ROTTERDAM, 19 August 2024 – A new book aims to chronicle 70 years of Rotterdam's pop music scene, and the Popunie is seeking community support to make it happen. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to fund the publication of “Rotterdam Popstad.”
New book to document 70 years of Rotterdam pop music
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched by the Popunie to publish “Rotterdam Popstad,” a book that aims to document over 70 years of pop music history in Rotterdam. The publication is set to cover the city's musical evolution from the 1950s to the present, capturing stories, events, and the cultural impact of local artists, venues, festivals, and industry figures over the decades.
The book is planned as a comprehensive reference of more than 400 pages, providing an in-depth look at the unique contributions of Rotterdam to the broader Dutch pop scene. With its release, the Popunie seeks to create a definitive account that reflects the city's rich musical heritage, offering insights and preserving memories that might otherwise fade.
Importance of Rotterdam in the Dutch pop scene
Rotterdam has long held a distinctive position within the Dutch pop music landscape. Since the emergence of pop music in the 1950s, the city has been recognised for its pioneering role, marked by influential artists, popular songs, vibrant music venues, festivals, and a dynamic music industry. “Rotterdam Popstad” aims to fully document this story, serving as a cultural and historical record that honours the city's unique role and inspires future generations.
The book is seen as essential in capturing moments and developments that have shaped Rotterdam's music scene, from early pop acts to contemporary innovators, ensuring these stories are preserved for both current fans and future enthusiasts.
Popunie launches crowdfunding for Rotterdam pop book
The Popunie and 'Rotterdam Popstad'
The project is spearheaded by the Popunie, an organisation that has been supporting the Rotterdam and South Holland pop music sectors since 1985. “Rotterdam Popstad” is an initiative by Martin Scheijgrond, Popunie’s director, and has been authored by Remko van Bork. Van Bork, a dedicated musicologist, writer, researcher, and musician, has spent the past five years compiling the book. His expertise, along with the contributions of many others, promises a publication that truly captures the depth and diversity of Rotterdam’s pop music history.
Crowdfunding campaign underway
Despite the book being completed, additional funding is required to finalise its production and distribution. The Popunie is aiming to raise €20,000 through a crowdfunding campaign on Voordekunst. The funds will be used for design, printing, and promotion of the book, as well as to organise a launch event with an accompanying exhibition. The campaign also seeks to engage the community directly in the project, allowing music enthusiasts to contribute to the preservation of Rotterdam's musical heritage.
Supporters of the campaign will have the opportunity to receive various exclusive rewards, including mention in the book, special guest tickets to the presentation event at Theater Zuidplein, guided tours of notable music locations in Rotterdam, and exclusive access to the exhibition.
Planned release timeline
The crowdfunding campaign runs from August to September 2024. Once the funding target is reached, the printing process will begin in October, with the aim to launch the book at the Rotterdam Music Awards at Theater Zuidplein in December. An exhibition celebrating the book and the broader Rotterdam music scene is planned for January 2025, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Popunie. By late 2024 or early 2025, the book is expected to be available in shops and online.
How to find the launch event
The book's launch will be celebrated with a special event at Theater Zuidplein, located in the dynamic and culturally rich area of Rotterdam-Zuid. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with bus and metro connections available from Rotterdam Central Station. Visitors can also reach the venue by car, with ample parking in the vicinity.
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