Tag: Interviews

“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.

Switching lanes

From the financial analyst-turned-butcher to the designer making a jump to the music industry and the in-house textile designer going freelance all the way, these are the people that go the extra mile.

The art of togetherness: De Zwarte Zusters on the power of mutual improvisation

In the framework of Bekegem's PLAN B art festival, various art forms will be explored, boundaries will be crossed and the unexpected is to be expected as Belgian artists and creatives from further abroad will showcase new and existing works. We've selected five artists and projects you cannot miss, rounding up with Ghent's De Zwarte Zusters.

“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.

“I walk around, I ask a lot of questions, and I’m as naive as possible.” Bert Villa on human design and rediscovery

Various art forms will be explored, boundaries will be crossed and the unexpected is to be expected as Belgian artists and creatives from further abroad will showcase new and existing works in the framework of Bekegem's PLAN B art festival. We've selected five artists and projects you cannot miss, continuing the stream with multi-platform artist Bert Villa.

Home-field advantage

An Etterbeekois since the age of five, editor-in-chief Nicholas Lewis and in-house photographers Miles Fischler and Thomas Ost roam the streets of Etterbeek, the village-within-a-village.

“I would like to interrupt today’s machine gun of images for a moment.” Oona Libens’ questioning of today’s imagery

In the framework of Bekegem's PLAN B art festival, various art forms will be explored, boundaries will be crossed and the unexpected is to be expected as Belgian artists and creatives from further abroad will showcase new and existing works. We've selected five artists and projects you cannot miss, including multi-skilled artists Oona Libens.

“Flexibility is crucial.” How OUTLINE reflects on surroundings and its inhabitants to create art.

Various art forms will be explored, boundaries will be crossed and the unexpected is to be expected as Belgian artists and creatives from further abroad will showcase new and existing works in the framework of Bekegem's PLAN B art festival. We've selected five artists and projects you cannot miss, starting off with the multimedia collective OUTLINE.

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.

“Only time will tell how I’ll fit in.” Ugo Woatzi on bridging the corporal, spatial and sexual

As part of BOZAR's Somewhere In Between, the group exhibition Fremdkörper brings together various voices to explore the elusive boundaries between physical corporalities and abstract identities. For the occasion, we've invited five participating artists to showcase their works, rounding off with French photographer Ugo Woatzi.

“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.

Reflecting on the in-between: Megan-Leigh Heilig on understanding “reality”

As part of BOZAR's Somewhere In Between, the group exhibition Fremdkörper brings together various voices to explore the elusive boundaries between physical corporalities and abstract identities. For the occasion, we've invited five participating artists to showcase their works, starting with filmmaker Megan-Leigh Heilig.

“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.

“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.

The way you make me move: Recently deceased Ghent-based artist Lucas Devriendt, as recalled by friends, colleagues and students

A series of first-hand tributes collected by artlead.net's Thomas Caron, commemorating the legacy of artist and teacher Lucas Devriendt, and how he touched so many lives.

The lighter side of satire: William Ludwig Lutgens’ unfiltered mind

Antwerp-based visual artist William Ludwig Lutgens takes us through the chaotic thought processes behind his rebellious works.

Digging deep into the Acker process: Florian Fischer on To Name Herstory

It's your last chance to catch To Name Herstory, and director Florian Fischer gives his own interrogative take on Kathy Acker's intentions and discusses the challenges of transforming her work into theatre for the occasion.

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.

The 40 best photographs of 2017

All-in-ones, or how the slash generation is re-inventing the work-life balance (Part 4)

We talk work ethics, balancing acts and unwinding tips with three distinguished do-it-alls in part four of our investigative series on all-in-ones.

Class of ’17 – Part II

Take a look at 8 more of the most influential Belgians who broke through the mould in 2017.

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 watch: The design improvements Region of Brussels’ residents would bring to their Communes (Part 2)

Nine more Brussels-based locals imagine the potential futures for architectural design in their neighbourhoods.

