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 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 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.
30 things to do in Belgium this weekend USB runways in Brussels, transcendent art in Antwerp and poetic cinematography in Leuven. Go do the right thing.
Music “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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Heartwarming inaugurations in Brussels, psychadelics at large in Mechelen and poetic shadows in Antwerp. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Club openings in Antwerp, all-nighters in Hasselt and local heroes in Brussels. Start the new year's right and go do the right thing.
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 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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Museum reopenings in Tervuren, synth-pop delights in Ghent and heartwearming heat in Brussels. Go do the right thing.
Art 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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 25 things to do in Belgium this weekend All-nighters in Liège, piping hot new talents in Antwerp and our very own protest soirée at The Word. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Brewerie takeovers in offices in Brussels, red carpet treatments in Ghent and abstract expressionism in Deurle. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 30 things to do in Belgium this weekend Family and friends in Oudenaarde, critical design in Liège and The Word Radio takeovers in Leuven. Go do the right thing.
Art 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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 30 things to do this weekend in Belgium Grand museum openings in Redu, New Beat revivals in Destelbergen and back-to-school exhibition openings in Brussels. Go do the right thing.
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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 10 things to do in Belgium this weekend Grand re-openings in Brussels, gritty performance art in Antwerp and artistic adventures in Ghent. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Local loves in Leuven, manuscripts unveiled in Knokke, and nocturnal museum fever in Antwerp. Go do the right thing.
Music 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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Festival fun for all ages in Liège, queerific matinées in Ghent and on letting go in Watou. Go do the right thing.
Music “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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Occupation rhetorics in Brussels, homecoming celebrations in Antwerp and sonic innovation in Liège. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend International showcases in Ostend, journal structures in Ghent and accidental music at our very own The Word Radio. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Erotica in Ghent, breaks galore in Brussels, and sharp words in Antwerp. Go do the right thing.
Music Favourite 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.
Art Five reasons to go see La Monnaie’s Bluebeard’s Castle & The Miraculous Mandarin Renowned for Béla Bartók's gothic magnificence, we select five reasons why La Monnaie's next double-bill productions are unmissable.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Shadiest reads in Ghent, birthday celebrations in Liège and Antwerp Art Weekend. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 21 things to do in Belgium this weekend Dripping decadence in Antwerp, calculated chaos in Leuven and bumping beats in Brussels. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Pictures of our recent The Word Radio presents All That Jazz party A selection of pictures from our recent The Word Radio presents All That Jazz: a full day of radio shows, DJ sets and live concerts.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Psychedelic beats in Brussels, underground garage in Hasselt and revolutionary creatives in Ghent. Go do the right thing.
Music “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 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 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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Cut-throat rhythms in Antwerp, solitary bliss in Leuven, and our very own bank holiday jazz jam. Go do the right thing.
Music 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 and The Word Radio resident host Hassel Dehaes selects his 10 Belgian bangers ahead of his next show tomorrow Friday.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Cultural cannibalism in Antwerp, tangible femininity in Brussels and sweaty grooves in Mechelen. Go do the right thing.
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 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.
Art Curator talks “We’d rather invite the guys you probably never heard of.” Splḗn co-founder Felix Claus on the next energetic edition With the next edition of energetic festival Splḗn hosted this coming weekend, we put a few questions to co-founder Felix Claus about breaking the music festival mould, championing up-and-coming artists and how to keep energy levels high.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Demonic decadence in Gaasbeek, immortalised taboos in Brussels and jungle designs in Antwerp. Go do the right thing.
Music Favourite Belgian releases 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.
Music Favourite Belgian releases 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 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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Airwave birthdays in Ghent, all female line-ups in Brussels and over-the-top art in Antwerp. Go do the right thing.
Music Favourite Belgian releases 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.
Neighbourhood life This is Belgium 10 public libraries in Belgium Public libraries fulfil an invaluable, and very necessary, role in modern society – we pay tribute to some of the country’s most distinct and distinguished ones in the hope of encouraging you to renew your membership once and for all.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do this weekend Post-revolution revelations in Brussels, fusion-dabke in Ghent and enigmatic art reveals in Antwerp. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Mineral unearthing in Leuven, queer love in Ghent and visual art crossovers in Liège. Go do the right thing.
Music 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.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Film rights in Antwerp, dance in practice in Brussels and meaty dancefloor jams in Arlon. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Graphic design gold-mines in Liège, minimalist perfection in Antwerp and smoozey love songs in Brussels. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 20 things to do in Belgium this weekend Snapshots of the Middle East in Brussels, electro-mania in Charleroi and artist blind dates in Ghent. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Class of ’17 – Part I Take a look at the first 8 of some of the most influential Belgians who broke through the mould in 2017.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Happy faces in Ghent, the contemporary art renaissance in Brussels, and late-night shindigs in Antwerp. Go do the right thing.
