nelleke

Bio

Nelleke is a singer-songwriter and producer from Rotterdam (The Netherlands), creating alt-folk and indie rock under that same very Dutch name. Her upcoming EP, Unholy Sigh, was crafted in collaboration with two American producers, Brandon Rosiar (Peak & Pit) en John Armour (William & Paul) and is set to begin releasing in 2025 through UK's Mahogany Songs.

Navigating the complexities of life and womanhood, Nelleke’s songwriting embraces the grey areas: stories of growth and intimacy, combining tales of a good old ''situationship'' with the quiet power of unconditional platonic love. Her sound draws influence from artists like Bon Iver, Big Thief, The War on Drugs, Jeff Buckley, Yebba and Joni Mitchell—resulting in a transatlantic blend that’s sonically expansive.

In 2025, Nelleke signed with publishing company Black Stellar Music, who now represent her catalog and facilitate collaborations across Europe and the US. Alongside her solo project, she is active in the sync world as a topliner and vocal producer, writing for labels including Armada and Multinotes. Recent highlights include a rework of her track Send the Rain and Inside My Mind with Zurich-based producer Soma Soul, and a reinterpretation of Joni Mitchell’s The Dawntreader in collaboration with Berlin-based electronic artist Alex Iso.

Her debut EP bird / on concrete was released in fall 2024 following a summer tour in the US. The EP marked a moment of reflection and emotional growth, featuring poetic lyrics, layered arrangements, and a deep sense of softness and vulnerability.

Currently based in Rotterdam, Nelleke is actively building her career between the Netherlands, London, and the USA—writing, collaborating, and preparing to bring her new work to the live stage in 2025/2026 with a full band setup.

Socials

10.6K Total Views

2.7K Followers

Spotlight Release

Release Date

11/14/2025

Record Label

Mahogany Songs

Genre

Indie-folk

Rotterdam-based singer-songwriter Nelleke kicks off her sophomore EP Unholy Sigh with Declaration as the first single, followed by two more releases in the coming months. This new EP - in collaboration with two American producers (Brandon Rosiar, assisted by John Armour) made with mics taped to a stand and a vocal booth set up between clothing hangers and cans of soup - is on one side a love letter to platonic relationships and the other - an ironically poetic hate note to the good old situationship; exploring love, heartbreak, and the emotional rules she refuses to compromise on.

The first single Declaration is exactly what the title suggests: a statement of the moments that make life feel deeply alive. In this track, Nelleke lays out her “non-negotiables”: the small but essential experiences she’s committed to honoring, a list of what truly brings joy, peace, and grounding. When she cuts through all the noise, she asks herself: what do I really need in my own life? One of those non-negotiables? It's “there will be no shame,” a powerful confession and reminder to try and embrace your inevitable flaws. Inspired by Bon Iver and The War on Drugs, Declaration blends reflective lyrics with an atmospheric indie folk-rock sound.

Signed to Black Stellar Music and writing for Armada Music, Nelleke creates her own songs while also providing toplining and vocal production for other artists. She collaborates with international producers including Soma Soul, Michael Go, Peak&Pit, Gilles van Wees (Banji), and Deeparture.

Released through Mahogany Songs, this project marks a true Dutch–UK collaboration, reflecting Nelleke’s life and work divided between the Netherlands and London.

Her music has been featured on emerging indie-folk playlists, received airplay on Dutch and UK Indie stations, under which UK’s Amazing Radio. She has performed on Dutch television (SBS6), toured the USA, and performed across the UK and EU. Nelleke on a stage channels the sort of intimacy that captivates you; inviting listeners into a space of experiment, a reckoning within softness.

Audience

Instagram Followers

2.7K

Primary Market

Netherlands · United States

Primary Gender

Female

Primary Age

25-34

Instagram Audience

Top cities

Top countries

Gender

Male 41.94%

Female 58.06%

Gender by age

Male 41.94%

Female 58.06%

Videos

Press

Nelleke & Soma Soul - Send The Rain (Soma Soul Revision) on Multinotes

Soma Soul's rendition of 'Send the Rain', a melancholic techno remix of Indie Folk artist Nelleke's original song, will be released on Multinotes. Premiered through Melodic Diggers after being played on Transitions Show with John Digweed, 'Send The Rain - Soma Soul Revision' will be released on February 16, 2024.

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Nelleke Returns with Stunning EP ‘bird /on concrete’ - MESMERIZED (USA)

It’s a life-altering record. Impossible to remain neutral about it. One might love it – or not; in any case, ‘bird /on concrete’ is bound to leave a stunning impression on everyone, thanks to its dramatic intensity and heart-shaking lyricism. Over six impressive offerings, the EP jumps from alt-folk acceptance (the likes of ‘hotel song’ and ‘engine’) to spacious and cinematic acoustic gold (‘the return’, ‘terracotta flowers’, among others), all flavoured with emotional orchestral textures and Bon Iver-esque instrumental eclecticism.

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Indie Folk from Nelleke - Plastic Mag (UK)

Overall, “Send The Rain” is a beautiful and introspective track that showcases Nelleke’s undeniable talent. Her forthcoming EP is set to be a must-listen for anyone who appreciates deep and reflective songwriting wrapped up in a boundary-pushing sound. With her dreamy vocals and sonic offering, Nelleke is definitely an artist to keep an eye on in the coming years.

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Nelleke Unveils Catarthic and Emotional Jewel ‘send the rain’ - MESMERIZED (USA)

"Echoing the likes of Thom Yorke and Phil Selway, ‘send the rain’ explodes towards the very end into full-band shenanigans, showcasing the depth the project has to offer. Not to mention Nelleke’s wonderful, stunning vocals. Such an evocative tone, perfectly fitting its sonic framework."

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An Electro Folk Odyssey: Nelleke and Alex Iso Redefine Joni Mitchell's "The Dawntreader" at Berklee Collaboration. - Press release (NL)

Indie folk artist Nelleke and electronic producer Alex Iso, both alumni of Berklee College of Music, join forces to reimagine Joni Mitchell's timeless classic, "The Dawntreader." This unique electronic rendition, akin to a poetic swimmer navigating the waves of early morning sunrises, unfolds against the backdrop of a synth-driven soundscape, echoing the themes of self-discovery, solitude, and the quest for personal freedom found within Mitchell's evocative storytelling.

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'Send The Rain' showcases the intimacy and intensity of Nelleke and her thoughtful sound. - CLOUT (US)

‘Send The Rain' showcases everything that makes Nelleke feel special, with her flair for the intense and dramatic making for a rousing emotional journey as the track progresses.

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Nelleke presents her most exotic, mysterious work yet with her new single 'send the rain'. - The Wild is Calling Us (US)

"nelleke is simply one of the most exciting creators in the realm of undiscovered, and her spiritual musings are due for a breakout. send the rain connects with metaphysical dark folksters like Jose Gonzalez and Marissa Nadler."

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