songs, which is followed by an acoustic demo with five songs.
This last demo reaches some radio-dj’s and their enthusiasm results in an avalanche of interest in the band. Greendive gets substantial airplay and is applauded to be a promising band. The band gets in touch with producers Guido Aalbers (known for productions with bands like Coldplay, Muse, Live) and Hans Bunt (who has worked with Counting Crows and Blof). Together they produce and record greendive’s début album “Drown me†in the famous Audio Studio 1 studio in Hilversum. This is quite an experience, since every famous band that has played live on Dutch radio was broadcasted from that studio. The album reaches the MEGA Top 100 in late 2004 and is well rated by critics. Greendive’s status changes from locally known to “nationally a bit better†known. The band plays many gigs and also performs live in various national radio shows on Radio 2 and 3FM. More importantly, their début single “Friday†also reaches the MEGA Top 100 and remains in this chart for 9 weeks. Accompanied by a music video, greendive makes its début on MTV. “Friday†reaches the nr. 45 position. This paves the way for greendive to support popular bands live on stage like The Sheer, Aemen, Wealthy Beggar and The Cranes (UK).
Greendive’s recent history
After a hectic period in 2005 the band takes a break to review its future. The chemistry and synergy between the band members is fading, resulting in the departure of two members. A few days later greendive’s rehearsal studio burns down completely in a serious fire caused by a short-circuit. The inferno destroys almost all of the equipment and instruments. The remaining band members (Wouter Sterk/drums, Koen Baaij/keys and Bas Ossenblok/ vocals, guitar) stick together and decide to rebuild their musical home. In spite of all the bad luck during this period, the heart of the band beats muffled but steadily and Bas Ossenblok starts writing songs again in his home studio. When in April 2006 former greendive guitar player and co-writer Andres Deijkers rejoins the band - and new bass player Piet de Nijs joins - the tide seems to turn.
The heart of greendive is complete again, now both songwriters are back in the centre of the band. After months of hard work, greendive’s energy is renewed. The band is reborn from the ashes (almost literally) and is on top of the world once again. The new songs are intense and sincere but still accessible and the band feels the urge to get back on stage again.
Since November last year, greendive has played gigs all over the country, rebuilding a loyal fan base. They aim to release a second album in early 2008. The expressive, unique and distinctive feel of greendive music prevails. Emotion, intensity and dynamics are the keywords that describe greendive’s music, but… still it’s different this time… better? Let your ears be the judge of that!!
