Christof van der Ven

Christof van der Ven is a Dutch musician with a sound that combines indie folk with the emotional depth of alternative rock. He moved to Galway in 2007 to pursue his music career, initially balancing restaurant work and busking. Now based in London, he splits his time between performing and recording as a musician with Bear's Den and his own music.

Following the release of his debut album Empty Handed in 2018, shortly after supporting Bon Iver at the Hammersmith Apollo, he toured as a support act for artists such as Mighty Oaks, Joan As Police Woman, Nick Mulvey, Lisa Hannigan, Talos, Willy Mason and S. Carey. His second album, You Were The Place (2019), and several EPs followed.

Christof's music has been played on Radio 6 and Radio X and featured in publications such as GoldFlakePaint, The i, DIY and Clash. He has performed at prestigious festivals such as Eurosonic, People Festival and The Great Escape 2023. Most recently he was Artist in Residence at Sounds From A Safe Harbour, playing alongside the likes of Olafur Arnalds, Alex Somers and The Staves.

After five years, Christof is now returning with his third album, which is due to be released at the end of 2024. It was recorded and produced by of Christof himself together with legendary producer Ian Grimble (Bear's Den, Daughter, Manic Street Preachers).