about tess: The Ethereal Voice of Modern Indie Pop
about tess is the captivating musical project of Dutch singer-songwriter Tess van der Zwet, known for crafting atmospheric indie pop with a distinct emotional resonance. Hailing from the Netherlands, she achieved a significant milestone when her 2023 single Fragile entered the Dutch Top 40 chart, marking her arrival on the national stage.
Early career
Tess van der Zwet began her musical journey in the late 2010s, initially sharing intimate acoustic covers and original demos online. Her early work, characterized by sparse arrangements and vulnerable vocals, quickly garnered a dedicated online following, leading to her first official single releases in 2019.
Breakthrough
The year 2021 proved pivotal for about tess with the release of her debut EP, Fragments, on the independent label V2 Records Benelux. The EP's lead single, Fragile, gained substantial traction on streaming platforms and Dutch radio, culminating in its chart success in 2023 and earning a gold certification in the Netherlands.
Key tracks
Fragile — This breakthrough single defined her sound and became her first major chart entry in the Netherlands.
Silhouettes — A fan favorite from her debut EP, showcasing her signature blend of haunting melodies and minimalist production.
Echo — This 2022 collaboration with producer MEAU highlighted her ability to merge indie pop with subtle electronic textures.
Hold On — Featured prominently on several influential Spotify indie playlists, significantly expanding her international listener base.
Northern Lights — The lead single from her 2024 album cycle, demonstrating a fuller, more expansive sonic direction.
Building on this momentum, about tess released her first full-length album, Shifting Shapes, in early 2024. The album debuted in the top 20 of the Dutch album charts and featured collaborations with writers like Benjamin van der Waal, further solidifying her position within the European indie scene.
For fans of the nuanced, introspective side of indie pop, similar artists include Dotan, who shares a talent for building atmospheric folk-pop anthems. Oh Land explores a comparable electronic-infused pop landscape with artistic ambition. The songwriting of Novastar offers a similar blend of poetic lyrics and melodic warmth. Listeners also gravitate toward the intimate delivery of Blanks and his modern pop sensibilities.
The music of about tess is a staple on modern indie and alternative radio stations featured on this website. Her tracks receive regular airplay on Dutch alternative rock radio stations, online indie pop streams, and various European independent music radio stations focusing on emerging talent.
Listeners can explore the evocative indie pop of about tess through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her catalog, from early intimate singles to her latest charting album, across a curated selection of stations that champion compelling new voices in music.
