Interviews – The Word Magazine

Music

Little Dragon at Dour

More Dour festival fun and frolics with Swedish electronic outfit Little Dragon, a band that's so good they even got a backstage thumbs up from Beyoncé.

Music

BRNS at Les Ardentes

Four young Belgian lads who go by the name of BRNS are currently braving their very first summer festival season. We caught up with them at Les Ardentes at the weekend and pestered them with questions.

Music

Housse de Racket at Les Ardentes

There's talk of new albums, new apartments and hop-skipping round Europe on the summer festival circuit in our interview with Paris' finest Housse de Racket at last weekend's Les Ardentes.

Music

Twin Shadow at Les Ardentes

We caught up with L.A.'s George Lewis Jr. a.k.a. Twin Shadow at this weekend's Les Ardentes and had a little chat about his new album 'Confess', the summer festival circuit and getting by with a little help from Pitchfork.

Neighbourhood life

Grey expectations

By 2020, 40 percent of the Belgian population will be over 50. They will want to have fun, travel, and stay healthy and mobile in their own (renovated) homes. These four professionals understand that seniors will soon rule the world.

Music

Pale Grey

We sat down with Belgian electro-pop four-piece Pale Grey to talk about their first EP, color-driven inspirations and being part of the JauneOrange Collective.

Pablo Henrard

Pablo Henrard, a talented fashion student we spotted last year, opens up to fill us in on his 4th year womenswear collection, getting the girls for his last show and interning with the "family" at Gaultier Couture in Paris.

The middleman

We sat down with Marc Gysemans to talk about his collaboration with industry darling Raf Simons and his profession as a producer in general.

A taste for paradox

We sat down with Paris-based Belgian Kris Van Assche - who designs Dior menswear as well as his own line - to talk about his style, avoiding sartorial clichés and why having fun with clothes is so important.

Music Exclusive mixes

Fat Chance

Brussels-based record label UNREzT deliver a dark and deadly exclusive mix of hip-hop-tilting electronica, a perfect travel companion for those late-night underground missions on the subway.

Miquel Boutens

We catch up with young Antwerp Academy graduate and Brugge native Miquel Boutens to talk dressy menswear, bow ties and Marie-Antoinette.

Christian Astuguevieille

On the eve of one of his biggest auctions in Belgium, we chatted to French wunderkind Christian Astuguevieille about his relationship with Rei Kawakubo, his unusual career path and his contagious passion for tactile objects.

Music

Uphigh Collective

We sat down with William from Leuven-based Uphigh Collective to talk about their latest projects, the challenges of performing analogue and hip hop influences.

When Patrick met Nigel

We sat down with Bellerose boss man Patrick van Heurck and British designer Nigel Cabourn to discuss the fruits of their first team-up, a sleek duffle coat for next season.

Glenn Martens

We shoot the breeze with 29-year-old Belgian designer Glenn Martens about his Paris début, a typical day at the atelier and where he gets his inspiration.

Music

Dalai Lama Renaissance

We sat down with Belgian three-piece Dalai Lama Renaissance to talk about their upcoming album, running their own label and remaining cryptic.

Music Exclusive mixes

Onda Sonora

We asked Brussels DJ duo, radio hosts and party promoters Onda Sonora to whip up a lip-smacking mix of Belgium and Holland's freshest musical meat. Another Word exclusive.

Music

Grimes

We spoke with Canadian-born sci-pop siren Claire Boucher (24), otherwise known as Grimes, about her latest record ‘Visions’, getting anointed by Pitchfork and being a girl in the music business.

Art

Fifteen questions to Caroline Van Hoek

Here's us chatting with Brussels-based gallery founder Caroline Van Hoek about her take on the artist-as-jewellery-maker, why she expanded her space upwards and talent-scouting.

Art

Kelly De Block

Having first profiled her work for our talent section, we got back in touch with up-and-coming photographer Kelly De Block to talk about her latest series, ‘Appearing/disappearing’.

Music Exclusive mixes

Disco Naïveté

In part three of our exclusive mix series, we asked Belgian buzzblog Disco Naïveté to create a compilation of songs topping his current playlist.

