'The other sound of Volendam' (2015)

A new wind is blowing through the world famous Dutch music village Volendam. In the documentary The other sound of Volendamdirector Allard Detiger follows the musical careers of brothers Frank and Paul Bond and their respective European country bands AlascA and Dandelion. They are often compared to bands like Calexico, Mumford & Sons and influenced by the spaghetti western sound of Ennio Morricone.

Frank and Paul are trying to break free of the close-knit but sometimes oppressive life in their little town. With their own music and their own record label they want to offer an alternative to the “eel sound”, as the commercial type of music is known that has made this picturesque fishing village on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer famous in Holland and far beyond its borders.

The documentary shows how hard it is for the brothers to shake off the stigma of the commercial poppy Volendam sound. Both within the village and in the rest of the country they are confronted by problems surrounding their artistic ideals. Whereas within Volendam they stand out because they are the forerunners of an up-and-coming new music scene, outside the village they come up against the prejudices that exist regarding their place of birth.

Using music as a focal point, this documentary tells the story of youngsters in a tightly-knit community who want to step out into the world to fulfill their dreams, yet at the same time feel committed to the village they come from.

The other sound of Volendamwas produced by Selfmade Films in cooperation with BNN Broadcasting Company. This production was realized with the support of the CoBO Fund.