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Art Portfolio reports

“The most beautiful thing about playing professionally is the communication and flow you share with your fellow musicians.” KRANKk on the power of collaboration to create idiosyncratic sounds

“The most beautiful thing about playing professionally is the communication and flow you share with your fellow musicians.” KRANKk on the power of collaboration to create idiosyncratic sounds

In anticipation of this year's BOUGE B, we speak to some of the talented dancers and performers showcasing at this year's Club Edition. This week, we speak to experimental music group, KRANKk.

Music

“The label is our baby, the festival the monster.” The unlikely story of the Belgian expatriate behind Nyege Nyege, one of the most forward-thinking labels and festivals in the realms of outsider African music

“The label is our baby, the festival the monster.” The unlikely story of the Belgian expatriate behind Nyege Nyege, one of the most forward-thinking labels and festivals in the realms of outsider African music

Music contributor Jeff Lemaire goes back and forth with co-founder Derek Debru on everything from the genesis of Nyege Nyege and the politics of artist mobility to the contrasts between African and European nightlife.

Music

“The watch is for everyone. I wanted to create one that didn’t box you into specific style.” DVTCH NORRIS’ custom-made Swatch.

“The watch is for everyone. I wanted to create one that didn’t box you into specific style.” DVTCH NORRIS’ custom-made Swatch.

We teamed up with Swatch and asked hip-hop prodigy DVTCH NORRIS to handpick his favourite canvas, create his signature watch and tell the story behind it.

Music

I try to not reproduce what I’ve already done in the past, even if that’s easier said than done.” Cabasa on his versatile production technique

I try to not reproduce what I’ve already done in the past, even if that’s easier said than done.” Cabasa on his versatile production technique

We speak to prolific London-based producer Cabasa about everything from childhood memories of junglist relatives in Namur to venturing for the bright lights of London.

Music

“I try to keep away from the Internet and social media as much as possible.” Composer John Gilbert Colman on the recent reissue of his little-known, nearly disregarded Belgian theater score

“I try to keep away from the Internet and social media as much as possible.” Composer John Gilbert Colman on the recent reissue of his little-known, nearly disregarded Belgian theater score

Enigmatic and elusive Antwerp-born composer John Gilbert Colman's reminiscence over Daedelus, from composing its pop-musique concrète soundtrack to witnessing 45 children perform through lack of inhibition.

Music The music throwaway project

Moodprint Invites family, friends and lovers

Moodprint Invites family, friends and lovers

Taking a break from working on his much-awaited album release, Moodprint teamed up with Hassel Dehaes to bring about the annual exhibition extravaganza Moodprint Invites last October.

Music

Het Interstedelijk Harmoniumverbond’s congenial efforts and world premieres

Het Interstedelijk Harmoniumverbond’s congenial efforts and world premieres

Het Interstedelijk Harmoniumverbond's Glen Steenkiste introduces us to the quartet, mapping out the genesis of the group and its collaborative methods.

Music

Five reasons not to miss BOZAR’s 4th Stream

Five reasons not to miss BOZAR’s 4th Stream

We dissect BOZAR's new mini-festival 4th Stream's healthy and robust line-up into five things not to miss. See you there.

Music The music throwaway project

Milan, Moscow, Belgium and Barcelona: Cleveland’s odyssey

Milan, Moscow, Belgium and Barcelona: Cleveland’s odyssey

Starting in Milano, going through Moscow and Belgium and ending in Barcelona, Cleveland's pictures capture the backstage in a way only a DJ could.

Music

Meakusma: The fringe festival and record label drawing leftfield electronic fans from across Europe to the sleepy, Eastern Belgian town of Eupen

Meakusma: The fringe festival and record label drawing leftfield electronic fans from across Europe to the sleepy, Eastern Belgian town of Eupen

Prior to its 10th edition, we sat down with the Meakusma founders on a sunny summer morning to discuss life in their hometown, curating coherent line-ups and overcoming financial challenges.