Art

Xavier Hufkens

In the very last installment of our interview series with Belgian gallery owners, we have a chat with Brussels-based Xavier Hufkens about this year's Art Brussels gig and art fairs in general.

Art

Rodolphe Janssen

Art is in the air in Brussels today as the city's big art bash kicks off. We had a sit down with gallery owner Rodolphe Janssen to speak about his show at the prestigious Art Brussels fair and his job as juror.

Art

Tim Van Laere

This weekend sees Belgium's art event of the year roll into Brussels, and we've sat down to get the view from gallery owner Tim Van Laere on his upcoming show at Art Brussels.

Art

Baronian Francey

In the second part of our ongoing interview series with Belgian gallery owners, we speak to Baronian Francey founder Albert Baronian about his plans for Art Brussels.

Art

Alice Gallery

We kick off a week of Art Brussels coverage with an interview with Alice van den Abeele and Raphaël Cruyt, the creative geniuses behind Brussels' Alice Gallery.

Art

Stéphane Erouane Dumas at La Verrière Hermès

We sit down for an exclusive interview with French artist Stéphane Erouane Dumas as he prepares to unveil his latest installation at La Verrière Hermès on April 20.

Music

New Build

Brit band New Build partake in a bit of a Word-exclusive Q&A about constant references to Hot Chip (which they don't mind), their tour, and a brand new album.

Neighbourhood life This is Belgium

The best new male models in Belgian fashion

We've selected our favourite Belgian cover boys and girls for spring, eight fashion forward faces that'll soon be gracing a glossy cover near you, if not already. Here's the boys.

Neighbourhood life This is Belgium

The best new female models in Belgian fashion

We've selected our favourite Belgian cover boys and girls for spring, eight fashion forward faces that'll soon be gracing a glossy cover near you, if not already. Here's the ladies.

Music Exclusive mixes

The Lizzies

The second instalment in our series of Word-exclusive mixes comes from female DJ duo The Lizzies.

Art

Thomas Nolf

With a gallery by Thomas Nolf, we polish off our series on young and talented Belgium-based photographers who've been letting us in on their own interpretations of the 'new beginnings' thing.

Art

Margaux Carron

Time again for our exclusive series on young promising photography talents. Part three spotlights French-born Brussels-based Margaux Carron whose inspiration for 'new beginnings' led her to reflect on adolescence...

Art

Jef Claes

It's the second installment of our photography series on the theme of new beginnings, and we're showcasing some springtime snap-happiness from rising Belgian talent Jef Claes.

Neighbourhood life

Back to zero

As part of our series on new beginnings, here's Julien Mourlon and Mieke Dumortier who've accomplished something most of us scaredy cats daren't do: they took the reigns of their careers and said so long to playing it safe.

Art

Sanne Delcroix

We kick of our 'new beginnings'-inspired photography series with a gallery shot by young Belgian star Sanne Delcroix.

Music Exclusive mixes

Dalai Lama Renaissance

Tune in for this Word-exclusive mix by Brussels-based band Dalai Lama Renaissance, homegrown pop-electronica trio on the rise.

Music

New name, new game

We're talking band re-baptisms as part of our series on new beginnings, with Belgian musos The Glimmers, MonkeyRobot, New Bleeders and BRNS on why they did it and how it changed things (or not).

Music

Sei A

We sat down with Scottish producer Sei A AKA Andy Graham in London to talk about his music and how moving to the big smoke has affected it.

Fifteen questions to Alice Knackfuss

We talk to the designer about feminism, the "freedom" of menswear and why she ultimately refuses to believe in fast fashion.

Music

Ross Clements and Geert Sermon

With just a few days before their first night at Brussels' Beursschouwburg, we speak to kindred spirits Ross Clements and Geert Sermon about their joint promoting effort.

Neighbourhood life

PLMD’s Pierre and Damien

We polish off our series on creative and enterprising two-pieces with the delightful duo Pierre and Damien from graphic design studio pleaseletmedesign.

Music Exclusive mixes

Sagat

Still ridiculously loved up, we bring you Brussels-based DJ Sagat's excellent Valentines's Day mix, inspired by tacky, crappy E-Cards. It's a good one.