Music The classically-trained musician that made one of the best Belgian boogie records you probably never heard of The Liège-born musician Alec Mansion on his circuitous, cross-Atlantic journey through the music industry.
Neighbourhood life On running neighbourhood jazz club Sounds Jazz Club, by Sergio Duvalloni From a clear-cut artistic direction, to a careful balancing act between panache and a no-nonsense attitude, Sounds Jazz Club's Sergio Duvalloni reveals all.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 10 things to do in Belgium this weekend Intimate sound sessions in Waterloo, contemporary dance explorations in Ghent and The Word Radio launch party in our very own HQ.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 10 things to do in Belgium this weekend Dive-bar shindigs in Leuven, birthday celebrations in Antwerp, and the future of contemporary art in Brussels. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 10 things to do in Belgium this weekend Antique gems in Namur, pioneering ambient explorers in Antwerp, and festivals galore. Go do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Area codes Crevette Records’ founder Pim Thomas on his perfect hideouts in Brussels Brussels-based DJ and Record Store owner Pim Thomas shares his favourite spots.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 10 things to do in Belgium this weekend Photo-mania in Antwerp, the Belgian underground in Ghent, and self-awareness in Brussels.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 10 things to do in Belgium this weekend (Mockup) In collaboration with ING Art Center, here's our list of tips and tricks for a culturally active WE in Belgium.
Music Brussels-based electronic producer Simon Hold on his latest 7″ release From humble beginnings to high-fashion runways, the Ghent native talks candidly about the makings of his most recent Vlek release.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Favourite Belgian Releases: Locked Groove Berlin-based Locked Groove is back for one night in Ampere, and lays down 10 of his all-time favourite Belgian releases for the occasion.
Music How an accountant gave experimental producers much needed room to breathe, one 7” single at a time. Ahead of Celine Gillain's live performance at our release party this Friday, we delve into the world of Brussels-based 7" imprint Lexi Disques.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 25 things to do in Belgium this weekend The weekend has landed, and it’s going to be a big one for art-lovers.
Music Radio Panik, or how radio saved the Belgian underground Thirty years on, we speak to the Radio Panik’s programmer and long-time hosts to find out what, exactly, it is that keeps them from chugging on, day in day out.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 11 things to do in Belgium this weekend Belgian design history in Brussels, urban re-imaginations in Ghent, and Sunday fun in Namur.
Music Exclusive mixes Exclusive mix 94: Köhn Minimal and ambient relaxation courtesy of electro-wizard Köhn, with an astonishing two decades worth of experience under his belt.
10 things to do in Belgium this weekend Rooftop sunshine in Mons, experimental soundwaves in Antwerp, and stunning Syrian energy in Ghent.
Music Exclusive mixes Exclusive mix 92: &apos All-round tech whizz &apos manufactured this exclusive mix for us, with plenty of nods to his friends.
Music The pseudo-exoticism of Antwerp-based producer Elko B. Man of the hour Elko B. reveals his inspirations and working process for his new album, I Bambini di Basilisco.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Contemporary art marathons in Antwerp, live LP premieres in Brussels, and touching dance operas in Charleroi.
Neighbourhood life The people improving society one project at a time Discussions with some of Belgium's most forward-thinking change-makers, who match their ideals with direct action.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 14 things to do in Belgium this weekend Exhibition openings, improv' jazz nights, intimate screenings and the mother of all concerts at Vooruit in Ghent this Sunday.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend B-boy battles in Charleroi, infinite flowers in Antwerp and democratic re-organisation in Ghent.
Music Favourite Belgian releases The 16 favourite Belgian releases of Ben and Bert Verstreken Whether it's new beat, contemporary electronica or heavy guitar riffs, the two brothers, DJs and radio hosts are sure to set you up with a playlist for the weekend to come.
Music Favourite Belgian releases The 14 favourite Belgian releases of Roman Hiele and Lieven Martens Moana From pre-teen crushes and local birds to football anthems and cool pianists.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Certified raves in Antwerp, birthday parties in Brussels, and graphic design festivals (finally) in Liège. Do the right thing.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing 15 things to do in Belgium this weekend Photography evenings, blackout sessions and synth queens. Do the right thing.
Music Favourite Belgian releases The 9 favourite Belgian releases of Spencer Clark (Typhonian Highlife) The mythical sound wizard shares a compelling selection, filled to the brim with new-age, daunting and exotic sounds.
