Music Guide (November 2025)

CONCERTS & GIGS

Editor’s Pick: Shoegaze in Amsterdam

For fans of:  Slowdive, Cocteau Twins

Shoegaze has experienced something of a revival in recent years, with bands like Slowdive (who formed back in 1989) emerging as streaming giants. A genre that merges fuzzy guitar lines with ethereal synth soundscapes, it’s part indie, part rock, part electronica. To cater to the swell of fans clamouring for shoegaze music, Paradiso is putting on a special showcase of five shoegaze bands for pretty much the price of a normal gig. At €28.70, you can catch bands like Swirlies, Hotline TNT, Winter, Ciel and Dotti at venues from Doka to Paradiso and Bitterzoet. It’s a great way to see a range of bands within the genre without breaking the bank, which is really what going to gigs is all about. 

Throughout November | various venues | tickets here

Nation of Language

For fans of:  New Order, Westerman

Another one for the shoegaze and new wave fans, this New York-hailing trio have been on an upwards trajectory for a while, even earning Rough Trade’s album of the year along the way. Their stop at Melkweg looks to secure their status as a band to watch even more – check out ‘On Division Street’ and ‘The Wall & I’ for memorable introductions to their sound.

Sat 15 Nov | doors open 19:00 | Melkweg Max | tickets here

These New Puritans

For fans of:  Esben and the Witch, Perfume Genius

These New Puritans burst onto the scene back in 2010 with their sprawling 7-minute guitar epic ‘We Want War’, a song that helped define their expansive, industrial sound. Now in 2025, they’ve released their first album since 2019, swapping some of the percussive sound they traded in for a softer, spookier and more melodic approach, with the help of Caroline Polachek, who features on one track. Catch them in Bitterzoet – and expect the walls to shake. 

Mon 3 Nov | doors open 19:30 | Bitterzoet | tickets here

Oklou

For fans of:  Caroline Polachek, Danny L Harle

French producer and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Oklou has had a big year. A critically accalimed album and a hit online, she’s collaborated with FKA Twigs and PinkPantheress, joined Lorde on tour and more recently stopped by NPR for a phenomenal tiny desks concert. One for the electronica and hyperpop crowd, Oklou switches from high-octane beats (‘Harvest Sky’) to low-ley flute-led songs with ease, part of what’s made her a breakout artist in 2025.  

Wed 19 Nov | doors open 19:00 | Melkweg Max | tickets here

Cate Le Bon

For fans of: St Vincent, Cat Power

Critical darling and Welsh star, Cate Le Bon defies easy categorisation where lush, textured soundscapes pair with incisive, raw lyricism on all her music. 2022’s Pompeii is a great introduction for anyone who’s missed out on her so far, and a stop at Melkweg is just another starry notch in her already star-studded belt. 

Mon 10 Nov | doors open 19:30 | Melkweg Oz | tickets here

Benny Sings

For fans of: Rex Orange County, Parcels

Long-time Dutch lofi star returns to the cosy realms of Zonnehuis with new music that’s equal parts comfort, equal parts summer bliss. 

Thur 20 Nov | doors open 19:30 | Zonnehuis | tickets here

Mabel

For fans of: RAYE, Zara Larsson

London-hailing singer best known for kiss-off smash ‘Don’t Call Me Up’ returns with a 2025 EP dubbed Mixtape that swaps summer heat for sultry beats, perfect for an intimate autumn date night.

Tue 25 Nov | doors open 19:30 | Tolhuistuin | tickets here

CLUBBING & FESTIVALS

Super Sonic Jazz Festival

For fans of: Improvisational jazz, contemporary jazz

Ever since 2017, Super Sonic Jazz Festival has been a fixture of the capital’s music scene, presenting some of the city’s most innovative and exciting jazz acts, alongside global talent. This year marks the 9th edition, where for three nights, Paradiso turns down the lights and ups the soul.

Fri 14 - Sun 16 Nov | doors open 18:30 | Paradiso | tickets here

De Reünie x The Gang is Beautiful

Formerly of RADION fame, De Reünie, which blends techno and a little hyperpop, returns to TIlla Tec for a special collaboration with Noord collective The Gang is Beautiful. It’s unclear what you can expect, but if you’ve been to any events by either collective before, you’ll know it’s going to be a smash. Little tip though, come early here – the queue for Reünie is historically long late on.  

Sat 8 Nov | doors open 00:00 | Tilla Tec | tickets here

BOPS

For fans of: Dua Lipa, Charli XCX

Amsterdam’s reigning pop party returns to inject some much-needed heat and energy on a cold November night. With two guest DJs who span hyperpop and 2025’s biggest stars, BOPS is a celebration of pop new and old. As much about the atmosphere – you’ll find one of the capital’s most expressive crowds here – as it is the music, this is a safe space for pop fiends and friends. 

Fri 28 Nov | doors open 23:00 | The Other Side | tickets here

*If you've missed out on tickets, don't sweat – TicketSwap is a safe and reliable resale site where you can source tickets for events that have sold out.