Music

The Big Pink

Last month, English twosome The Big Pink released a second album called 'Future This'. We spoke to them about their new record, skateboarding and being a couple (but not in that way).

Music Exclusive mixes

Jazz Neversleeps

Here comes Valentine's mix number five, and this time it's Brussels' DJ Jazz Neversleeps, signed to the renowned On-point label. With 'Hard On Your Love' he proves once more that there's nothing wrong with genre-hopping.

Art

Pierre Besson

We have a sit down with French artist Pierre Besson whose works are currently on show at Brussels' Joye Gallery. We talk about technologic excess, the beauty of everyday things and Brian Eno's minimalist appeal.

Music Exclusive mixes

Jealov

Part three of our Valentines mix has Brussels-based Jealov turning knobs and turning heads. "A slippery slow mix to keep the pace", as they succinctly put it.

Neighbourhood life

Hunting and Collecting’s Niels and Aude

Niels and Aude are the creative geniuses behind Hunting and Collecting, a Brussels-based concept store that's made a name for itself in Belgium and beyond.

Neighbourhood life

Projet Digilence’s Emilie and Valentin

Emilie Pischedda and Valentin Souquet are a duo in lots of ways: they are artists, lovers, parents and founders of Brussels-based art production hub Project Digilence.

Neighbourhood life

SteytPeña’s Luis and Laurence

Luis Peña and Laurence Steyt met while assisting the same photographer in Paris back in 2004. These days, they're busy with their venture, SteytPeña, and their very own Brussels studio.

Art

Photographer Kelly De Block

In our continued bid to shine a light on rising Belgian talent, we speak with recently-graduated fashion photographer Kelly De Block about collages, contrasts and connecting with people.

Neighbourhood life

Felicia Atkinson and Bartolomé Sanson

In the fourth part of our series on illuminating couple-collaborators, we introduce multi-talents Felicia and Bartholomé whose pooled resources include books and records.

Art

Fifteen questions to Ingrid Baars

We sit down with Antwerp-based Dutch photographer Ingrid Baars to discuss the creative process, her love of the female form and feedback from older men at gallery openings.

Neighbourhood life

Onda Sonora’s Bart and Yoeri

More superstar soulmates. DJs Yoeri Bellemans and Bart Sibiel make up two halves of Onda Sonora Soundsystem. They traffic their soulful sound at their own trademarked shindigs but also through a cool weekly slot on FM Brussel.

Art

Illustrator Joost Stokhof

We continue our series on emerging talent with an interview with Utretcht-based illustrator Joost Stockhof

Neighbourhood life

Face to Face’s Delphine and Flore

On a total love buzz, we've begun harvesting some of February's Valentine spirit. We've decided to while away the month by introducing you to some inseparable Belgian two-pieces. Some are musicians. Others photographers. The odd DJ-duo, even. We kick off our series with Brussels-based graphic design team Face to Face.

Neighbourhood life

Memymom’s Lisa and Marilène

Part II of our fascination-feature on outstanding Belgian two-pieces. Drumroll please for Memymom, a photography venture concocted by mother and daughter duo Marilène and Lisa.

Music

Casiokids

We talk to the quirky Norwegian outfit Casiokids about their new record ‘Aabenbaringen over Aaskammen’, getting sponsored by a-ha and playing gigs in lighthouses.

Art

Christopher Coppers

With his exhibition at Bodson Emelinckx Gallery having just opened, we sit down with Brussels-based cut-up artist Christopher Coppers to talk about his biggest show to date, the state of TV and Belgian politicians singing the wrong national anthem.

Neighbourhood life

Delvaux and Wouters & Hendrix collaboration

We sit down with jewellery designers Wouters & Hendrix to get the lowdown on their Delvaux collaboration.

Neighbourhood life

Fifteen questions to Pablo Piatti

We sit down with fashion illustrator Pablo Piatti in Antwerp to discuss his craft, drawing faces and viewing illustration as a complement to photography.

