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The Ex

Punk / Post-punk / Experimental·other·indie·Netherlands
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ONES TO WATCH
Strong signals, deserves more attention
LISTENERS
117K
CHAMPIONS
0

The Ex is a long-running Dutch underground/punk band formed in 1979 in Amsterdam, rooted in the city's squat scene and known for its DIY ethos and independently run Ex Records label. Over more than four decades the band evolved from anarcho-punk origins into a genre-defying sound incorporating free jazz, Eastern European folk, and Ethiopian music, with founding guitarist Terrie Hessels remaining a constant member.

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NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (3)
  • Founding member Terrie Hessels has remained with the band since its 1979 inception
  • Over 20 albums released across a 40+ year career
  • Founded and operated independent label Ex Records since 1979
WHAT FANS SAY (4)

Been getting into them, they are insanely amazing. Their albums with Tom Cora are heavenly

Last.fm user · lastfm

NOOO I CANT LISTEN ON SPOTIFY ANYMORE

Last.fm user · lastfm

I've seen them three times performing 27 Passports live...and I just can't wait to see them playing it a fourth.

Last.fm user · lastfm

I hoping with the new album they come stateside.

Last.fm user · lastfm
SIMILAR ARTISTS (5)
FREQUENTLY ASKED (5)
Q:Is The Ex underrated?

The Ex has a Quality-to-Fame Gap Score of 56 out of 100. there is a meaningful gap between their artistic quality and mainstream recognition. they have notable achievements including founding member terrie hessels has remained with the band since its 1979 inception.

Q:What genre is The Ex?

The Ex works in Punk / Post-punk / Experimental originating from Netherlands (Amsterdam). As a other artist at the "indie" level, The Ex has a Wikipedia presence and is categorized within the broader Punk scene. They operate independently of major label systems.

Q:How many monthly listeners does The Ex have?

The Ex has approximately 117K monthly listeners on Spotify. A significant audience, though their gap score suggests room for much wider recognition.

Q:Who are similar artists to The Ex?

Fans of The Ex often also enjoy Sonic Youth, Einstürzende Neubauten, Sleaford Mods, Crass, Fugazi. These artists share common ground in the Punk space and/or the Netherlands other scene. If you appreciate The Ex's approach to punk / post-punk / experimental, these artists offer similar qualities.

Q:Why isn't The Ex more famous?

With a Gap Score of 56/100, The Ex's artistic quality significantly exceeds their current level of recognition (indie). Contributing factors: they operate without major label backing, which limits access to radio play, editorial playlists, and mainstream press coverage; minimal social media and YouTube presence limits their discoverability outside of direct music platforms; their genre leans experimental, which streaming algorithms tend to under-promote compared to more commercially accessible styles; being based in Netherlands, they face additional barriers to visibility in the English-language-dominated global music industry.

The Ex — ONES TO WATCH | WHYNOTFAMOUS