NEW SINGLE | Few Bits - Strongest Girl

Few Bits strike again with a new dream pop single ‘Strongest Girl’, pairing gentle guitar with mesmerizing synths and the hazy vocals of Karolien Van Ransbeeck and guitarist Steven Holsbeeks. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your Sunday mornings, next to artists like Faye Webster, Men I Trust and Widowspeak.  Having toured with The War On Drugs twice in their previous life and comeback singles being picked up by KEXP and Amazing radio, Few Bits return with a new album in November.

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NEW SINGLE | Dressed Like Boys - Lies

Dressed Like Boys unveils new single ‘Lies’ Highly anticipated self-titled debut album out on 29 August Jelle Denturck is the frontman of Belgian indie band DIRK., making a fair amount of noise and scoring numerous alternative hits in their home country and The Netherlands. Dressed Like Boys is his first solo project, and the result of a time when Denturck felt a bit stuck in life. From his time of self-reflection, and his self-acceptance of being a gay man. With a delicate beauty like ‘Lies’, surely it’s going to be a big year for Dressed Like Boys. As heavy as the topic of addiction may be, with its delightful violin intro and magnificent chorus, ‘Lies’ is marvelous indie pop, as instantly recognizable as Wilco's Jesus, Etc. “‘Lies’ is about addiction.” Jelle explains. “I put myself in the shoes of a friend of mine who is addicted but doesn't want to see it. And I created an antagonist (the ‘she’ in the song) confronting him with it.” ‘Lies’ is the fourth single taken from the self-titled debut album, which is out on 29 August. Video (c) Sieme Hermans

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NEW SINGLE | TJE - Always Hardening

TJE return with electrifying new single ‘Always Hardening’ After their captivating debut EP IDOLS, Belgian indie outfit TJE fascinate again with this electrifying new single ‘Always Hardening’, blending pulsating bass and intoxicating Björk-like vocals into fresh and stimulating art pop.  The song captures the fear, ugliness and helplessness of our time, but also the comfort and sense, beauty of connection we find in life and the world – a paradox that resonates with us all. TJE will be touring in the UK before summer, playing Focus Wales among others. Photo (c) Lucinde Wahlen Video (c) Marius Lefever

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DOUBLE EP RELEASE | Madd at Love/Madd In Love

Madd9 releases double EP Madd at Love/Madd In Love Madd9 (born in Bilzen, Belgium in 2003) is undoubtedly one of the most striking voices in the recent generation of hip-hop talent in Europe. Together with his producer Preyas, he creates an immersive blend of hip-hop, neo-soul & funk. Preyas' mastery of analog synths and the distinctive Detroit-style hip-hop drums perfectly complement Madd9’s infectious hooks and layered verses, resulting in a distinctive sound that’s both innovative and familiar to contemporary hip-hop enthusiasts. In 2023 he joined forces with Beatville, the creative hub & management firm that houses renowned artists like Coely, Fahad Seriki (fka DVTCH NORRIS), and Yann Gaudeuille. After making a great impression as official support of Coely during her latest tour, his growing reputation was solidified when he emerged as one of the winners of the Sound Track 2023 competition. Adding to his impressive resume, Madd9 opened several times for legendary hip- hop group Slum Village in The Netherlands and is featured in the line-up for Gladiolen, Rock Herk, M-idzomer, a testament to his rising status as a compelling live performer. A fresh new artist to discovered by those who appreciate intricate lyrics, dynamic performances and genre-blending sounds. For fans of: Anderson .Paak, H.E.R, Smino, SZA, OutKast, Coely, and blackwave.

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NEW SINGLE | Lézard - Manifastique

Lézard presents protopunk disco banger ‘Manifastique’ Protopunk Disco, qu’est-ce que c’est? If Lézard's new single ‘Manifastique’ sounds like Devo, Talking Heads and LCD Soundsystem with some funky Prince vibes thrown in, you’re absolutely right.  Lézard are a Belgian outfit fronted by Neil Claes and Myrthe Marnef and one of the hottest acts in European indie, injecting their post punk with deliciously quirky French lyrics.  Having played at Best Kept Secret (NL) and showcase festivals like Reeperbahn (DE), Viva Sounds (SE), Fifty Lab (BE) and MaMA (FR), shows at Block Party (FR) and Nürnberg Pop (DE) are next.  Their very first club show at the iconic Ancienne Belgique in Brussels has been sold out for weeks.

