About Biggelaar

Full Bio

Biggelaar is a singer / songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since his youth, he plays guitar and he learned to play several other instruments over the years. Like the blues harp, oboe, percussion, drums, banjo, mandolin and piano.

In 2010 he graduated from the Conservatory majoring in contemporary vocals. In recent years he has gained experience, national and international, as a lead singer and guitarist for his own bands, various cover bands and big bands. During 2004 and 2009 he performed with his rock band named “Phoenix Red” his own work in various national venues such as the Melkweg in Amsterdam, 013 in Tilburg, the WII in Den Bosch, The Mezz in Breda and they were  the support of an international artist. In 2006 they released their EP called “Madman’s Cry”.

Other major venues and festivals where he played with other bands are the Paradox (Tilburg), the international Zydeco Festival and the Tolhuistuin (Amsterdam). Furthermore his music was used on Brazilian tv. Since 2010 he performs solo under the name Grandler with his own songs (in both English and Dutch). In 2019, he reached the semifinals in a prestigious songwriters contest in the US. In other contests in the UK he won two recommended entry awards in 2016, for two of his songs in the category Pop and Retro. In 2023 he won a first prize in the John Lennon contest in the UK on Mothersday. With a song he wrote about the last day of his mother’s life.
Since 2021 he collaborates with well known Rock and Blues artists from the USA. A.o. Dave Abbruzzese (ex-Pearl Jam), Joanna Conor, Lynn Seaton.

Musically he is nourished by music from the the early 90s Seattle Rock scene and music of the 50s / 60s, thanks to the record collection of his parents. Sources of inspiration are Eric Burdon, Bill Withers, John Hiatt, Stephen Stills and lot’s of sixties music. With a solid backing band (Chris Strik – drums, Mark van der Feen – Rhodes and more) he recorded his debut album called “Right side of the road” under an old artist name Grandler The album was released on November 1st of 2016. Unfortunately, his physical health has deteriorated since 2016, which compromised the continuity of being visible on social media, releasing songs and performing. Without going into too much detail; Rob has a rare chronic leukemia and a reduced immune system. This means that things run differently or have to be postponed now and then considering his music. However, his passion and drive for music together with his positivity remains a driving force. He has been releasing music under his own name, Biggelaar, since 2024.
Biggelaar brings a diverse and idiosyncratic repertoire, lyrical songs in an alternative soul, blues, folk, rock style. With his authentic and characteristic deep and dark voice, a surprising musical performance is guaranteed.

REVIEWS FROM OTHER ARTISTS:

Dave Abbruzzese (ex Pearl-Jam, official Facebook page) on collaboration with Biggelaar: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/y9DCtehBvmXpYFCH