“I think you need some guts to live here”: The enduring and contradictory appeal of Borgerhout

We round up some of Borgerhout’s most involved and committed residents to consider the neighbourhood’s many different facets and discuss what makes it the hotbed of possibilities and potential it is today.

Crevette Records’ founder Pim Thomas on his perfect hideouts in Brussels

Brussels-based DJ and Record Store owner Pim Thomas shares his favourite spots.

On housing two generations under one same roof, by Chantal Baestle

Mons-based Chantal Baestle recounts her experience with the Belgian intergenerational housing project 1toit2ages.

On Ghent’s urban farming marketplace, by Joksie Biesemans

How Ghent-based Joksie Biesemans started farming as a hobby and eventually became Buurderij's Assembly Host.

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.

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.

Belgium’s vibrant bicycle initiatives

A roam around Belgium's different bicycle-related initiatives, with profiles from a family-owned manufacturer, an edu-tainment publisher and bike sharing project, to the capital's only bike polo team.

The day it all made sense (Part 2/2)

We've dug into the past lives of a merry crop of contemporary art world denizens to shine a light on what they consider to be the most significant moments in their careers.

The day it all made sense (Part 1/2)

We've dug into the past lives of a merry crop of contemporary art world denizens to shine light on what they consider to be the most significant moments in their careers.

15 Belgian artist talks (Part 3/3)

Fifteen conversations with emerging artists about the Belgian art scene.

15 Belgian artist talks (Part 2/3)

Fifteen conversations with emerging artists about the Belgian art scene.

They don’t make ’em the way they used to…

A cult car is a bit like porn: not easy to define, but you know it when you see it.

Fashion designer Mansour Badjoko wa Lileko on making real clothes

The fresh-faced local designer on ideals, reality and how the fashion industry is racist, sexist and classist.

Artist Tine Guns

The Ghent-based artist talks to us about her latest body of work.

Music: Interview with Wastelands’ Herlinde and Kasper-Jan Raeman

The Subbacultcha! affiliate turns two this summer and moves to new digs

Belgium’s photography graduates: Lisa Spilliaert

Last but certainly not least, Lisa Spilliaert brings the series to a close...

Music: An interview with Microfestival co-founder JF Jaspers

A summer rock festival, only smaller.

Music: DIIV’s Zachary Cole Smith at Boomtown Festival

When not making shitty demos in hotel rooms the Brooklyn blow-in can be found rocking the world's summer festivals

An interview with Concrete Knives at Dour

The thrills, spills and smells of a perpetually up-and-coming French indie rock outfit fresh from the stage...

Belgium’s photography graduates: Lenka Lukacovicova

The recent graduate talks abandonment issues and the abundance of space in her graduation series Muses

An interview with Gold Panda at Dour

We get in depth with Peckham boy and electro beatmaker about first albums, first nixers and stupid fucking festivals.

Music: Interview with Yellow Straps and Le Motel

Three local bedroom beat-makers get deflowered in their very first interview ever.

Belgium’s photography graduates: Heidrun Klos

Fresh from the prestigious art school, she tells us about the challenge of using images for self-expression.

Music: Interview with 10 Days Off’s Jeroen Delodder

He talks pop star DJs, ones to watch and choosing the lineup for one of the world's most progressive electronic music gigs.

Belgium’s photography graduates: Miles Fischler

School's out. Miles Fischler is first in our series of interviews with recently graduated Belgian photographers.

Photography: Eva de Gols

The recent Narafi graduate's eye-catching series on family chaos caught our eye.

The Young Belgian Art Prize 2013: Jean-Baptiste Bernadet

Number two in our series of interviews of nominees for the newly-renamed Young Belgian Art Prize 2013.

The Young Belgian Art Prize 2013: Félicia Atkinson

"I'm used to being judged": the young artist on what it means to be a finalist for Belgium's seminal art prize.

