Introducing The Transformers Project

The Transformers project 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 founders Marije van Rijn and Hans Vermunt; The Transformers.

Every Tuesday in November, this new band meets up in Slash Gallery in WORM to write new songs of the city, combining the vocabularies of people who know best what the city is about.

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.

The Transformers project works together with Pauluskerk, De Ontmoeting, NAS, REAKT and Antes. These organisations provide shelter, food and services to the homeless people of Rotterdam and they have helped us get in touch with the hidden talents of the street.

Transformers runs throughout the months of November, and December 2022 and January 2023.

The project is supported by Gemeente Rotterdam, Stichting Volkskracht and Societé Gavignies. The Transformers is a partner of The Mystifiers Foundation. The Mystifiers Foundation exists to empower and connect people through music, bridging the gap between the professional music industry and the social music sector.