discography
ruud houweling – accidental pictures
(2023)
The follow up album to his acclaimed Erasing Mountains (2017). With the alternative folk on that record Ruud had found a new musical direction, born from the heartfelt need to create a contemporary sound that beholds something of its geographic origin. The layered songs, constructed around the guitar playing and vocal, move on emphatic grooves, while tuba, trombone, clarinet and viola add subtle acoustic European flavors, from both folk and classical music (Fauré, Debussy, Weill). His sixth studio album (four under the Cloudmachine moniker) is an eclectic singer-songwriter record in which you may hear slight influences from Paul Simon, Randy Newman or Tom Waits, that breathes authenticity. On Accidental Pictures a son is letting go of his father. Above all though, this is a feel good record. Written from a longing for light in a time of uncertainty. Everything seems to have changed, looking back amazed by the coincidences of existence and the inevitable temporality of it. There’s a pleasant distance to the world. It’s about seeing why you’ve become who you are, understanding others better at the same time. And, free from the pull of old desires, asking oneself, “where am I, where to next?’
Spotify • Apple Music • Plato/Concerto
ruud houweling – de strijd om het binnenhof
soundtrack (2021)
Ruud composed and produced all the music for this 7 episodes historical documentary series for Dutch national television. It deals with the history of the Houses of Parliament in The Hague, focusing on seven significant leaders with a dramatic story, throughout the centuries. Players are Sybren van Doesem (trumpet), Ro Krauss (viola), Rik Cornelissen (accordion), Michiel van Dijk (saxophones), Adam Schreiber (drums) and Ruud Houweling (guitars and everything else).
Spotify • Apple Music • Deezer • Amazon
ruud houweling – the wind just blew a day away
(2019)
“A project I really wanted to do, rework a handful of songs I previously recorded with my former band Cloudmachine, to end an important period in my life and to take these songs along with me. I hope you will enjoy it.” Nominated for the 18th Independent Music Awards (USA) in the ‘Eclectic EP’-category. With Egon Kracht, Rob Wijtman, Ro Krauss, Rik Cornelissen, Michiel van Dijk and Ricky Koole.
Spotify • Apple Music • Deezer • Amazon • Bandcamp
ruud houweling – erasing mountains
(2017)
“I tried to imagine what my songs would sound like if I had been influenced by a living tradition of Dutch folk music. How could I capture my Dutch roots musically? Why not try to make a record like that?” With Egon Kracht, Rob Wijtman, Kobi Arditi, Patrick Votrian, Ro Krauss, Rik Cornelissen, Michiel van Dijk and David Faber, Ricky Koole, Bertolf and a small choir of friends.
Spotify • Apple Music • Deezer • Bol.com • Plato/Concerto • Amazon • Bandcamp
ruud houweling – de gouden eeuw
soundtrack (2013)
Ruud composed and produced all the music for this popular 13 episodes, 50 minutes each historical documentary series for Dutch national television. Players are Dudok Kwartet, Allard Robert, Jeroen Goossens, Marco Kuypers and Ruud Houweling.
Spotify • Apple Music • Deezer
cloudmachine – a gentle sting
(2013)
The final chapter of the band won them a Vox Populi Award for Best Rock/Indie Album of the Year at the 13th Independent Music Awards (USA). The album had airplay on more than 150 college radio stations in the USA and Canada. The record was produced by Tristan Longworth, mastered by Mike Marsh. Jon Allen helped us out with some backing vocals. Recorded in Haarlem, the Netherlands and Beckenham, Kent, UK. An unforgettable summer in London.
Spotify • Apple Music • Amazon • Bol.com
ruud houweling – the new york connection
soundtrack (2009)
Music brought Ruud to the USA a second time when the documentary series premiered at the Museum of the City of New York during the festivities of the 400th anniversary of the city, the occasion that instigated the series based on the novel The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto for Dutch national television. Director by Roel van Dalen took a close look at the connection today and four centuries ago between Amsterdam and New Amsterdam.
Musicians: Judith van Driel and David Faber (violin and cello, both of Dudok Quartet), Marco Kuypers (piano, pump organ, accordeon, vibraphone), Ruud Houweling (guitars and everything else)
Spotify • Apple Music • Amazon • Deezer
cloudmachine – back on land
(2009)
In the summer of 2008 Cloudmachine spent a month working with renown sound engineer Oz Fritz. He worked with Tom Waits on the albums Mule Variations, Alice and Blood Money. Looking for the same warm sound, Cloudmachine used the same equipment in the same studio. The video for the song Safe Haven, animated by renown Dutch artist Harrie Geelen was added to the collection of the Eye Amsterdam. The song made it onto the box set ‘Songs We Shouldn’t Forget‘ (Universal).
Spotify • Apple Music • Amazon • Bol.com
cloudmachine – hum of life
(2006)
This album has some of Cloudmachine’s best songs. I’m Not Alone But I Miss You landed Cloudmachine the title of very first Serious Talent, a popular platform created by leading rock radio station 3FM in the Netherlands.
Spotify • Apple Music • Amazon • Bol.com
cloudmachine – sweater for the cold world
(2003)
This is a collection of short stories or maybe a sketch book. Home recorded, the production isn’t world class, but Cloudmachine had a good time making it. Ruud was still looking for the right direction with his songwriting. It is a fun sunny record though. It got plenty of great reviews. And Circus Animals was the first Cloudmachine song that had good airplay on Dutch national radio.