Waan: The Dynamic Force in Dutch Electronic Pop

Waan is the stage name of Dutch singer-songwriter and producer Jeroen Kerstens, an artist who has carved a distinct niche in the Netherlands' vibrant electronic pop scene. His major achievement came with his 2021 debut album, which charted within the Top 20 of the Dutch Album Top 100 and spawned several certified Gold singles, establishing him as a consistent hitmaker.

Early career

Born in 1991, Jeroen Kerstens began his musical journey in the city of Eindhoven. He started producing electronic music in his teens, initially releasing tracks under different aliases before adopting the moniker Waan, which translates to "delusion" or "illusion," in the late 2010s. His first official single under this name, "Blauw," was independently released in 2018 and quickly garnered attention on Dutch streaming platforms, leading to his signing with the influential label TopNotch.

Breakthrough

Waan's breakthrough arrived decisively in 2020 with the single Vluchtstrook. The track became a viral and radio hit, achieving Platinum certification in the Netherlands and peaking at number 12 on the Dutch Single Top 100 chart. This success set the stage for his debut album, "Licht," released in 2021 on the TopNotch label, which solidified his commercial standing and critical acclaim.

Key tracks

Vluchtstrook — This Platinum-certified single was his first major chart hit and defined his blend of melancholic lyrics with upbeat production.

Blauw — His debut single as Waan remains a fan favorite and established the atmospheric, introspective sound of his early work.

Licht — The title track from his debut album showcases his skill for crafting expansive, emotionally resonant electronic pop anthems.

Uit Mijn Hoofd — A later collaboration with rapper Fresku, this Gold record demonstrated his versatility and crossover appeal within the Dutch music industry.

The momentum from his debut album led to prominent festival bookings and a series of successful follow-up singles. Waan has collaborated with several notable Dutch artists, including rapper Snelle and producer/musician Gerson Main. His sophomore album, released in 2023, further explored textured electronic landscapes and confirmed his reputation for meticulous, mood-driven production.

Fans of Waan's synth-laden, emotionally articulate brand of pop should also explore similar Dutch talents. Froukje shares a knack for pairing deeply personal songwriting with modern electronic beats. S10 operates in a similar space of atmospheric pop, often blending Dutch lyrics with haunting melodies. Merol brings a comparable theatrical energy and bold electronic production to her work. For those who appreciate the more intricate production side, Perquisite offers a masterclass in nuanced, sample-based electronic music.

Waan's music is a staple on Dutch alternative and pop radio stations, frequently featured in the rotations of national FM broadcasters and popular online radio streams that focus on contemporary electronic and indie pop. His consistent output of certified hits ensures his songs remain in heavy rotation across multiple formats.

Listeners can discover the dynamic electronic pop of Waan by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. You can hear his catalog of hits, from Vluchtstrook to his latest releases, on various Dutch and international stations available on onairium.com.