You Make Me Smile – Press Kit
From West Cork to the world! A feel‑good single produced with my 2‑year‑old collaborator.
Listen here and Download Mp3 and Wav files
Written and produced by Kees Hendrickx, Recorded and mixed in Clashafree Studios and Mastered by Pete Maher
Who is Kees Hendrickx?
(Kees pronounced Case, as in suitcase, basket case, nut case, he has probably heard them all, but you may suprise him :P)
Kees was born in Holland, but sounds suspiciously like he’s from Cork. He’s a singer‑songwriter and producer whose folk‑pop songs blend rich vocal harmonies with heartfelt storytelling. Over the years, he has worked in various studios, including the renowned Galaxy Studios in Belgium, and has worked with Oscar‑winning composers and local pub legends alike, honing a distinct production sound that nods to Brian Wilson, Phil Spector and Wilco while remaining distinctly Irish. Frontman of The Shruggs and writer of the viral hit “West Cork,” Kees now steps into the spotlight with “You Make Me Smile,” a song that celebrates joy in everyday moments.
Press quotes:
• “A very useful man – like Messi in the studio.” – Tom Dunne, Irish radio host
• “There’s an undoubted gift for strong melody present.” – Nialler9
• “The exuberance of the execution will surely put a smile on even the sternest of faces.” – PureMzine
Milestones:
Kees has steadily built his reputation beyond West Cork, from composing commissioned works to restoring historic recordings. In 2024 he released “Rules of the Internet,” which became an official teaching resource. The year before, he was commissioned to write “Footsteps on the Bridge” for Bandon’s 250‑year bridge anniversary and restored a historic 1969 church recording to benefit a local charity. His 2019 song “West Cork” went viral and he was honoured as one of the “Treasures of Bandon” cementing his place as a beloved local artist.
Download Press Photos and Cover Artwork here.
Previous releases:
Press & bookings:
Reach out at hi@keeshendrickx.com or call +353 86 162 4225
Stream & follow:
Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, YouTube, Linktree
Press Release Article
Download here
Bandon Artist Kees Hendrickx Releases Heart-Warming Folk-Pop Single “You Make Me Smile” with his two‑year‑old collaborator
Release Date: Friday, 14 November 2025
Location: Bandon, County Cork, Ireland
Independent Irish artist Kees Hendrickx, from Bandon in Cork, releases his new single You Make Me Smile this Friday, November 14. Recorded and produced at Clashafree Studios, the song combines lush harmonies and folk-pop warmth with a heartfelt story of rediscovering joy through parenthood.
Originally written more than ten years ago, the track was re-imagined after Kees became a father — finding new meaning in the little moments of connection and wonder that life with a young child brings.
“I clipped a tiny camera to my two-year-old son’s clothes and saw the world from his point of view — curious, playful, and pure,” Hendrickx says. “It reminded me that joy doesn’t come from perfection, but from connection. That’s what this song is really about.”
The accompanying music video, also out Friday, was shot entirely from the toddler’s perspective — giving viewers a unique glimpse into a child’s world. The result is a tender and refreshingly creative take on family, music, and joy in everyday life. Musically, You Make Me Smile blends acoustic textures, melodic bass lines, and Brian Wilson-style harmonies, drawing comparisons to The Beach Boys, The Lemon Twigs, and Wilco. The track was mixed by Hendrickx himself and mastered by Pete Maher, whose credits include U2 and Nick Cave.
To support the release, Hendrickx has created the official music video for “You Make Me Smile,” which takes viewers on “A Day in the Life of a Toddler.” Filmed by attaching a camera to his two‑year‑old, the video provides an authentic, unfiltered glimpse into childhood. Complete with giggles, curiosity and pure chaos. As part of the promotion of the release he created “Mix With the Little Masters” a humorous promo clip that parodies the famed production series and shows father and son tinkering in the studio.
Media and booking inquiries can be directed to hi@keeshendrickx.com or +353 86 162 4225. The full Electronic Press Kit, including photos, videos and audio samples, is available at https://keeshendrickx.com/youmakemesmilepresskit.