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NEW ALBUM | Marble Sounds - Core Memory

Marble Sounds ‘Core Memory’ Pieter Van Dessel is not one to stand still when it comes to music: the driving force behind Marble Sounds keeps challenging himself, exploring new horizons on every album. After the more melancholic eponymous fifth album, synths and drums take centre stage for a pure and almost electronic pop sound on sixth effort ‘Core Memory’. The result is sparkling and epic indie pop, often with driving synths and delicious melodies, like on opening track and first single An Emotional High, or If You Would Prove Me Wrong Now, which did very well in The Netherlands too: Marble Sounds made the cover of Spotify's leading ‘New Alternative’ playlist and played a live session for popular NPO Radio 2 show ‘Blokhuis’. Third single Give Or Take A Few is Van Dessel's answer to A Thousand Miles, Vanessa Carlton's smash hit from the beginning of this millennium. “And your thousand miles, I'd walk ’em too”, he sings in a touching ballad reminiscent of Eels and Tom Waits. Like with previous Marble Sounds records, Core Memory was produced by Van Dessel himself. It’s out on 7 March, followed by a release tour in Belgium and The Netherlands, playing lovely venues from Antwerp to Bruges and Utrecht to Maastricht.

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NEW SINGLE | Marble Sounds - Catch It Alive

Get ready for this crystal-clear indie pop gem by Marble Sounds. ‘Catch It Alive’ is once again prove that writing a Perfect Pop Song comes naturally to Pieter Van Dessel. New album ‘Core Memory’ is out on 7 March, followed by a release tour in Belgium and The Netherlands, playing lovely venues from Antwerp to Bruges and Utrecht to Maastricht.

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NEW SINGLE | Few Bits - Future Dives

Few Bits presents blissfull indie gem ‘Future Dives’ A song about getting lost in romantic illusion, Few Bits' ‘Future Dives’ is a blissful indie gem with a delightful synth-pop vibe—think Rumours-era Fleetwood Mac or contemporary dream pop acts like Still Corners, Wild Nothing, and Widowspeak Previous single ‘Brick Houses’ showed a tremendous return to form after a long absence and was picked up by KEXP and influential YouTuber David Dean Burkhart. Having toured with The War On Drugs twice in the past, Few Bits are back with a new album later this year.

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NEW SINGLE | Madd9 - Stay

Madd9 unveils new single ‘Stay’ ‘Stay’ is the exciting new track by one of the most striking voices in European hip-hop Madd9, an immersive blend of hip-hop, neo-soul & pop funk in the style of Anderson .Paak or Bruno Mars. With analog synths and distinctive Detroit-style drums Madd9 and producer Preyas create a distinctive sound that’s both innovative and familiar to contemporary hip-hop enthusiasts. ‘Stay’ is the third single of a double EP coming this spring. 

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NEW SINGLE | Dressed Like Boys - Our Part of Town

Dressed Like Boys unveils new single ‘Our Part of Town’ Highly anticipated self-titled debut album out on 29 August Jelle Denturck is the frontman of Belgian indie band DIRK., making a fair amount of noise and scoring numerous alternative hits in their home country and The Netherlands. Dressed Like Boys is his first solo project, and the result of a time when Denturck felt a bit stuck in life. From his time of self-reflection, and his self-acceptance of being a gay man, Denturck has made an intimate and beautiful self-titled debut album, which is out on August 29. When recording demos, Denturck always feels that he is just messing about. Ironically, this time the record label thought they sounded better than the recordings in ‘an expensive studio with extremely talented musicians’. Looking for what it was that made the demos so special, Denturck established it was the quirkiness and the special character of the recordings and songs. They decided to record the whole album again, based on the demos and with the intention of giving each song its specific character in the recording. Denturck searched the whole of Belgium for the right buffet piano, sang the lyrics of ‘Our Part of Town’ on his iPhone while walking in his hometown, birds in the background, and a snare drum was recorded using headphones instead of a microphone. “The more we worked like that, the more fun it became. And I am incredibly happy with the result, especially because I feel this is a sound I haven’t heard in Belgium yet. Now everyone can tell me: dude, this is the shittiest record I’ve ever heard – I am happy, I am content.” Photo (c) Sieme Hermans