Music

“I like to think there are many similarities between music and graphic design.” EURO2000’s Sam Gunst talks influences, visions and plans for the future

“I like to think there are many similarities between music and graphic design.” EURO2000’s Sam Gunst talks influences, visions and plans for the future

We meet Sam Gunst, the Ghent-based creative force behind 1STE VERDIEP, EURO2000 and ENERGIE on a hot afternoon to discuss the sound of a new generation, ultra-aesthetics and why energy drinks were the perfect medium for him to exploit both as a graphic designer and label owner.

Art

Five reasons to go see La Monnaie’s From the House of the Dead

Five reasons to go see La Monnaie’s From the House of the Dead

The last ever work of early 20th century Czech composer Leoš Janáček comes to the stage at La Monnaie this November. Here are our five reasons to go and see From the House of the Dead.

Music The music throwaway project

Summer’s last hurrah: Oval Angle’s throwaway pictures

Summer’s last hurrah: Oval Angle’s throwaway pictures

Geran Knol is an artist, illustrator and musician better known as Oval Angle, from the small village Makkinga in the Netherlands. We gave him a throwaway camera to capture his creative processes and everyday life in Antwerp, and he brought back snaps of countrysides and objects, artworks and interactions with loved ones.

Music

Five reasons not to miss Nuits Sonores & European Lab Brussels 2018

Five reasons not to miss Nuits Sonores & European Lab Brussels 2018

With so much to cover, we distil five essential points to keep in mind for Nuits Sonores & European Lab Brussels’ second impressive feast on all things electronica.

Art

Five reasons not to miss La Monnaie’s 2018-19 season

Five reasons not to miss La Monnaie’s 2018-19 season

This season, La Monnaie will have a schedule jam-packed with incredible shows that are sure to tickle everyone’s fancy, so we’ve curated a rundown of the crème de la crème to help you take your pick for their upcoming season.

Art On-design

“Outdoor stage design can accomodate that club atmosphere we all love.” HORST festival on eclectic stages and stubborn persistence

“Outdoor stage design can accomodate that club atmosphere we all love.” HORST festival on eclectic stages and stubborn persistence

With less than a week to go to its fifth and final edition, we speak with the founders of HORST about their steadfast focus on stage design as a way of creating the ultimate festival experience.

Music

“Music has the power to influence people’s mood, just as fashion does.” How Hermès aims to strengthen the bond between silk and music

“Music has the power to influence people’s mood, just as fashion does.” How Hermès aims to strengthen the bond between silk and music

The Word Radio recently collaborated with Hermès for their 10-day pop up record store Silk Mix. We put a few questions to Christophe Goineau, creative director of men’s silk at Hermès, and Thierry Planelle, the man behind the men’s ready-to-wear runway soundtracks to talk about fashion’s lasting love affair with music.

Music

Crazy days in Comblain: How a tiny hamlet nestled deep in the Belgian Ardennes became home to the world’s biggest jazz festival.

Crazy days in Comblain: How a tiny hamlet nestled deep in the Belgian Ardennes became home to the world’s biggest jazz festival.

From the late 50s through to the mid-60s, Comblain-la-Tour played host to the world’s biggest jazz festival. Jazz expert Lander Lenaerts takes a trip down memory lane, speaking to locals and performing artists about the festival’s enduring legacy, its liberating ethos and the lasting impact it had on the country’s jazz scene.

Music

“Running a cassette label was basically just another means of coping with my addiction.” EE Tapes’ unabashed infatuation with obscurity

“Running a cassette label was basically just another means of coping with my addiction.” EE Tapes’ unabashed infatuation with obscurity

In a rare interview, EE Tapes' founder Eriek Van Havere talks tape swaps, his love of compilations and why he continues to release Alain Neffe music.

Music

“I like to think I have around 99% of all Belgian New Beat label catalogue releases out there.” Serial collector Steven Keimi on the work of a lifetime (Interview)

“I like to think I have around 99% of all Belgian New Beat label catalogue releases out there.” Serial collector Steven Keimi on the work of a lifetime (Interview)

In an exclusive interview following years of relative silence, Steven Keimi finally opens up on his extensive New Beat collection.

Music

“I like to think I have around 99% of all Belgian New Beat label catalogue releases out there” Serial collector Steven Keimi on the work of a lifetime (Visuals)

“I like to think I have around 99% of all Belgian New Beat label catalogue releases out there” Serial collector Steven Keimi on the work of a lifetime (Visuals)

In an exclusive feature following years of relative silence, Steven Keimi finally shares his extensive New Beat catalogue.

