Kensington

Artist Facts

Name: Kensington
Active: 2005-present
Genre: Indie rock

Artist Background

Kensington is a rock band from the Netherlands, formed in 2005. Over the years, they have become one of the country’s biggest modern rock acts, known for energetic anthems and emotionally driven songwriting that shifts between powerful arena rock and more introspective moods. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Jason Dowd, guitarist Casper Starreveld, bassist Jan Haker, and drummer Niles Vandenberg.

Kensington was originally founded by Casper Starreveld, Jan Haker and Lucas Lenselink, with Eloi Youssef joining in 2006. After Lucas Lenselink’s departure, Niles Vandenberg became the band’s drummer in early 2008 and remains part of the group today.

Since their early releases, Kensington has grown into a major chart force, releasing multiple successful studio albums including Borders, Vultures, Rivals, Control, Time, and the more recent First Rodeo (2025). Some of their best-known songs include “Do I Ever,” “Riddles,” “Bridges,” and “Home Again,” alongside other fan favourites that helped define their rise as a live powerhouse.

Kensington formed in 2005 but made their first official releases in 2007, including a two-song promo single (An Introduction To…) and their self-titled EP Kensington. Their early recordings were self-produced and helped them build momentum in the Dutch alternative and rock scene through live shows, radio play, and early media exposure.

Towards the end of 2007, original drummer Lucas Lenselink left the band, feeling his personal plans and ambitions differed from the direction the group was heading. In February 2008, Niles Vandenberg joined as drummer, solidifying the band’s classic core line-up for the next era. Later that year, Kensington released their second EP, Youth (2008), which was well received and further expanded their fanbase — laying the groundwork for the band’s breakthrough album years.

In the early 2020s, Kensington entered a new phase when longtime singer Eloi Youssef departed after a series of farewell concerts, and in 2025 the band introduced Jason Dowd as their new lead vocalist — marking the start of Kensington’s latest chapter moving into 2026.

Key Career Milestones

• 2005: Kensington forms in Utrecht, laying the foundation for what would become a major national rock success story.

• 2007–2008: Early releases (including their first EPs) introduce the band’s energetic rock sound and build momentum through live performances and Dutch media exposure.

• 2010s: Breakthrough years — Kensington’s studio albums gain major popularity, with chart success and strong radio presence across the Netherlands.

• Arena-Level Success: Kensington becomes widely recognized as one of the Netherlands’ biggest live rock bands, with a record legacy of sold-out Ziggo Dome performances (19 times).

• Major Recognition: The band receives multiple top awards and accolades, including 3FM Awards, MTV Awards, and an Edison Pop oeuvre award (2023), celebrating their cultural impact and long-term career achievements.

• 2025–2026 New Era: Kensington begins a new chapter with Jason Dowd as lead vocalist, returning to headline shows and festival stages, and continuing their story with fresh releases and renewed touring energy.

Artist Music Career

Kensington started working on their first album in 2009 with the help of producer James Kenosha. Their album, ‘Borders,’ was released in 2010. After that album, Eloi Youssef became the lead vocalist. Casper Starreveld, who had also been the vocalist, chose to concentrate on playing guitar and singing as a backup vocalist. The whole of that year, the band made tours around Netherlands with other supporting bands including pop punk band and Makebelieve.

Kensington band was recognized by promoters from Dutch Prime TV show in January 2011 while they were playing on the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival. They appeared on the TV show De Wereld Draait Door in the same month and played their hit single ‘Youth’. They went on their first tour as the major headliner in February and toured Paradiso Amsterdam, Rotown Rotterdam and Tivoli Utrecht. They released their single ‘Let’s Go’ in March the same year and they went on the ‘Let’s Go’ tour. At this point, Kensington had made a name for itself and was already seen as a solid live band. They released ‘Borders’ and ‘We are the young’ in the same year and in 2012, they released the album ‘Vultures’. In the same year, thy also released the single ‘No Way Out’ and went on tours across Netherlands. In 2016, they released ‘Control’, their fourth album. They also released singles from their next album, ‘Do I ever,’ including ‘Bridges’ and ‘Sorry’.

Artist Major Works And Achievements

The band has been able to make successful tours across Europe and Asia. They have played in various music festivals including the Indian Summer Festival and the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival and a lot of shows in and out of Netherlands. They have released four albums with songs and videos that have received international recognition. They have been featured in Dutch magazines and TV show. In 2012, the band was nominated for the 3FM Awards in the categories ‘Best Artist Rock’ and ‘Serious Talent Award.’ In 2007, MusicFromNL, a music platform in Netherlands, described Kensington band as a band that mixes different music styles and moods to form a comprehensive sound.

Kensington Recent Awards & Recognition

Over the last decade, Kensington’s rise has been defined not only by record breaking live shows and chart success, but also by major critical and industry recognition. In 2023, Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant described Kensington as “the most successful Dutch rock band of the last fifteen years,” which underlines the band’s sustained impact on the national music scene and their standout commercial achievements.

Kensington’s trophy shelf reflects that status as well. Over the years, the band has won multiple major Dutch music and media accolades, including several 3FM Awards and MTV Awards, therefore confirming their popularity across both mainstream audiences and dedicated rock fans. In addition, Kensington received an Edison Pop oeuvre, or Lifetime Achievement award, in 2023, which is considered one of the Netherlands’ most prestigious honors. This recognition matters because it highlights not only their success, but also their long term artistic contribution and cultural influence.

Taken together, these milestones reinforce Kensington’s position as one of the defining Dutch rock acts of the modern era. As a result, the band stands out as an act with both undeniable audience power and a legacy built to last.

Upcoming Touring & Live Shows 2026

Touring and live shows have remained central to Kensington’s identity in 2025 and 2026 because the band’s newest chapter was designed to be experienced on stage, not only in the studio. After Jason Dowd stepped in as lead vocalist, Kensington made a powerful return to one of their most meaningful live settings, Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, where their anthemic sound and arena level energy naturally feels at home.

Kensington confirmed their return to Ziggo Dome with headline shows that balance fan favourite classics with newer material from this latest era. For longtime followers, the Ziggo Dome is more than just a venue because it represents a major part of the band’s history. From 2015 onward, Kensington built a reputation as one of the Netherlands’ most dominant live rock acts, and they sold out the Ziggo Dome an extraordinary 19 consecutive times. As a result, they became known as one of the arena’s defining house bands.

At the same time, their comeback has not been limited to large indoor arenas. Kensington also returned to the wider festival circuit, reconnecting with Dutch audiences in outdoor settings and at major national events. Their presence at key festivals, including VESTROCK, highlights their continued status as a headline level act because they can deliver the same emotional impact in a festival crowd as they can in a stadium scale show.

As Kensington continues through 2025 and into 2026, touring remains the clearest proof of their momentum. Therefore, they are once again showing that they are not only one of the country’s biggest rock exports on record, but also one of its strongest live bands today.