Kingfisher Sky

History

Kingfisher Sky is a Dutch gothic/progressive rock band. Ivar de Graaf founded it in 2001 after having left Within Temptation to pursue his own musical interests. The music of Kingfisher Sky can not be related to one single genre. Too widespread are the musical influences of de Graaf and singer/songwriter Judith Rijnveld, ranging from Porcupine Tree to Cecilia Bartoli and from Kate Bush to traditional folk music.

Ivar and Judith started recording songs in their home studio in 2005. A record deal with Suburban Records was signed in 2006. Bassist Eric Hoogendoorn joined the band first. Next joined guitarist Daan Janzing who was introduced to Kingfisher Sky by Ruud Jollie (Within Temptation). George van Olffen on keyboards followed soon after. Edo van der Kolk on guitar completed the band for the time being. He had played a solo on the demo version of Through My Eyes and had already known Ivar for fifteen years.

The first album Hallway of Dreams was recorded in 2007 and released in October of the same year. It was produced by Jochem Jacobs from Textures (band) and Bouke Visser (Split Second Sound). Since then the band has completed numerous shows in the Netherlands both as headliner and support for related bands such as Delain and Epica.

Within the scope of a special show in their hometown Kingfisher Sky was joined by classical cellist Maaike Peterse who played along on Big Fish. As this cooperation proved to be very successful Maaike soon became the seventh band member.

In March 2008 Laser’s Edge records released Hallway of Dreams in the United States (Riverside, Zero Hour). Japan followed in 2008 (Disk Union). It was also released on Vinyl by Tonefloat Records (Porcupine Tree, Roger Waters). Meanwhile Hallway of Dreams is also available in United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany.

George van Olffen left the band in July 2009 to pursue other musical interests. With David Gutierrez Rojas the band found a new keyboardist in November 2009. In April 2010 the band announced that guitarist Daan Janzing was about to leave Kingfisher Sky in order to fully concentrate on his other band My Favorite Scar. The new guitarist is Chris Henny.

Kingfisher Sky released their 2nd album 'Skin of The Earth' on 23 September 2010.

In May 2014 Eric Hoogendoorn left Kingfisher Sky and he was replaced by Nick Verschoor.

After a successful crowdfunding campaign the money was raised to start recording their 3rd album, The Arms of Morpheus, which was released in October 2014. The album features Kristoffer Gildenlöw on bass on several tracks.

In the beginning of 2016 keyboardplayer David Guiterrez Rojaz left the band to pursue other interests. He was replaced with Erik van Ittersum (Ayreon). A few months later guitarist Chris Henny also parted ways with the band: the band has continued as a six piece.

Style

Ivar's progressive rock and traditional folk influences collided with Judith's classical conservatory background, and also her preference for soul and artists like Aretha Franklin. Combined with their mutual love for bands and artists like Porcupine Tree, Jethro Tull, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush and Tori Amos, new songs were written.

Line-up

Current band members

Former Band Members

Discography