INFO & BIOGRAPHY

Kevin Werdelmann

Slowtide is the artist name of singer/songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Werdelmann from Bochum, Germany.

Inspired by the music of Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode, Erasure), Jean Michel Jarre and Chris Hülsbeck, Kevin started out at an early age composing songs and electronic music on a Commodore Amiga 500 home computer for various self-made films. His first public output arrived in 1997 with the electronic concept-album “London“, on which he channelled the impressions of his impactful first visit to the British metropolis. The limited run CD-R already received an enthusiastic review from the electronic music e-zine E-lectric.

Beyond his electronic roots,  his love for guitar-driven music from British bands like The Verve, Radiohead and Travis and songwriters like Nick Drake and Brian Wilson eventually lead him to pick up a guitar and become a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and singer, which resulted in the release of two Demo EPs called “Time Escape” (2001) and “Things That Fade” (2002). With the development of Slowtide as his artist name in 2002, he combined the best of both worlds, creating eclectic indie-pop music. Since then, he played live with internationally renown bands like British Sea PowerGravenhurstEskobarTreetop Flyers or The Wave Pictures on many stages throughout and outside the country.

Kevin Werdelmann on the road

The official debut album “Origins“, nearly completely recorded in a bedroom, was released in January 2009 on marchpane records to wide critical acclaim, including album of the month awards.

August 2012 saw the release of the second Slowtide album “Solaria” (Timezone Records), an ambitious bright-shining chamber-pop record with lush string and brass arrangements and contrasting bitter lyrics about disappointed yearnings and missed opportunities.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the early work “London” was re-released digitally to a wider audience in November 2017.

A third album called “A Gentle Reminder” (Timezone Records) followed in November 2018, on which Kevin took a look back and breathed new life into the raw demo fragments of “Time Escape” and “Things That Fade”. The rearranged and newly recorded studio versions represent a reinterpretation of youthful ideas from a mature perspective. In January 2020, it was followed by the release of the digital single “Ship Of Fools” –  a cover version of a song by Erasure that was recorded as a tribute during the last albums sessions.

In 2025, Kevin reemerges with the digital single “Where It Began” — an emotional journey through time that blends wistful retrospection with elegant chamber pop and cinematic-orchestral soundscapes.

PRESS

“Origins” (2009)

Intro Magazine: “Kevin Werdelmann, aka Slowtide, teaches us with his debut album that great pop music can emerge even in the smallest of spaces.”
Visions: “Music that breathes freely; full of euphoria that understands life and yet carefully inscribes joy into it.”
WDR2: “…this album is truly an attention-grabber.”
Popconnection: “You simply can’t help but love this album!”
Kulturnews: Album of the Month, January 09
Adam: Album of the Month, January 09 – “A gigantic debut album!”
Allgäu Live In: 97 out of 100 points – “…the quality of these songs is close to everything that has already achieved worldwide fame.”
Bild.de:Origins is a melancholic pop gem for indie lovers.”
Ox-Fanzine: 09/10 – “A beautiful album…”
Rote Raupe: “It’s been a long time since we were carried so gently back into reality.”
Piranha: “…Slowtide succeeds in convincing throughout the entire album.”
Oxmox: “13 pop gems.”
Ran Magazine: “With this, Slowtide already shows that the city is rightly a part of the major project Ruhr 2010 – European Capital of Culture.”
Intro.de: “Expansive, beautifully staged pop songs that need not shy away from comparisons with similar widescreen formats from the UK – and that sound like anything but the small room in which they were supposedly recorded.”
rockszene.de: “Effortlessly beautiful. A must-hear for sophisticated ears and lovers of British music.”


“Solaria” (2012)

Ultimo:Solaria offers timeless, radiantly beautiful pop music…”
Popconnection: “With his second full-length album, Kevin Werdelmann has created a powerful record.”
Intro Magazine: “Slowtide’s strength lies in crafting pointed melodies that vary the concept of the well-crafted pop song.”
│ SOUNDVILLE: “California […] offers the perfect combination of synth pads, a pumping rhythm, and light, romantic vocals that exude love and happiness. The addition of a subtle retro vibe completes the sound, making it an ideal indie pop track for both the best days. […] Thanks for such an amazing track”


“A Gentle Reminder” (2018)

Popconnection: “The strength of this album undoubtedly lies in its beautiful melodies and diverse arrangements.”
COMEHEREFLOYD: “Introspective and reflective, Slowtide’s single Soothing Light is a gateway to a new place for your emotions.”
Martins Music Reviews: “Kevin Werdelmann has succeeded in giving his older songs a brilliance that is second to none.”