Consummate Brussels collector Dimitri Jeurissen talks Art Brussels

"Look at the art and not at the market. And build real relationships with the artists..."

An interview with Poppositions founder Liv Vaisberg

"We don’t just want to be the kind of off-fair that shows the artists who got rejected by the official one..."

Newly-installed Art Brussels director Katerina Gregos’ fresh start

After 15 years, Brussels' seminal contemporary art fair gets a new director.

Preview: an interview with Belgian photographer Julie Calbert

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the revamped Word magazine is almost here. A tantalising teaser of what's in store...

An interview with Belgian beatniks Bepotel

In the run up to their Ars Musica Electro Night gig on Friday, we spoke with Belgian beatmakers Belpotel...

Run Tell Secrecy for The Word Magazine’s 5th birthday

Run Tell Secrecy record an exclusive mix of quick peaks and twitchy beats designed to get under your skin...

Interview: New York star curator Clarissa Dalrymple

The celebrated New York art guru has been let loose on Xavier Hufkens Gallery where she reveals a very personal selection

Stephan Schneider on curating the Nationa(a)l Pop Up Store

We spoke with the German designer about his selection, the new generation and why a strong product is always key.

An interview with Wiels curator Devrim Bayar about her project Le Salon

As Le Salon turns one year old, its founder and Wiels curator Devrim Bayar fills us in on the Brussels' premier go-to art guide.

CEO Marco Probst takes Belgian luxury leathergood house Delvaux into the future

"We don't need a star designer. Our product is the star": New Delvaux CEO Marco Probst talks strategy.

Slow journalism, fast medium: Bart Kiggen & Magali Elali’s Coffeeklatch

Bart and Magali visit interesting Belgian people in their homes, ask questions, drink coffee, and put it all on Coffeeklatch...

MoMu director Kaat Debo on its first decade

Kaat Debo waxes fashionable about the first ten years of MoMu, Antwerp's prestigious fashion museum.

Fashion photographer Zeb Daemen on androgyny and the search for timelessness

Industry wunderkind Zeb Daemen talks timeless images and the appeal of shiny-skinned, alien-like women.

Illustrator Valentine De Cort teams up with Belgian fashion giant Delvaux

Valentine De Cort draws the story of Delvaux's very fashionable leading lady to celebrate the revamped Le Madame bag.

Fashion designer Christian Wijnants on his 20th collection and winning the Woolmark prize

Throwing a big party to celebrate winning the Woolmark prize is not really Christian Wijnants' thing, he's saving his energies for Paris next year.

Photographer Serge Leblon on his Paris show and the demise of fashion photography

Serge Leblon's personal collection has nothing to do with fashion. His exhibition Composite just opened in Paris.

A chat with the owners of Brussels culinary gem Bouchery

Another installment in our series on dynamic duos going it fifty-fifty sees us drop in on Damien and Bénédicte, the creative minds behind Brussels restaurant Bouchery.

An interview with upcoming London producer Danglo

Danglo's all hyped for the release of "Adapt ", his brand new garagey, housey, dubsteppy, trip-hoppy EP.

Imitating amateurs: Dutch photographer Michiel Burger

We sat down with the photographer in Brussels to talk about why he chooses to ignore common aesthetics and instead imitates the amateurs... and what his dad's underpants have to do with it.

An interview with Antwerp-based German designer Daniel Andresen

Antwerp-based German designer Daniel Andresen took time out to chat to us about subjects close to his heart, like the textures and imperfections of a well-spun yarn

Belgian electro pop duo Joy Wellboy on life, love and joking about The Clash’s drummer

Belgian two-piece Joy Wellboy talk about sharing the stage, sharing a bed and being mirrors for each other...

Photographer Vincent Delbrouck’s solo show Autofiction in Bienne

Vincent Delbrouck’s new exhibition has just opened in Switzerland and we nabbed him to discuss this latest artistic endeavour and the meditative qualities of his creative process.

