Harlem Lake

Harlem Lake is a Dutch band known for its genre-blending mix of rock, Americana, soul, and blues, creating a timeless sound that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Since forming in 2017, the band has built a devoted fanbase in Europe with their powerful live performances and a unique ability to mix genres, drawing from the soulfulness of blues, the storytelling of Americana, and the raw energy of rock. Driven by a deep commitment to honest expression, Harlem Lake creates music that encourages listeners to embrace their own truths in a world often dominated by facades.

The band’s lineup—Ashley de Jong (lead vocals), Dave Warmerdam (keyboard), Sonny van den Berg (guitar), Kjelt Ostendorf (bass), and Benjamin Torbijn (drums)—brings a dynamic and heartfelt energy to their songs and live shows alike. Harlem Lake burst onto the European scene after winning the European Blues Challenge in 2022, where their passionate performances and high-energy, improvisational style made them a standout act. Known for an engaging, personal connection with their audiences, Harlem Lake’s shows are full of spontaneity, allowing each performance to feel like a unique experience.

Harlem Lake’s music speaks to themes of authenticity, connection, and self-expression, with a particular focus on breaking down taboos and encouraging freedom of identity. Their debut album, A Fool’s Paradise, Vol. 1, explored these themes, examining the facades people create and emphasizing the value of sincerity and vulnerability. This dedication to realness has made Harlem Lake’s music resonate deeply with fans who find recognition and solace in the band’s lyrics and stories.

Their latest album, The Mirrored Mask, released on September 27, 2023, under Jazzhaus Records, builds on this foundation. The album’s tracks—ranging from the powerful anthem “Carry On” and the funk-infused “Fooled Again” to the road-ready “Crying in a Desert”—highlight the band’s evolution and versatility, with influences that span rock, Americana, soul, and blues. Each song captures a unique emotion, from the intimate, folk-inspired ballad “The Thought of You” to the complex musical journey of the title track, “The Mirrored Mask.”

As Harlem Lake continues to tour across Europe, they invite listeners to dive into their rich, multifaceted sound—a world where rock, Americana, soul, and blues come together to form a heartfelt, unfiltered reflection of the human experience.