OOB Records and Friendly Folk Records Mark 10 Years of Growth
Rotterdam, Netherlands – January 2026 – OOB Records and Friendly Folk Records are commemorating their 10-year milestone in music management and 7 years as independent record labels. This achievement highlights the vision and commitment of Kathy Keller, the founder of both labels. Keller’s journey in the music industry began in 2015 with My Music Matters Management, a company that offered tailored services to both emerging and established progressive rock and folk artists.
In 2017, the organization rebranded as Friendly Folk Records & Promotion, expanding its offerings to include a full-service record label dedicated to folk and acoustic music. This label has played a pivotal role in promoting numerous talented artists and helping them gain recognition. By 2020, responding to requests from artists looking to explore genres beyond folk, Keller launched Out Of The Box (OOB) Records. This new label embraced a wider array of genres, including progressive rock and indie.
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Over the past decade, both labels have achieved significant success in artist development, helping to elevate the profiles of internationally recognized musicians through strategic exposure on streaming platforms and radio. Their innovative collaborations with wholesale distribution outlets, festivals, and promotion companies have further enhanced their artists’ visibility on a global scale.
Among the notable artists associated with these labels is Kayak, a legendary Dutch progressive rock band, which is set to release its final production in 2025 under OOB Records. Another prominent figure is Ton Scherpenzeel, a composer known for his work with Kayak and his solo career, who has multiple releases with both labels. Irish folk artist Tom Portman, recognized for his skills on the Dobro and steel guitar, has also made his mark with Friendly Folk and OOB Records, having toured with Grammy-nominated Brother Dege Legg. Brazilian artist Cristiano Varisco, known for fusing folk, blues, and progressive rock, and Australian progressive rock artist Mark Truey Trueack, famous for his bands Unitopia and UPF, are also part of the labels’ impressive roster.
Kathy Keller expressed her pride in the journey so far, stating, “I’m proud of the journey we’ve had and excited for the future as we continue to support talented artists worldwide.”
Founded in 2015 and rebranded in 2017, Friendly Folk Records specializes in folk, indie, and acoustic genres. In a strategic move in 2025, the label merged services with OOB Records, broadening its reach. OOB Records, founded in 2020, focuses on progressive rock and a diverse range of other genres. The labels feature a variety of artists from around the world, including Ton Scherpenzeel, Kayak, and many others.
For more information, visit the official websites: OOB Records and Friendly Folk Records.
As the music industry continues to evolve, both OOB and Friendly Folk Records remain committed to nurturing talent and adapting to the changing landscape of the music industry.