An interview with the founders of Brussels art gallery VidalCuglietta

Barbara Cuglietta and Lilou Vidal: a pair of Brussels-based gallery owners share the reasons for their mutual appreciation in our series on winsome twosomes.

Mezzdub

Number nine in our exclusive mix series has Brussels-based 23 year old DJ-producer Mezzdub get behind the decks for a one-hour plus long-player of house music at its best.

Booka Shade, Brodinski and Alexander Waldron about the ultimate party

What makes a party memorable? Which sound system is the heaviest in the world? Which track is sure to get the crowds going? What is the planet's best club? We put these questions, and others, to some of the world's best DJs.

Belgian photographer Charif Benhelima’s Polaroids at Brussels’ Bozar

His solo show of Polaroids having just opened at Brussels' Bozar, we take a closer look at Belgian photographer Charif Benhelima's work.

Some of the world’s best DJs about life in the DJ booth

We talked to Jimmy Edgar, Boys Noize, Fur Coat and many more about what life in the DJ lane feels like, what really makes a good party and which tracks always get the crowds going.

Snap happy Elisabeth Ouni’s Polaroid tales

Elisabeth Ouni moves out of the blogosphere for the first time with A Polaroid Story, a celebrated series of stolen moments with the stars.

Max Pinckers at Amsterdam’s De Brakke Grond

We asked photographer-on-the-rise Max Pinckers to document the days leading up to the opening of his exhibition in Amsterdam using one of our ol' favourite throwaway cameras.

An interview with Belgian electro rock outfit Soldout

Soldout's Charlotte and David talk to us about recording their new album, writing a movie soundtrack for the very first time and partying in Berlin.

Danglo

Signed to Brussels label Dandelion Lotus Records, South West London producer Danglo delivers a mix heavy on the bass, and heavy on the soul.

Antwerp-based fashion photographer Michaël Smits on new directions

Photographer Michaël Smits is moving away from controlled minimalism and getting otherwise inspired, while settling into a brand new Antwerp studio.

An artist’s view: Documenta 13 by Felicia Atkinson

We took a nighttime stroll with Felicia Atkinson, a local visual artist who was picked up by Kassel's Super Tokonoma while at this year's Documenta to participate in an off-exhibition, of sorts.

Brussels photographer Julie Scheurweghs on her solo show at Amsterdam’s De Brakke Grond

Julie Scheurweghs has just scored her first solo photography exhibition at Amsterdam's De Brakke Grond, a show that sees the 24 year old Ostender search for beauty in the banal.

An interview with high fashion shop Smets’ buying director Pascaline Smets

Glamorous style heiress Pascaline Smets uses her role in the family business to bring a cosmopolitan edge to Brussels.

Documenta 13: an interview with fair director Chus Martinez

Documenta, Kassel's 100 day contemporary art exhibition, is coming to a close. We speak to organiser Chus Martinez before the internationally renowned art gig disappears for another five years.

An interview with the founders of Antwerp-based design practice Unfold

We've been profiling notable Belgian designers this month, and today we talk digital technology and the means of production with Antwerp-based multidisciplinary design duo Unfold.

An interview with hot and up-and-coming Brussels design practice Hopop Studio

These two architecture graduates set up shop in Brussels' St. Gilles neighbourhood last September and they've been renovating, renewing and recycling furniture ever since. Their atelier, Hopop Studio, is open to the public for one weekend only.

An interview with graduate fashion designer Louis Gabriel Nouchi

Louis Gabriel Nouchi's menswear collection was one to watch at this year's La Cambre Mode[s] show. He's back to the drawing board in Brussels' prestigious fashion academy, burning, bleaching and cutting his way to the top.

Danish experimental rockers Efterklang discuss their fourth studio effort

Swigging beer and telling tales of ghost towns and orchestras, Efterklang's Rasmus Stolberg is in town. He's gearing up for the release of a fourth album, a gig at MoMA and a 120-stop tour.