Music

Nosedrip

We sit down with Ghent-based DJ Nosedrip to ask him what's missing in his life and what songs he'd play on a first date. Scroll down to the bottom of the interview for a free mix.

Neighbourhood life

The smooth operator

We speak to a Belgian hostage negotiator about handling crisis situations, parallels to the movie 'The Negotiator' and how a little lie can undermine an entire operation.

Art

When Hedgren met Sonny

Belgium bag maker Hedgren teams up with happy snapper Sonny Vandevelde for the launch of their capsule collection.

Neighbourhood life

The interview: White Russia

Having just released the debut LP O Jerusalem singer/songwriter Maria Elderton from London two-piece White Russia speaks to us about apathetic bands and wanting to be Axl Rose.

Neighbourhood life

The interview: White Car

We speak to Elon Katz from upcoming Chicago two-piece White Car about his slew of side projects, Chinese underground music and painting a house white.

Neighbourhood life

Damir Doma

We sit down with 30 year old Croatian fashion designer Damir Doma to talk production issues, being an introvert in Antwerp and choosing white for his latest collection.

Neighbourhood life

The interview: Girls

We speak with Girls frontman Christopher Owens about white sneaker fetishes, running a business and singing “Stille nacht” to sailors at Christmas time in Antwerp’s docks.

Neighbourhood life

The interview: Mario & Vidis

Following the release of their double album Changed, we speak with Lithuanian production prodigies Mario & Vidis about their top three records of 2011, their hometown and who they'd book for their last ever party.

Neighbourhood life

The interview: Is Tropical

Having just released their debut album 'Native To' earlier this year, the face-shy London three-piece was in Brussels to perform at Botanique. We caught up with them minutes before the show to talk getting bashed by Pitchfork, hating England and throwing illegal parties in toilet showrooms.

Art

The interview: Dirk Braeckman

Following the opening of his most extensive retrospective to date in Leuven's M Museum, we meet Dirk Braeckman, arguably Belgium's most prominent photographer, to talk analogue photography, eliminating colour and working against photography as a medium. Includes our visual review of the exhibition in the image gallery at the bottom of the page.

Neighbourhood life

Fifteen questions to: Zhao Li

With her playful, animal-shaped creations, up and coming jewellery designer Zhao Li has roots in China and a home in Antwerp, adding some much-needed colour to the local jewellery scene. We speak with her about the beauty of spiders, using medical plastic and her jewellery line 'talitali'.

The notebook: Dirty Beaches

A quick-fire, handmade interview with Dirty Beaches frontman Alex Zhang that talks to us about being on the road, his mom and eating good food.

Neighbourhood life

Fifteen questions to: Peter Ceursters

Fifteen questions put to Peter Ceursters, manager of Antwerp's Acne store by day and accessory designer by night.

Music

The Experimental Tropic Blues Band

Back from having recorded their latest album with blues-rock legend Jon Spencer in New York, we sit down with The Experimental Tropic Blues Band two days before their embark on a European tour to discuss making real rock music, taking the subway in New York and getting famous music journalists to go naked on stage.

Neighbourhood life

Fifteen questions to: Sofie Claes

We sit down with Antwerp rising start Sophie Claes for the second in our instalment of fifteen question sessions to talk doing charity in India, starting her own business and what characterises her style.

Neighbourhood life

Fifteen questions to: Eric Beauduin

Fashion designer Eric Beauduin's leather good creations have taken the fashion world by storm, resulting in prestigious retails imprints such as L'Ėclaireur in Paris and Halelujah in Brussels carrying his line. In a new, weekly series of rapid fire questions to the fashion folk, we quiz the Brussels-based bagman on everything from the meaning of luxury to the importance of retaining his independence.

Neighbourhood life

The interview: Magne Furuholmen

We speak with 80s pop icon and a-ha founding member Magne Furuholmen about his work as a visual artist and eco-activist.

Neighbourhood life

‘WeForest’ represents Belgium at smart urban stage in Frankfurt

Saving the planet by planting trees - this is the mission of Belgian NGO WeForest which has the chance to win the smart future minds award tomorrow in Frankfurt. We spoke to CEO Marie-Noelle Keijzer in the run up to the big day.

