Award Winning Guitarist & Composer
Ken Verheecke has released several albums since his debut album in 1993. To date he seen millions of streams of his music through various digital sites.
Through the years Ken has publishing deals with the Eddie Crook Company (Christian Music) and Maranatha Music (Christian Music). In 2017 Ken signed with Heart Dance Records and has released 3 instrumental electronic based albums… Consider the Moon & Stars which reached the number 5 spot in ZMR Top 100. It was also featured in 180 Radio Stations around the world. His next release was Between Earth & Sky which reached the number 9 spot on the ZMR Top 100 Chart. Both albums were on the Ballot Box for the 2019 Grammy Awards. His latest release with Heart Dance Records is Tripping the Light Fantastic… inspired by his recent move to Northern Michigan and running along Mullet Lake. It was nominated for the ZMR “Best Chill Album” for 2019.
As a musician, Ken’s focus is acoustic guitar , and has been featured on several sampler releases – Winter Gifts, and Winter Gifts II (Many Miles Music), The Gathering (2012) which includes songs from 22 artists produced by GRAMMY winning guitarist and founder of Windham Hill Records, Will Ackerman at his Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont. The Gathering won the Zone Music Reporter Album of the Year in 2012, it features Ken’s song… Forever, which also is heard on XM Radio’s Spa Channel. In addition, Ken’s music has been featured on Heart Dance Records Samplers, Music for Dogs, Music from the Heart : Emotional & Relaxing Acoustic, Music from the Heart : Emotional & Relaxing Ambient Samplers. Lastly, Ken was recently featured on Mindful Music Association : A Better Life Sampler. Ken’s 2019 Heart Dance Records release “Tripping the Light Fantastic” has been nominated for a 2019 ZMR Award for ‘Best Chill/Groove Album.”
Focusing on genres like solo acoustic guitar that might evoke a sense of relaxation or personal memory, as seen in titles like “Lake of Remembrance” dedicated to his father or “Wintersong” inspired by Northern Michigan’s winter ambiance. His style, from what’s described by many, doesn’t align with mainstream genres like Chicago blues or rock but rather seems to fit into the niche of instrumental guitar music meant for relaxation or personal reflection. His pieces like “Resilient Hope” and “An Autumn Morning” suggest a thematic approach centered around nature, seasons, or personal experiences. His work might resonate with listeners looking for background music or those interested in the storytelling aspect of music without the need for lyrics.
Over the last couple of years, Ken’s solo guitar single “Into the Quiet” was added to a Spotify Editorial playlist, Cappuccino Pizzicato, and some of his ambient offerings have landed on Spotify’s Editorial lists, Lava Lamp, Ambiente, Exospheres and Apple Music’s Acoustic Chill, Barefoot Acoustic playlists and Pure Ambient. One of Ken’s recent singles Clear Blue Skies is now featured daily on SpaXM Radio.
Ken Verheecke’s music career is marked by his commitment to creating music that not only entertains but also ministers to his audience, encouraging faith, reflection, and spiritual growth through his art. His work continues to evolve, maintaining a strong connection with his Christian roots while exploring new expressions of faith through music.
Influences
Ken Verheecke’s music is a rich tapestry woven from a variety of influences that reflect his personal journey, faith, and admiration for guitar-driven artistry. Growing up, Ken was deeply moved by hearing Phil Keaggy on Glass Harp’s first album—an experience he describes as life-changing. Keaggy’s virtuosic guitar work and emotive style left a lasting imprint, inspiring Ken’s own approach to the instrument. This influence shines through in his technical skill and the soulful quality he brings to both acoustic and electric guitar.
Another pivotal moment came in 1982 when Ken first listened to Will Ackerman’s album Passage. The simplicity and beauty of Ackerman’s acoustic compositions captivated him, sparking a dream to create similarly reflective and peaceful music. As the founder of Windham Hill Records, Ackerman’s influence is evident in Ken’s focus on serene, evocative soundscapes—particularly in his solo guitar pieces that prioritize calm and introspection over flashiness.
Ken’s influences also extend to the Christian music sphere, where bands like DeGarmo & Key played a significant role in his musical past. Their blend of rock and faith-based lyrics resonates in Ken’s own work, which often carries a spiritual undercurrent, aiming to uplift and minister to listeners. This is especially apparent in albums like Consider the Moon & Stars, where his electric guitar explorations retain a contemplative essence tied to his beliefs.
Beyond these core inspirations, Ken has cited other artists like Lanz & Speer, Ed Gerhard, and Michael Gettel as shaping his sound. Lanz & Speer’s atmospheric, peaceful music leanings likely influenced his ambient pieces, while Gerhard’s masterful fingerstyle technique and Gettel’s melodic sensibilities echo in Ken’s intricate guitar arrangements. Together, these influences create a sound that’s both peaceful and versatile—ranging from the acoustic tranquility of Beyond The Horizon to the 80s-infused electric vibes he’s recently explored.
Living in Northern Michigan, Ken also draws inspiration from his surroundings—Lake Michigan sunsets, Mullet Lake mornings, and the vast prairie skies of his South Dakota years. This connection to nature adds a vivid, almost cinematic quality to his music, making it a personal reflection of both his faith and the world around him.
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