Music

“My music was synchronised with Pamela Anderson’s boobs and that’s something not many people can say!” Jean-Marc Lederman’s long-winded adventures through the music business’ tricky and treacherous waters

“My music was synchronised with Pamela Anderson’s boobs and that’s something not many people can say!” Jean-Marc Lederman’s long-winded adventures through the music business’ tricky and treacherous waters

We talk about Digital Dance, Kid Montana and The Weathermen's Jean-Marc Lederman about his hatred of performing, embracing new production technologies and those New Beat years he’d actually rather forget.

Music Favourite Belgian releases

Mugwump’s Geoffroy handpicks 12 essential Belgian releases

Mugwump’s Geoffroy handpicks 12 essential Belgian releases

With Mugwump's latest release Drape hot off the press, Brussels-based house DJ Geoffroy Dewandeler picks his 12 Belgian bangers.

Music

Mais ouais! The baffling story of the Brussels-based label, unheard of to local audiences save for the enlightened few, that went on to release some of the most daring electronic music to be found

Mais ouais! The baffling story of the Brussels-based label, unheard of to local audiences save for the enlightened few, that went on to release some of the most daring electronic music to be found

In a rare interview, we talk name changes, music industry strife and record fetishism with the famously media-wary Frederic Mergam of WéMè record label.

Music

“I don’t trust anyone who says they don’t like pop music!” Inne Eysermans on new adventures in sound art.

“I don’t trust anyone who says they don’t like pop music!” Inne Eysermans on new adventures in sound art.

Composer, producer and Amatorski frontwoman Inne Eysermans discusses influences, her monthly show on The Word Radio and the liberating effect of not being tied to any release schedule.

Music

Five reasons not to miss BOZAR’s Jazztivism

Five reasons not to miss BOZAR’s Jazztivism

Renowned for its all-encompassing and innovative approach to jazz, we select five reasons why BOZAR’s Jazztivism is one to be noted.

Music

All that jazz: Part 2 of Brussels’ jazz scene

All that jazz: Part 2 of Brussels’ jazz scene

To mark International Jazz Day and The Word Radio's All That Jazz party on Monday 30th April, we’ve teamed up with Jazz.Brussels and handpicked 11 essential figures in Brussels jazz today.

Music

All that jazz: Part 1 of Brussels’ jazz scene

All that jazz: Part 1 of Brussels’ jazz scene

To mark International Jazz Day and The Word Radio's All That Jazz party on Monday 30th April, we’ve teamed up with Jazz.Brussels and handpicked 11 essential figures in Brussels jazz today.

Music Favourite Belgian releases

Leuven-based DJ Hassel Dehaes’ 10 Belgian gems

Leuven-based DJ Hassel Dehaes’ 10 Belgian gems

Leuven-based DJ and The Word Radio resident host Hassel Dehaes selects his 10 Belgian bangers ahead of his next show tomorrow Friday.

Music

“If we dig it, we’re going to spit over it.” Brussels-based rap phenomenon Le 77 on the past, the present and the future

“If we dig it, we’re going to spit over it.” Brussels-based rap phenomenon Le 77 on the past, the present and the future

In the whirlwind that was their second release Bawlers, we managed to catch Dr. Peet and manager Rayan of Le 77 in the comfort of their home to talk houseparties, influential aesthetics and repping area codes.

Music Favourite Belgian releases

Ghent-based producers Asa Moto handpick 10 essential Belgian stompers

Ghent-based producers Asa Moto handpick 10 essential Belgian stompers

Allez Allez, Dan Lacksman, Lavvi Ebbel, Snowy Red and The Weathermen come together in the Ghent-based producers' selection of Belgian essentials.

Art

Rhythm is a dancer: Brussels-based contemporary dance school P.A.R.T.S.

Rhythm is a dancer: Brussels-based contemporary dance school P.A.R.T.S.

How exactly does the internationally acclaimed dance school P.A.R.T.S. manage to churn out future talent after future talent in such a diminutive and unassuming manner?