An interview with the founders of Ghent-based design imprint Studio Woot Woot

Founder of Ghent-based Studio Woot Woot Karen Soors is kicking about at La Fabrika with collective exhibition 'Colour' . She kicks of our Design September-inspired series of profiles of outstanding Belgian designers.

The Criime

With a little over 24 hours before they get behind the decks at our pink album release party, DJ duo The Criime deliver a soulful, sexy and at times even sultry deep house mix for us.

A wide-eyed interview with homegrown up-and-coming artist Gideon Kiefer

We're bringing our art special to a close with a conversation with Belgian artist Gideon Kiefer about his new Indian adventure, nightly terrors and ego's place in the life and death of an artist.

Inside Brussels-based fashion designer’s private art collection

We talk to Belgian designer Jean-Paul Knott about his passion for art, why he keeps collecting it and what he really likes to do when sleep doesn't come.

Internationally recognised inseparable artists Gilbert & George on their Brussels’ solo show

We sat down with the infamous London pair Gilbert & George just before the opening of their 'London Pictures' exhibition at Brussels' Albert Baronian.

The best new faces in Belgian fashion

With the new fashion season upon us, we review agencies' books, sifting through their pages for the new faces of tomorrow.

An interview with Belgian rising star photographer Lara Gasparotto

We sat down with rising Belgian photography star Lara Gasparotto to talk about her spontaneous way of working, Renaissance paintings and finding her own aesthetic.

Brussels Pony Club

Belgian electronic duo Brussels Pony Club deliver a dark, broody and sexy playlist for our exclusive mix series.

A conversation with artist Sophie Kuijken

We sit down with Belgian painter Sophie Kuijken to talk about random internet searches, escaping artistic trends and painting people.

An interview with Antwerp-based fashion photographer Frederik Heyman

Frederik Heyman keeps baffling us with his weird, beautiful and stylized images. We catch up with the Antwerp artist at home over tea and cookies.

The role of death and depression in photographer Anne De Gelas’ work

In a frank conversation about death, legacies and the trials and tribulations of life, photographer Anne De Gelas opens up to reveal a little more about her work.

An interview with up-and-coming Belgian photographer Mieke Verbijlen

In our second art interview of the month, we speak with Antwerp-based photographer Mieke Verbijlen about people's interiors, inspirations and browsing through Flickr.

An interview with Antwerp’s fashion retail pioneer Geert Bruloot

In an exclusive interview for The Word, Philippe Pourhashemi talks to retail pioneer Geert Bruloot about the influence of London in his early days, the making of the Antwerp Six and how Japan paved the way for Belgium.

An interview with Belgian painting prodigy Rinus Van de Velde

We sit down with Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde to talk about his working process, living in a fake reality and why the world doesn’t really need art.

Juke playlist by Damien Aresta

We were quite keen to give newly-launched music streaming service Juke a try, so we asked some members of our extended family to toy around with the newcomer, create an exclusive playlist and get back to us with some feedback.

A conversation with Antwerp fashion designer Jan-Jan Van Essche

We sit down with menswear designer Jan-Jan Van Essche to talk about the pleasure of comfort, putting seasonal cycles aside and why less is always more.

An interview with Berlin rap outfit Puppetmastaz at Dour

We tried to interview Berlin's Puppetmastaz in Dour's press tent last weekend but all our grown-up questions got drowned out in expletives and absurdity. But that's what you get when you interview soft toys.

An interview with French indie rockers Stuck in the Sound at Dour

We got stuck in the mud with Stuck in the Sound at Dour last weekend, a bunch of DIY-minded Paris rockers in the midst of their second foray into Belgium this year. Nice lads.

Visionary Paris-based Belgian designer Bruno Pieters on sustainable fashion

Graced with an interview with designer Bruno Pieters, we discuss 'Honest by.', a new concept that focuses on high-end, sustainable clothing. Transparency is the new black.