Music Ignatz’ experimental folk-blues We speak to the now Landen-based, Hasselt-born singer-songwriter about solitude’s influence on his work and how winning third place in a drawing contest gave him his start in music.
Music Favourite Belgian releases The 12 favourite Belgian releases of Marc Jacobs (BEAF) Bozar Electronic Art Festival's co-curator Marc Jacobs selects 12 of his favourite Belgian releases ahead of the festival's upcoming edition.
Music The music throwaway project From Bristol to Brighton with Belgian jazz-funk outfit Stuff. On tour with the Belgian jazz-funk sensations.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Listen festival founder Dirk De Ruyck’s 11 Belgian tracks The founder of Brussels' newest festival select his favourite Belgian cuts for us.
Music French-born, Brussels-based electronic producer Jardin The prolific producer talks family, philosophy and being dirty.
Music Favourite Belgian releases San Soda’s 10 favourite Belgian releases The Berlin-based Belgian DJ-producer on his pick of prime local cuts.
Neighbourhood life Full disclosure: Why we’ll soon be urging you, over and over again, to submit a project for Brussels A few words about our work on Make.Brussels, Atrium.Brussels' latest initiative to reenergise downtown Brussels.
Music Exclusive mixes Exclusive mix 58: Hantrax With his new album's release party in Antwerp this Friday, the accomplished composer-producer records an exclusive mix for us.
Music SeizoensKlanken Gilles Helsen and Freek Veys, the musical duo behind SeizoensKlanken, talks to us about the creative process behind recording, their influences and future projects.
Music That time we…. Profiled the country’s burgeoning punk-rock-noise scene (Part 4) Interviews with Umungus, a band with a penchant for psychedelic guitar-driven rock and Scrap Dealers, an emerging group of young punksters from Liège.
Music Favourite Belgian releases DJ Youri Van Driessche’s 10 favourite Belgian releases A dub and reggae badman, Youri Van Driessche takes us through his favourite Belgian cuts.
Music That time we… Profiled the country’s burgeoning punk-rock-noise scene (Part 2) Part 2 of our interviews with punk-rock-noise outfits, originally published in 2014.
Neighbourhood life That time we…. Profiled the country’s burgeoning punk-rock-noise scene (Part 1) We look back at our November 2014's edition profile piece on five upcoming Belgian noise-rock-punk outfit, with a first interview with Brussels-based Mountain Bike.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Favourite Belgian releases: Laurent Fintoni Music and culture writer Laurent Fintoni reveals his five all-time favourite Belgian releases.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Captain Starlight picks 12 of his favourite Belgian releases Holger's Captain Starlight handpicks his favourite Belgian tracks, spanning percussions, synth pop, oldies and goodies.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Faded Weekender’s co-founder Benjamin Beutels Benjamin Beutels, co-founder of the upcoming Faded Weekender, picks 10 of his favourite Belgian releases.
Music Exclusive mixes Aidons Antoine Record label founder and Brussels-based DJ Aidons Antoine gets behind the decks for the 48th instalment in our exclusive mix series.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Martin Botte The Unknown Reference record label founder reveals 14 of his favourite Belgian releases.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Koen Van Dijck FM Brussel radio chief Koen Van Dijk reveals 15 of his favourite Belgian releases.
Music Exclusive mixes Venus in Cancer In this new Exclusive Mix Venus in Cancer / Coco Pastis introduces us to the concept of Feminine Mystique.
Music Favourite Belgian releases David Mennessier David Menessier's list is a cure for bad taste and chronic Belgian music ignorance.
Music Exclusive mixes Wulfy Benzo Eighteen year old brusseler. Wulfy Benzo want people to listen to this mix while they are dying. Please, don't.
Neighbourhood life Why we take FM Brussel’s closure personally We weigh-in on the debate surrounding the recently-announced closure of local radio station FM Brussel.
Music Favourite Belgian releases Jozef Devillé Synthesizers and some of the best national techno anthems: the man behind TSOB shares his favourite Belgian releases.
Music Exclusive mixes Thin Consolation x Unknown References Exclusive mix 39 comes courtesy of Thin Consolation and Unknown References. Its starts soft then slowly starts hitting you. Hard.
Neighbourhood life This is Belgium 23 record shops in Belgium (Part 2) As we promised, here is the second part of our journey throughout the most enjoyable records shops in Belgium.
Music The music throwaway project Rape Blossoms We go on tour with Belgian post-punk outfit Rape Blossoms by way of our throwaway camera.