Music Favourite Belgian releases

Kristof Vandenhende handpicks 10 iconic New Beat tracks

Kristof Vandenhende handpicks 10 iconic New Beat tracks

Ahead of his double release party around all things New Beat this Saturday at Vooruit, Kristof selects his 10 essential Belgian New Beat tracks for us.

Music

“We want to keep shedding light on unknown things, on music people tend to forget even exists.” How Sub Rosa sifts through the chaos of experimental electronic music

“We want to keep shedding light on unknown things, on music people tend to forget even exists.” How Sub Rosa sifts through the chaos of experimental electronic music

An extended interview with Guy-Marc Hinant, co-founder of near-mythical record label Sub Rosa, talking everything from the imprint's first release to achieving unity in production and why seven is the label's lucky number.

Music

“I always dreamed of being an explorer in the old-fashioned pre-colonisation sense of the word.” Dijf Sanders on his Indonesian field recording adventure

“I always dreamed of being an explorer in the old-fashioned pre-colonisation sense of the word.” Dijf Sanders on his Indonesian field recording adventure

Post-travels through Indonesia, we talk teenage tendencies, chance encounters and walking around with a waterproof bag full of expensive gear with Ghent-based producer Dijf Sanders.

Music Favourite Belgian releases

Out The Frame lays down 10 Belgian bangers

Out The Frame lays down 10 Belgian bangers

All Eyes On Hip Hop's Willem Vandesande and Vooruit's Wouter Vanhaelemeesch have handpicked 10 of their standout Belgian releases ahead of Out The Frame, a brand new indoor hip-hop festival taking place this Saturday.

Music

Five reasons not to miss BOZAR’s March Electronic Series

Five reasons not to miss BOZAR’s March Electronic Series

Carrying on the torch with their second BOZAR Electronic Series night of the year, we dissect five reasons to not miss out on the upcoming soirée this Saturday.

Music

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio.

Music

Talks, tips and thoughts on Brussels (part 2)

Talks, tips and thoughts on Brussels (part 2)

Part two of our series of interviews on Brussels with some of The Word Radio's out-of-town residents.

Music Favourite Belgian releases

Perron Zes selects 15 essential Belgian tracks

Perron Zes selects 15 essential Belgian tracks

The boys behind Brussels' multidisciplinary music collective Perron Zes handpicked their 15 finest Belgian releases for us.

Music

Five shows to listen to on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen to on The Word Radio

Call-in poetry, pre-Valentine jams and turntable wizardry. The past week's standout moments on The Word Radio.

Music The music throwaway project

On tour with Le 77

On tour with Le 77

With their new album Bawlerz out since Friday, we run a series of photographs Le 77 took exclusively for us.

Music

Talks, tips and thoughts on Brussels (part 1)

Talks, tips and thoughts on Brussels (part 1)

We ask a selection of The Word Radio's hosts and guests to reveal what they've discovered about Brussels.

Music

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

Your week's listening list, featuring Denis Mpunga, Laraaji, Crevette Records founder Alfred Anders, the Basic Crew set and Vastechoses' ghost session.

Music

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

The past week's essential radio shows as chosen by our team of editors. Don't sleep.

Music

Denis Mpunga discusses his early 80s work with producer Patrick Stas aka Paul K.

Denis Mpunga discusses his early 80s work with producer Patrick Stas aka Paul K.

Denis Mpunga meets Pauk Stas in Liège, 1979. What resulted was one of the most unexpected, fascinating and exotic sounds never to have been released - until Amsterdam-based label Music From Memory finally released the Criola sessions as an EP earlier this year.

Music

On creating music producing software Fruityloops, by Jean-Marie Cannie

On creating music producing software Fruityloops, by Jean-Marie Cannie

Image-Line Software founder and CTO Jean-Marie Cannie takes the time to describe how the globally beloved and colourful music production interface Fruityloops came to be.

Music

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen back to on The Word Radio

Your week's listening list, courtesy of The Word Radio - don't sleep.

Music

Five shows to listen to this week on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen to this week on The Word Radio

The week's recommended shows straight from The Word Radio studios.

Music

Five shows to listen to this week on The Word Radio

Five shows to listen to this week on The Word Radio

Listen back to the week's pick of shows on The Word Radio as chosen by our team of editors.