The Down was formed in early 2003. Songwriters Brad McKendrick (native USA) and Koen Van Den Berg (native Nederland) crossed paths at a jam session and decided to get together to see what the other was capable of. The first efforts turned out a demo of the song "Waiting for your show" and some other interesting ideas. An all around good vibe was established and inspired them to take things further.

Breakdown of The Down

Brad McKendrick: playing guitar since 9 years old and songwriting and developing recording skills since 14 years old, playing from heavy to psychedelic music. He has played lead guitar in Atlanta based Impotent Sea Snakes from 1992-98 with multiple recordings and tours of the USA, Canada and one to Europe. It was after a trip to Europe that he decided to relocate to Holland. "I knew that somewhere I needed a big change in my life in order for me to grow musically and artistically." Brad died on January 15, 2006.

Instruments: vocals, electric, acoustic and bass guitar, drum programming, keyboards and piano, extra sounds and noises.

Koen Van Den Berg: playing cello since 9 years old, playing guitar since 17 years old, completed education in sound engineering from SAE Amsterdam, Nederland. Developed his songwriting skills on guitar, bass and cello and written some orchestral works during his study in musicology.

Instruments: electric, acoustic and bass guitar, drum programming, cello, backing vocals.

Jasper Van Der Steen: behind the drumkit since 1994. Played hardrock, metal, punkrock, ska, poprock and currently stonergrooves in Swomp. Joined The Down in 2004, playing drums unlike before.

Instruments: drums and percussion.

Mo Van Alen: played bass guitar in many different bands, experimental, grooving and rock. Currently playing in Swomp, like Jasper. Joined The Down in 2004, solidly backing up our live shows.

Instruments: bass guitar.

In Closing

We are working towards music that is for the big picture of the future and trying to contribute something worthy to the great wealth of music that has already been, something that will be listened to for a long time to come. We let the many influences from many eras come through in our own ways. This is the guidance of The Down.