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NEW SINGLE | King Viktor feat. Eosine - Soon Enough

King Viktor returns with dreamy shoegaze gem ‘Soon Enough’ For all the masterpieces Slowdive have written, this is one they forgot to make. Lusciously ethereal, ‘Soon Enough’, King Viktor's newest single, pairs spangly guitars and warm, slow drumming to wrap lyrics of personal loss in a soothing embrace – a tender reflection on love's comfort, even when it can't bring people back. The dreamy vocals come from by Tom Stokx, guitarist of The Haunted Youth, and label mate Elena Lacroix, frontwoman of shoegaze rising stars Eosine. Eosine toured with labelmates Meltheads at the end of last year. They will soon hit the road again for a series of European concerts. King Viktor, until now strictly a studio project, will soon be performing live for the first time. More news to follow on both projects. Photo (c) Tom Stokx

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Arend Delabie and SALVIA selected for De Nieuwe Lichting 2025

Just in: Arend Delabie and SALVIA (welcome to Mayway!) selected for De Nieuwe Lichting 2025. You can vote from Friday at 16:00 via VRT MAX.

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NEW SINGLE | Marble Sounds - Not All Is In Vain

Marble Sounds ‘Not All Is In Vain’ New album ‘Core Memory’ to be released on 7 March Put on your dancing shoes for exhilarating night drive synthpop and the key track of new Marble Sounds album ‘Core Memory’, out on 7 March.  Pieter Van Dessel pulls out all stops with electrifying drumbeats in a feast of synths. It’s a delicious synthwave or retrowave vibe and sounds as sumptuous as M83 or Kavinsky playing Daft Punk or vice versa. A big name in the Benelux, things are blooming in Germany as well, with regular airplay on Radio 1 (BE), radioeins (DE) and other major media. 

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NEW SINGLE | TJE - echoes

Mayway Records proudly presents its latest signing TJE. TJE unveils the fascinating art pop single ‘echoes’: blending electronica, percussion and Björk-inspired vocals into a captivating track that sounds like Portishead and FKA Twigs all in one.  The band made a big impression with their live performance at Left of the Dial (Rotterdam) in October and are set to perform at Focus Wales in 2025. More shows to be announced soon.

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NEW EP | Ão - Barco Sem Mar

Celebrated Belgian global saudade quartet Ão are back with a mesmerising Remix EP ‘Barco Sem Mar’.

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Bobbi Lu, CRACKUPS, Eosine and TJE confirmed for We Are Open '25

More info: trixonline.be

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NEW SINGLE | Marble Sounds - Give Or Take A Few

Marble Sounds' new single ‘Give Or Take A Few’ is not only a captivating indie ballad, but also a reply to Vanessa Carlton’s 2002 smash hit single ‘A Thousand Miles’. ‘And your thousand miles, I’d walk’m too’, Pieter Van Dessel sings in his Eels-like voice wrapped in a romantic piano melody that could be Tom Waits'.  It’s not a Christmas song as such, yet perfect for your alternative playlist inspired by the holiday season. The new album ‘Core Memory’, once again produced by Van Dessel himself, is coming out in March 2025.

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NEW SINGLE | Dressed Like Boys - Jaouad

Dressed Like Boys unveils new single ‘Jaouad’ Dressed Like Boys unveils ‘Jaouad’, a song of spellbinding refinement in the vein of Sufjan Stevens, Rufus Wainwright and Perfume Genius. His delicate voice wrapped in gorgeous indie pop piano, frontman Jelle Denturck declares his love and admiration for Jaouad Alloul, a multidisciplinary performance artist and Muslim icon of the LGBTQIA+ community. “This song is about Jaouad Alloul.” Jelle explains. “He lives in Belgium, just like me, although his roots lie in Morocco. Jaouad contains multitudes. He is an actor, a writer, a singer. A gay man, a muslim, a drag queen. A freedom fighter. A gentle, wounded spirit. Above all, he is unafraid. Unafraid to be himself in a world where everyone seems to be a judge. I wanted to pay tribute to his beautiful, wonderful humanity by writing this song.” ‘Jaouad’ comes out on 27 November, and a full debut album is set for release in the summer of 2025. Dressed Like Boys lit up the stage at Reeperbahn Festival in September and is set to perform in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France in the coming months. Photo (c) Sieme Hermans