Neighbourhood life

Interview: These New Puritans

Whilst These New Puritans, the band of four from Southend-on-Sea in England, could be considered youngsters to the musical spectrum, their albums suggest otherwise. And, although Beat Pyramid (the band’s debut, released in 2008 on Angular Records) had already confirmed the group as a force to be reckoned with, their latest LP Hidden (released in […]

Neighbourhood life

Music: a word with Parisian duo Logo

Parisian duo Logo first popped up on our radar with their phenomenal track Junocide, which was released on Kitsuné Maison Compilation, Vol. 8 back in November 2009. Having just released their latest EP, Merit, we caught up with the merry bunch via email 10 days ago to talk recording sessions, summer plans and the best […]

Music

The word with Abe Vigoda

Godfather legend Abe Vigoda has made his comeback in the shape of four young boys with a lot of energy! The LA-based group has stepped out of the Smell-shadows and is currently touring around Europe to promote their fourth album Crush, released in 2010 on Bella Union. Their music speaks to the young and the […]

Music

Interview: The Horrors speak about third album Skying

After taking the world by storm with the haunting Sheena Is A Parasite, being hailed as the saviours of UK’s garage rock revival, then dismissed and parodied as yet another case of “style over substance”, The Horrors silenced their detractors and gained unanimous critical praise with 2009’s Primary Colours. Southend-on-Sea’s black-clad quintetare back with Skying, […]

Music

Music: Mark Boombastik and Eduardo Delgado Lopez’ Adios Berlin

You could say Mark Boombastik is something of a general ordering his troupes to get in line and march to the beat. A Berlin-based beatboxer, lyricist and singer with an intense, commandeering and hypnotic vocal presence, his recent collaboration with Eduardo Delgado Lopez (also the bass player in Caspar Brötzmann Massaker) on their joint effort Adiós Berlin […]

Music

It takes a lot of beans to make a Chilly

With more facets to his talent than a chameleon on shuffle mode, Chilly Gonzales is a hard man to pin down. His new album, The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales, just out, we caught up with the Canadian-born virtuoso in his Paris apartment to talk bathrobe fetishes, wannabe industry poseurs and paying for you own Guinness World […]

Music

The word with: Black Lips

Paying their customary visit to the Nuits Botanique, the Black Lips once more ripped the venue’s Orangerie to shreds. The self-proclaimed “flower-punks” are currently on the road presenting Arabia Mountain, their sixth effort – produced by pop maestro and instant hitmaker Mark Ronson of all people. And whilst these new tracks resolutely sounded more “flower” […]

Neighbourhood life

When old meets new: J.M. Weston invites Kitsuné

Collaborations are a hard thing to pull-off in the finicky and fickle world of fashion. Egos tend to get in the way, brand values get muddled and no one really is fooled. Yes, ok, we’ll buy into the ‘meeting of minds’ thing, but that’s about as far as it goes. Don’t expect us to believe […]

Art

Rise and shine: Photographer Quentin De Wispelaere

He’s barely 21 and only completing his first year of photography studies but Quentin De Wispelaere already has a CV worthy of the country’s hot shots. His first series Photos De Classe made it to semi-final at Hyères International Fashion and Photography Festival, American Tour was picked up by international editions of Vice magazine, and […]

Music

Interview: actor Adam Goldberg’s new band The Goldberg Sisters

We all remember Adam Goldberg for hilarious roles such as Eddie, Chandler’s psychotic flatmate in Friends, the neurotic Nicky Rubenstein in Entourage, or Mike Newhouse in Dazed And Confused. The actor, who’s had a hand at directing too, has been making music for over a decade. After releasing his debut Eros and Omissions under the […]

Music

The word with Dum Dum Girls

Best place to get a tattoo? Forearm // London @ Shangi-la Words for the future you? Chill out. Favourite love songs? Fade Into You – Mazzy Star Ladies And Gentlemen… – Spiritualized Analy – Minko For which reason was Richard Gottehrer so high on your personal list when you first got the opportunity to […]

