About

Whether it’s an ode to the river Maas, a call to be free from isolation or feeling like a traveling bird, the music of The Transformers is honest and gripping. The real experience of homelessness from some of the band members is transformed into music from the heart, resonating with a shared love for the city, the power to always get back up on your feet and the universal need to connect. 

The Transformers is a new pop band from Rotterdam that’s all about exchange. The different life experiences of the band members tell a wider story of the city of Rotterdam. These stories – of people with experiences of and with homelessness – are elevated by the skills of professional musicians. The music made can often tap into a deeper layer of meaning and urgency when combined with those stories and the playing of those who have experienced homelessness. Hence the name picked by founder Marije van Rijn; The Transformers.

The Transformers aims to open up new dialogue, and to forge new connections between groups that would otherwise be separated. Our mission is to make everyone’s contribution feel valued. We want to create original, touching, engaging music that will make you want to laugh, cry, or dance.

Partners

The Transformers project works together with Pauluskerk, Ontmoeting, Antes, Pameijer, Pluspunt and gemeente Rotterdam. These organisations provide shelter, food and services to people dealing with any form of homelessness and related issues. They have helped us get in touch with the hidden talents of the city.

Cultural organisations we collaborate with include: Grounds, New Grounds, North Sea Round Town, Batavierhuis, WORM, Rotterdam Late Night, Theater Rotterdam and OT-Rotterdam.

In 2025, the team behind The Transformers founded their own foundation: Art Ground Up. This foundation exists to empower and connect people through music, bridging the gap between the professional music industry and the social music sector. With this foundation we expanded our work, making music and art accessible for more people. In 2026 we started a youthgroup called The Sketch Krew, a second group for grown-ups who are just starting out with music, ánd an Open Choir.

We are supported by:

Team:

Marije van Rijn (founder, artistic director, projectleader, keys & vocals)
Caroline Kamp (production, social media, vocals, guitar)
Jorn ten Hoopen (Bass & guitar, bandleader, music-producer, technician)
Branko Valchev (Drums & percussion)