The Black Curtain Band, based in the Netherlands and Germany, was founded in 2005 by three musicians who were already active and succesful with various bands in the Rock scene of the 70s. The Black Curtain Band was active until 2015 and was revived in 2023 with the addition of Dutch professional drummer Marcel van Buren, who toured internationally with several artists.
The Black Curtain Band is now a collective of some great Rock musicians playing pure Rock with blues and psychedelic influences. Our own songs mix with a few cover songs to create a varied program. Our aim is not to recreate the music. What we want to achieve is that our music comes across as loud, honest and handmade and that the spark spreads to the audience.
Jurgen Fengels (Vocals)
Ralph Krumsdorff (Guitars)
Rainer Buschak (Bass)
Marcel van Buren (Drums)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Black Curtain Band" come about and is there any meaning to it?
Three of our current band members started in the early 70s in different bands. Bands like the Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath were the big inspiration back then. These then shaped the band’s sound for many years, which, however, became harder and more independent over time. Our young Dutch drummer, Marcel van Buren, who joined the band 2 years ago and had already gained professional experience on international stages before us, is currently giving the band a new impetus. We describe the todays sound as an interesting mix of rock with bluesy and psychedelic touch. The producer of our current album said that it’s an interesting mix of rock, blues and some psychedelic elements, that makes it interesting and exciting. It’s a bit richer than run run of the mill rock and blues band. Our band name is based on the mostly dark curtains in the rehearsal rooms, but otherwise has no deeper meaning. It just sounds good…
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Just have big fun and enjoy our shows.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Rock with dark bluesy and psychedelic elements.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Def Leppard and Lynch Mob.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
Music should always be handmade and not sterile, AI generated. Perhaps acceptable as a tool here and there, but not used too intensively.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
Rock music continues to enjoy a large fan base of all ages. However, it is a great pity that rock music is not played on most mainstream radio stations, Only a few niche stations dedicate their programming to rock music.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Netherlands/Germany?
The Netherlands in particular has a very active, vibrant music scene and also many education institutes to rise new artists and bands on the market. There is a special region there called "Achterhoek", which has its own style of music, which the local people are particularly proud of. There is also a vibrant music scene in Germany. However, in our opinion, the individual musicians and bands are not so well connected.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Solo artists and bands invest a lot of work, time and money into their projects, so it is fair that they can expect an appropriate compensation for this.
9. What’s next for Black Curtain Band?
The release party for the current album in Gouda, the Netherlands. Also so many club gigs as possible and a festival show in summer.
10. Any shoutouts?
Greetings to everyone who has supported us so far and to those who visit our shows. Also greetings to our friends and family. And also greetings to BRMC, Def Leppard and George Lynch. Take us on tour one time as your support act. Enjoy life and have fun. Rock’n’Roll forever!
