Sem Jansen is a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter from the Netherlands whose music lives at the crossroads of Southern rock, Americana, and storytelling songwriting. His work currently revolves around three main projects.
Since 2011, Sem has been a core member of the Leif de Leeuw Band. Together, they have written and recorded multiple albums and played countless memorable shows across Europe. Known as one of Europe’s finest Southern rock jam bands, their sound often draws comparisons to legends like The Allman Brothers Band, Little Feat, and Gov’t Mule.
As a songwriter, Sem’s solo project is deeply rooted in narrative-driven songs. Inspired by masters such as Darrell Scott, Guy Clark, and Lowell George, his music is intimate, honest, and rich in character. In 2023/2024, he toured his acclaimed theatre show “Who the FCK is Britt?!”*, a powerful and personal performance telling the story of his transition. Along the way, Sem also won the TV show “Hit the Road” and reached the finals of “We Want More.”
In 2020, Sem and Leif de Leeuw formed a duo, creating space to explore their shared love for folk, Americana, and country music. Blending original material with carefully chosen covers of their musical heroes, the duo offers a more intimate side of their musical world.
Other activities
Apart from his work as a performing artist Sem loves teaching. He’s had his own private music school in Helmond since 2008 where he teaches vocals, guitar and songwriting. He is one of the only vocal coaches specialised in the vocal transition of transmen. (due to the high demand and long waiting list he currently only takes on new students that are in need of vocal coaching due to their transition.)
He also provides guest lectures at schools and companies. There he talks about what it means to be transgender. He is convinced that if we keep talking to each other and hear each other out we can respect and accept each other.