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Meltheads nominated for MIA's 2024

Vote here: https://mias.vrt.be/

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NEW ALBUM | Calicos - Sugarcoat It

Calicos releases new album ‘Sugarcoat It’ Three years after their outstanding debut album ‘The Soft Landing’, Belgian band Calicos return with sophomore effort ‘Sugarcoat It’, an exploration of authenticity and identity in music by a band that both broadens and deepens their sound. The album is released on 22 November, followed by an extensive and exciting release show tour. Calicos instantly earned their rightful place in the Belgian music landscape with their excellent blend of americana, indie and folk on 2021’s ‘The Soft Landing’. Single Nova became an alternative hit, and both fans and critics fell for the dreamy sound that never fails to impress live. Their fame also grew outside of Belgium, notably in The Netherlands, opening for The Haunted Youth, selling out venues in cities like Amsterdam and Groningen. Preceding singles Comedown, Easy and Reliving already hinted at a sound shifting towards more downright indie, even though the characteristic americana and folk rock from the early days inextricably remain part of the band’s DNA. “It took us a while to find our direction, and we’ve overcome a few obstacles along the way”, frontman Quinten Vermaelen elaborates. “We asked ourselves: what kind of music do we want to make? By no longer trying to live up to outside expectations and rediscovering the joy of playing, we’ve come to the point where we want to be: an uncompromising collection of songs and sounds we all as a band stand behind.” How that sounds? A little less like Wilco and Ryan Adams, and a bit more like Sharon Van Etten. ‘Sugarcoat It’ is a multifaceted album, going from unreservedly rocking over poppy to intimate and velvety. Comedown links Springsteen 80s pop to euphoric War On Drugs synths, Easy adds an irresistible pedal steel and Reliving rambles like a guitar in the hands of Kurt Vile, bathing in psych folk and roots. Opening track Blow Up is enthralling and epic, with a climactic finale, pulling the listener right into the album. Rush Rush is a flawless summer pop song, while Vermaelen’s hushed singing adds romance and yearning to Love Where Have You Been. And when In Motion puts you back down after 6 staggering minutes of delightful folky americana and a pulsing coda, bliss is all that remains. ‘Sugarcoat It’ was recorded in three sessions during 2023 and 2024, each time with the whole band and almost entirely live. The result is an authentic and edgy sound, distilled into a crisp and clear-cut sounding album by producer and mixer Tobie Speleman (cf. Isolde Lasoen, blackwave., J.Bernardt, BLUAI and Brihang). This search for a balance between authenticity and the longing for a touch of sweetness is also what ‘Sugarcoat It’ is all about. “Every song tells a story about finding meaning in the apparent futility of existence, and how the power to fill that void eventually comes from within”, Vermaelen says. “Self-exploration and acceptance, a celebration of life in all its aspects. It’s a call to live without regret, to be authentic, and to embrace and welcome the duality of life with open arms.”

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Isaac Roux confirmed for ESNS '25

https://esns.nl/nl/festival/artists/isaac-roux/

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NEW SINGLE | The Haunted Youth - In My Head

Belgian indie revelation The Haunted Youth returns with epic new single ‘In My Head’ “There are flashes of '80s indie, goth and synth-pop in his songwriting that echo Future Islands and divert some of the tracks into a euphoric trance” – The Line of Best Fit “Dawn of the Freak is a well-crafted set of shoegazerish dream-pop combining shimmering guitars and synths with bittersweet melodies and dark, angst-fueled lyrics” – KEXP ‘In My Head’ is the highly anticipated new single by The Haunted Youth, the band of Belgian multi-instrumentalist Joachim Liebens, and a monumental indie anthem about being confronted with one’s own worst enemies in love and relationship. “When love brings out the worst in you, the end of the honeymoon phase, where you are confronted by your own worst enemies: yourself and your demons, which are awakened by truly feeling vulnerable with someone.” Joachim Liebens says. The band has just returned from a memorable German tour with Canadian indie phenomenon Ekkstacy. In 2023 and 2024, The Haunted Youth headlined shows all across Europe and graced the stages of major festivals including Iceland Airwaves, Lowlands, Best Kept Secret, Eurockéennes, Rock Werchter, Pukkelpop and Montreux Jazz. Liebens is currently working on a follow-up to the massively popular and critically acclaimed debut album Dawn of the Freak. More updates: soon! Photo (c) Anneke D'Hollander

