Founded in 2022, Kae West is a Dutch progressive rock band that brings together the energy of prog rock with the rich textures of symphonic music. Under the leadership of Korine Varekamp, whose vocal style ranges from powerful and assertive to soft and introspective, the band features Laurens Bakker on drums, Tim Çiçek on guitar, and Vince Ten Have on bass. Their music blends melodic guitar lines, acoustic moments, and heavier riffs, creating a dynamic sound that draws from both classic prog rock and modern alternative styles.
While Kae West incorporates elements of technical complexity, they remain focused on creating music that feels fresh and approachable. Their progressive tracks weave together immersive guitar riffs and synths, yet they always aim to balance these with the accessibility of alternative rock, ensuring that their music appeals to a wide range of listeners.
An additional layer to their sound comes from symphonic influences, where orchestral arrangements and choral harmonies add depth. This symphonic side complements their progressive roots, giving their music a broad, expansive feel suited for both intimate venues and larger stages. Currently, Kae West is preparing for a series of live performances across the Netherlands, collaborating with local choirs to bring their debut album ARRIVAL to life. The GOOV Musical Theater Choir from Groningen plays a significant role in elevating the symphonic elements of the album, adding richness to their live performances.
With ARRIVAL, the first full-length release by Kae West, the band showcases years of songwriting by Korine and her co-writers and introduces listeners to a variety of carefully crafted songs that explore themes of love, tolerance, and social issues.
Their sound is enriched by symphonic arrangements, with lush orchestral layers and choral harmonies creating a cinematic feel. Mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden (known for his work with bands like Opeth and Arch Enemy), it draws influences from Pink Floyd’s atmospheric depth to moments where the vocals evoke comparisons to Kate Bush. The album features contributions from the GOOV Musical Theater Choir, as well as a diverse range of musical influences, from progressive rock legends like Pink Floyd and Radiohead to symphonic and alternative rock acts such as Within Temptation.
Their debut single, “Alert The Media” (released in June 2023), was produced by Red Pack Productions in the Netherlands and received positive feedback for its mix of progressive and symphonic elements. Their second single, “Phenomenon,” released in October 2024 was praised for its intricate instrumentation and symphonic depth.
Highlights of the album include the debut single “Alert The Media,” the impactful track “Bigotry,” and the symphonic piece “The Sparkle.” The song “Phenomenon” has even drawn some comparisons to the solo guitar work of David Gilmour. The band has put in a lot of effort to craft an album that blends complexity with a sense of accessibility, hoping to reach rock fans of all ages and backgrounds.
Kae West’s debut album marks the beginning of their journey, and while they are proud of what they’ve accomplished so far, they remain focused on growing as musicians and connecting with audiences both in the studio and on stage.
Looking ahead, Kae West is working on their next ambitious project. A modern rock opera, which will premiere in November 2025. This co-production promises to be a landmark moment for the band as they continue to push creative boundaries in progressive rock.
