DI-RECT

Dutch alternative rockers Di-Rect were formed in the Hague in 1999. Singing their tunes in English, they scored a record deal thanks to prominent DJ Rob Stenders in 2000. Their debut album, Discover, hit the charts upon release. Members Tim Akkerman (vocals/guitars), Bas van Wageningen (bass), Jamie Westland (drums), and French van Zoest (guitars) released their second album, Over the Moon in 2003, which was followed by 2005's All Systems Go and a number of high-profile festival appearances (plus an appearance on MTV's Road Rally). Their fourth album, Di-Rect, was a mellower rock affair than their previous bouncy pop-punk sound, and after a multi-year break between recording, both 2010's This Is Who We Are and 2011's Time Will Heal Our Senses debuted inside the Dutch Top Ten. ~ Chris True