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DEBUT SINGLE | Arend Delabie - Stain

Arend Delabie releases debut single ‘Stain’ Arend Delabie is a 21-year-old bedroom producer/songwriter from Kortrijk, Belgium, ready to open the door to a promising career with the release of his debut single ‘Stain’. Artfully blending rap influences with groovy indie melodies, ‘Stain’ is an indispensable addition to your favourite playlist.  Delabie’s clever art pop music hits the sweet spot between alternative acts like Beck and Damon Albarn, and the more poppy side of Jake Bugg or Vampire Weekend. Keep an eye out for this one, because his career is definitely going places. Photo © Camille Mortier Video © Arend Delabie

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DEBUT ALBUM | Isaac Roux - Troubled Waters

Isaac Roux's debut album ‘Troubled Waters’ out now Album release shows in Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne Louis De Roo already knows a thing or two about what life can throw at a person, yet this young Belgian songwriter is still very much on the threshold of a promising international musical career. His debut album ‘Troubled Waters’ as Isaac Roux is out now. From a young age on, De Roo has always had a good nose for edgy and heavenly indie folk, and in 2015 he was among the happy few admitted to Paul McCartney’s LIPA school of arts. Walking out with a certificate and a perfect English accent a few years later, De Roo had the gift to put his emotions and soul into songs wrapped in guitars that build up at the right moment. Think: Bon Iver, Ben Howard, Asgeir and Fleet Foxes. His debut and breakthrough single White Rose (which is not on the album) became an alternative hit in Belgium and the Netherlands, with follow-up singles Colours and Autumn Love opening doors in Germany (radioeins), France (Radio Néo) and Austria (FM4) and to trendy streaming playlists. Roux’s combination of warm indie folk and alternative rock works even better on stage, never failing to leave a crowd open-mouthed, like during a live session on German national radio (Deutschlandfunk Kultur). Impressing crowds at the Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop festivals in his home country, he did the same in the Netherlands and Germany (playing Reeperbahn three times), and supporting Dotan on his European tour in places like London, Paris and Vienna. Now there’s debut album ‘Troubled Waters’, an indie folk album which in the hands of producer Bert Vliegen (Whispering Sons, DIRK., Meltheads) also embraces its bright and poppy side. Opening track and lead single Brotherhood is a breathtakingly beautiful piano ballad about a lost friendship. On tracks like Colours, When It Storms and Golden, Isaac Roux sounds epic, even more evident live, while tracks like Autumn Love, Reflections, U&I and Soaking Skin show his more intimate and delicate side. Every song, and the album as a whole, gives the listener a glimpse into the life of De Roo, who hasn’t always had it easy, hoping that his music can give people in similar situations something to hold on to. “To win, to lose, to dream and to hope, they’re just some of the things that have shaped me into the person that I am today”, De Roo says. “And through my stories I hope to provide a little bit of a moral compass for people who, like me, haven’t always been treated nicely by life.” Isaac Roux is playing release shows at Privatklub in Berlin (3 December), AB in Brussels (7 December) and Paradiso in Amsterdam (21 December).

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NEW SINGLE | Calicos - Daydreaming

Calicos - Daydreaming Album ‘Sugarcoat It’ out on 22 November This new track by Calicos is another great example of the glorious alt country they’ve come to be known for, and the main single for their sophomore album Sugarcoat It, which is out on 22 November. ‘Daydreaming’ is jubilant indie americana screaming to be played at full volume and on repeat during a road trip.  As one of the Belgium's hottest new indie bands, Calicos are ready for international breakthrough, joining the same league as kindred acts like The War On Drugs and Kevin Morby.

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MELTHEADS PLAYING SXSW '25

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NEW SINGLE | Madd9 - Waiting

Madd9 releases thrilling new single ‘Waiting’ ‘Waiting’ is the thrilling new single by one of the hottest rising stars in Belgian hip-hop Madd9, and follow-up to its highly successful predecessor ‘Gone’.  A protégé of hip-hop great Coely, Madd9 and his producer Preyas create an immersive sound infused with neo-soul and funk that is both innovative and familiar to contemporary hip-hop enthusiasts. Madd9 will be releasing a double EP early next year.

