Multiple Dutch music traditions can be found in The Netherlands. Nederpop is the name given to the contemporary popular Dutch music. Nederpop has been immensely influenced by music genres which emerged during the1950s in the United States and the United Kingdom.
This style is sung both in English and in Dutch. A few of the exponents, for example are Shocking Blue and Golden Earring, have gained world wide attention and fame.
However, "Levenslied" is a much more traditional genre of Dutch music .The meaning of the name given to this genre is Song of/about life. The characteristics of such songs are the simple yet rhythmic melodies, which are nonetheless very catchy.
They are mostly built upon refrains and couplets. The themes are mostly very sentimental and they also include death, love, loneliness etc. Traditional instruments of Dutch music are very essential. Examples of such instruments are the barrel organ and the accordion.
Though, many levenslied-artists in the recent years also use guitars and synthesizers for playing their music. A few famous artists of this genre are Willy Alberti, André Hazes and Koos Alberts.