Music

The word with No Age

What’s been keeping you busy these days? DS: PPM, NO AGE, LIFE, ETC. RR: Going to the dentist in Antwerp. Driving from Barcelona to London. Playing shows. Listening to John Cale. What’s the weirdest thing that happened on tour so far? DS: Went to a bar in NY, Saw two fights, almost got robbed & […]

Music

The word with Ping Pong Tactics

Local heroes and hailed as the “next big thing”, the Belgian kids from Ping Pong Tactics played a last minute concert at Ghent’s Kinky Star last Friday. The Huyghe brothers and best drummer of Sint-Laureins just released their latest record Sensual Dancing on cassette. We met up with lead singer Bert just before a fire […]

Music

Interview: Bo Ningen

A firm fixture on the East London scene, Bo Ningen played their first gig in Belgium last Sunday at Brussels’ Magasin 4. Their apocalyptic stage act, heavy riffs and psychedelic soundscapes have earned them the reputation of being the best live band around and, combined with their singular look, make for an unforgettable visual and […]

Music

The interview: French Horn Rebellion’s broke ass tour trials and tribulations

Depending on your mood, interviewing a band like French Horn Rebellion is either a nightmare or an unexpected treat. Walking in with a list of questions is pointless, given the chatty ping-pong style dynamics of the Brooklyn-based two-piece. We caught up with the lively siblings this past Sunday before their gig supporting Hercules and Love […]

Music

The word with Efterklang

The beautiful boys and lovely Heather from Danish outfit Efterklang were in Brussels’ Botanique Tuesday to offer us that extra spark of magic. This fresh batch of Impala award winners has sailed across the seven sees to perform, engaged in several side-projects, shot their own film and managed to stay their own fun and brilliant selves […]

Music

Emufucka, the prodigy producer straight outta Tokyo

Early last week, Brussels’ Citywurl Records sent us a promo of Tokyo-based producer-come-beat-maker Emufucka’s latest EP called Select. The six-track effort, a genre-defying mix of cosmic electronic beats and mangled melodies, is fresh, flawless and cerebral. We email-interviewed the 24 year wizard of odds, asking him about everything from the view from his bedroom window […]

Music The music throwaway project

Alexis Taylor

Special thanks to Wilfried for making sure the camera safely got back to us.

Music

Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor speaks about his new band, About Group

After spearheading this past decade’s nerdy dance pop-movement with his band Hot Chip, Alexis Taylor turns to spontaneous recording with About Group, his new project. We caught up with the ever-polite British singer and musician last Saturday, minutes before his eclectic DJ set at a Los Ninos party in Brussels’ cultural-hub Congres station. How long has About […]

Music

The word with Twin Shadow

Brooklyn-based band Twin Shadow (4AD) stopped by Brussels’ AB Club last night, granting us with a very energetic show and a set-list packed with tracks from their much-hyped debut Forget. We had a quick chat with charming lead singer George Lewis Jr. Voice of an angel, hair like Prince. If spring wasn’t in the air […]

Music

The word with Wire

Post-punk veterans Wire stopped by Belgium last Friday, in the midst of their current tour. We caught up with bassist and founding member Graham Lewis before their set at the Botanique for a quick chat and impromptu photo session in a nearby bar. [authors] Interview and photography Yana Foqué [/authors] What’s your current state of […]

Music

The word with Ariel Pink

Love or loathe Ariel Pink ’s unique brand of psychedelic lo-fi pop, the LA-based artist has taken the world by storm with his single Round and Round . Hailed as the breakthrough artist of 2010, we caught up with him last time he was in Belgium. This is the first of a series of no-fuss […]

Music

Road revelations

It’s not all fun and games for Belgian garage duo The Black Box Revelation. The two-piece is having a busy summer so far, driving through Europe to perform at a string of festivals. We caught Jan and Dries between two pit stops and had a chat about life on the road. Photography Ulrike Biets How […]

Art Curator talks

We go pro with Karim

On the last day of Design September we dashed between presentations from the dons of the European design award scene and talks from product packaging pack before sitting down for a speedy cappuccino with a very candy striped Karim Rashid It was the closing event of Design September – the professionals’ day – with conferences […]