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DEBUT ALBUM | Bobbi Lu - Arrow, Four

Bobbi Lu releases debut album ‘Arrow, Four’ Bobbi Lu is the moniker of Lucy Ryan, born and raised in Oxfordshire in the UK, now living in Bruges after following love a few years ago. As a DIY bedroom producer, she’s released a handful of singles and is now ready with a debut album ‘Arrow, Four’. Drawing inspiration from acts like Radiohead, FKA Twigs, Jockstrap and Saya Grey, Bobbi Lu intertwines piano melodies with deep crunchy bass, electronica and samples, coming together in a dystopian and mysterious sound. As Ryan started gigging, she quickly attracted attention and went from supporting acts like The Haunted Youth and Sylvie Kreusch to playing her own headline shows and amazing festivals like The Great Escape (UK). Singles like Metapwhore and Vacuum did very well on radio stations in Belgium, The Netherlands, France and the UK, getting favourable reviews and enthusiastic receptions from audiences. ‘Arrow, Four’ is a collection of ten songs, written over the course of a few years, the process of each one completely different. “I guess the individual tracks have their own story, but in my head each story is just a symptom of a bigger theme, mostly inspired by the book Future Shock by Alvin Toffler. In it he talks about people’s ability to adapt having essentially a limit, and with growth accelerating could we be overloaded and experience a 'future shock'. And maybe that’s already happening, most notably in the form of mental health struggles.” “It made me think of how progression creates new challenges, an arrow going one way is pulled back by another in the opposite direction. I feel like it’s a topic more relevant than ever, especially with AI most recently. I think I use this topic to fuel my lyrics mainly as a way of forgiving myself and others, in those moments where we struggle and make mistakes, that we're all just doing our best in trying to keep up with a rapidly changing environment.” This is also reflected in the artwork by Maarten Derous. “It ties everything together. He came to me after listening to it and said something that came out for him was fragility, which at the time I completely did not think of. But he nailed it. It’s like, yes do it, be fragile and take it easy, it’s a pretty good answer to stuff being pulled in all directions.”

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NEW SINGLE | Isaac Roux - Brotherhood

Isaac Roux releases new single ‘Brotherhood’ Debut album ‘Troubled Waters’ out on 8 November Album release shows in Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne Singing about a lost friendship and missing a sense of brotherhood, Isaac Roux impresses once more with this breathtakingly beautiful indie piano ballad and main single of his upcoming debut album Troubled Waters (8 November). With nods to Bon Iver, Ásgeir and Ben Howard, Louis De Roo delivers a heart-rending chorus, hitting fantastic high notes. Isaac Roux’s combination of warm indie folk and alternative rock works even better on stage, never failing to leave a crowd open-mouthed, like during a live session on German national radio (Deutschlandfunk Kultur). Impressing crowds at the Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop festivals in his home country, he did the same in the Netherlands and Germany (playing Reeperbahn three times), and supporting Dotan on his European tour in places like London, Paris and Vienna. ‘Troubled Waters’ is out on 8 November, with Isaac Roux playing release shows at Privatclub in Berlin (3 December), Ancienne Belgique in Brussels (7 December) and Paradiso in Amsterdam (21 December).

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NEW ALBUM | CRACKUPS - Plexi

Belgian punk outfit CRACKUPS releases new album ‘Plexi’  Four years after Greetings From Earth, Belgian garage punk rock band CRACKUPS return with third album ‘Plexi’, another bombshell and perfect example of the band as we know them: insanely fast, tight, seriously loud and with a keen sense of melody and ear for detail. Not long after the release of debut album Animals on Acid in 2011 and much to everyone’s surprise, CRACKUPS went on indefinite hiatus, only adding to the cult status they had quickly gained. When they hit the studio again years later for sophomore album Greetings From Earth (2020), the result was the equivalent of a quadruple shot of espresso: vigorous garage punk in seven songs and less than 18 minutes, every single one a raging wrecking ball. Now there’s third album ‘Plexi’, clearly injected with the same shot of adrenaline as its predecessors. Take opening track ‘The Phallus’, super-fast textbook psych punk, taking the mickey out of the typical dick-waving alpha male. Don’t look for a handbrake on the album, by the way, as CRACKUPS still don’t have one. It’s still no-nonsense and no secrets, inspired by a record collection that could be their parents’, where Black Flag meets Devo. Halfway through the album, the instrumental title track provides something we could liberally describe as a breather, including a delicious Dick Dale-like surf rock twang. And off we go for part two, including singles ‘Sgt. Haze’ and ‘Plane Crash’, powerful garage punk rock that got lots of alternative airplay in Belgium and was even picked up by the renowned Seattle-based radio KEXP and international Spotify editorial ‘All New Punk’. Also typical CRACKUPS: the tongue that stays in cheek for most of the album, like on ‘S.A.TA.N.’, old school 60s garage rock à la The Sonics or The Animals, including backings by the band members’ partners and children. ‘Plexi’ stands for transparency, honesty, cutting the crap. CRACKUPS can see through you, and the opposite also holds true: what you see is what you get. With this record, the band hopes to follow in the footsteps of examples and like-minded acts such as Amyl and The Sniffers, The Chats, Wine Lips or King Gizzard, and knock on the gates of international breakthrough and fame. They will be playing a bunch of shows in the coming months, following their triumphant set at Pukkelpop. And no doubt the album release show at Trix in Antwerp (BE) on November 29 is going to be a bomb.

