nuOct 9, 2026, 07:30

DI-RECT honors deceased family members on new album: 'This is how we keep them alive'

The Dutch band DI-RECT honors deceased family members on their new album, I: Keep The Fire On, using music as a way to process personal grief. The record serves as the first chapter of a planned trilogy and focuses on cohesive, authentic storytelling following a series of difficult personal losses for the band members.

The Dutch rock band DI-RECT is processing personal loss through their new album, I: Keep The Fire On. Lead singer Marcel Veenendaal, drummer Jamie Westland, and guitarist Spike all experienced significant family tragedies recently, including the loss of siblings and parents. The track Brother, which addresses this grief, has been performed live to emotional receptions from their fanbase. The band members view the songwriting process as a way to honor their loved ones and keep their memories alive while remaining authentic in their creative output.

Composed of eight tracks, the album is intended to be a concise and cohesive first chapter of a potential trilogy. The group, known for their persistent touring and recent growth in popularity, continues to navigate the challenges of the music industry. Despite their established success in the Netherlands, including major shows in Rotterdam, the band remains focused on evolving their sound and expanding their reach internationally, finding motivation in winning over new audiences who are initially unfamiliar with their work.

Culture Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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