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NEW SINGLE | Bobbi Lu - Future Shock

Bobbi Lu releases intoxicating new single ‘Future Shock’ Debut album ‘Arrow, Four’ out on 25 October ‘Future Shock’ is the intoxicating new song by British bedroom producer Bobbi Lu and main single for debut album ‘Arrow, Four’, that’s coming out on 25 October. It’s electronic indie and dance pop in the style of Caroline Polachek, Jockstrap, Roisin Murphy and Billie Eilish, with its thumping Running Up That Hill-drums driving it to delirious heights. Bobbi Lu is the moniker of Lucy Ryan, born and raised in Oxfordshire in the UK, now living in Bruges (BE), after she followed love a few years ago. In this song, Lucy shares her growth process as a person and artist, in which she first doubts, experiences stress and starts over, to eventually grow and land. It is the story of her journey from mental busyness to emotional clarity. Bobbi Lu has established herself as a live sensation, supporting Belgian indie darlings The Haunted Youth in London and Paris, and playing the Great Escape Festival twice in 2023, amongst others.

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RE-RELEASE on LP/CD | STAKE - When The Candle Dies Out/All Is Chaos

Ever wondered how ‘The Sea Is Dying’ would sound on vinyl? Well here’s your chance, as for the first time ever (!) STAKE will be releasing their debut album When The Candle Dies Out on vinyl, as well as repressing their sophomore album All Is Chaos, this time on colored vinyl. Both albums have been carefully remastered to mark the 20th anniversary of STAKE and will be released through Mayway Records. Get your hands on a copy and pre-order now!

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NEW SINGLE | CRACKUPS - S.A.T.A.N.

CRACKUPS new single ‘S.A.T.A.N.’  New album ‘Plexi’ to be released next week, pre-order now! CRACKUPS' new single, ‘S.A.T.A.N.’, is a delicious and energetic old school 60s garage rock tribute to bands like The Sonics, The Animals and The Standells. Before thinking CRACKUPS have turned into satan worshippers, this catchy piece of psychedelic splendour is very tongue in cheek, with the band members' partners and children even on backing vocals. Perfect to play alongside acts like Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall and even The White Stripes. ‘S.A.T.A.N.’ is the follow-up of ‘Plane Crash’ and ‘Sgt. Haze’ (playlisted by KEXP) and the main single from CRACKUPS' forthcoming album ‘Plexi’, to be released on 11 October.

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NEW ARTIST | TJE

Mayway Records welcomes TJE ! Belgian trio Lindy Versyck (vocals), Melvin Slabbinck (guitar) and Klaas Leyssen (bass) took the common Dutch diminutive suffix TJE (pronounced TYUH) and turned it into a full-blown band name. With just a minimum of gear they aim for a big impact, exploring the boundaries of their instruments, in search of dissonance and musical friction. “Filling the stage with atmosphere, their musical skill and three songs, they were able to give a performance that felt like a full evening’s setlist”, Belgian influential music magazine HUMO writes. Just a few months earlier they’d released their debut EP ‘IDOLS’, blending wayward electronica with melancholic avant-pop and experimental post- rock. Portishead hooking up with Fever Ray, ML Buch and Astrid Sonne, and Versyck often balancing her voice, like a Belgian Björk, “between childlike naiveté and downright brooding”, as witnessed by Belgian newspaper De Standaard. TJE has also made a big impression live this year in Belgium and the Netherlands on fine venue and festival stages like Ancienne Belgique (Brussels), OLT Rivierenhof and Trix (both Antwerp), and Left of the Dial (Rotterdam). And it’s only a matter of time before the rest of Europe will follow. Photo (c) Lucinde Wahlen

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NEW EP | Eosine - Liminal

Eosine releases new EP ‘Liminal’ Amazing shoegaze made in the Low Countries? You bet. Eosine is a band based in Liège, founded and fronted by Elena Lacroix (22), and one of the most exciting and promising Belgian indie bands of the moment. Combining progressive structures, chiseled vocal harmonies and openhearted melodies, they make the kind of ethereal music that fans of My Bloody Valentine, Lush and Psychotic Monks will love. ‘Liminal’ contains four songs that perfectly embody what Eosine stands for: epic, mesmerizing shoegaze and the dreamy voice of Lacroix. Opening track ‘UV’ would fit in perfectly on Slowdive's current setlist, while single ‘Progeria’ adds an extra prog layer and a smashing outro. Second single ‘Plant Healing’ sounds like a younger sibling of Ride in their heydays, and on closing track ‘Digitaline’ everything comes together: passion, hurried guitar and drums (think: The Wedding Present), tempo changes and dreamy lyrics, all begging to crank the volume up to 11. Eosine will present ‘Liminal’ at Botanique in Brussels on October 24 and at Reflektor in hometown Liège on December 12.

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NEW SINGLE | Meltheads - Happiness Suits You

Meltheads are back with new single ‘Happiness Suits You’ After a successful debut album ‘Decent Sex’ earlier this year, Belgian post-punk sensation Meltheads are back with a new infectious stomper ‘Happiness Suits You’. The brand new track showcases the band’s talent for versatile songwriting, alternating razor-sharp verses with a poppy singalong chorus, throwing a sexy parlando in the mix. Embarking on a European club tour this autumn, including spots at showcase festivals Reeperbahn (Hamburg, Germany) and MaMA (Paris, France), they’re heading for international breakthrough for sure.

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NEW SINGLE | Few Bits - Brick Houses

Few Bits return with glittering dream pop single ‘Brick Houses’ Whispering Indian summer throughout, ‘Brick Houses’ is brilliantly produced dream pop and blissful indie, graced with the heavenly voice of frontwoman Karolien Van Ransbeeck. Think Still Corners and a touch of Mazzy Star and Fleetwood Mac (‘You Make Loving Fun’!). Be sure to check out Finnish visual artist Laura Matikainen's beautiful animation video as well.  Their previous records garnered praise from critics, fans, and fellow artists alike. None other than The War On Drugs invited Few Bits to support them twice during both ‘Lost In The Dream’ and ‘A Deeper Understanding’ tours in 2014 and 2017. Their growing recognition led to performances at prestigious events such as SXSW in Austin, Texas, and Canadian Music Week in Toronto. After the birth of her daughter in 2019, Karolien went on a musical hiatus until she started to feel the itch again in 2022, prompting her to bring the band back together. The album features colourful reflections on both present and past, where imagination and desire intersect.

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NEW SINGLE | Marble Sounds - If You Would Prove Me Wrong Now

Marble Sounds - If You Would Prove Me Wrong Now Flowing on a wonderfully lush synth wave melody, Marble Sounds’ new single is sparkling, shimmery synth pop, combining the pop feel of JJ Goldman, an 80s Moroder sound and actual indie acts like M83. Both melancholic and uplifting, it’s another delightful example of the songwriting skill of Pieter Van Dessel. After the success of An Emotional High, this is the second single of the upcoming new album that will be out in the spring of '25.

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NEW SINGLE | Eosine - Digitaline

Eosine releases new single ‘Digitaline’ As closing track of their live shows and upcoming EP, Digitaline brings together everything Eosine stands for: frenetic, ethereal shoegaze and French noise, hurried guitar and drums, tempo changes and the dreamy voice of frontwoman Elena Lacroix. Quickly becoming Belgian indie darlings, they played amazing shows in the Benelux and France, like Dour Festival (BE), Absolutely Free Festival (BE) and Left of the Dial (NL). Eosine will present their EP Liminal at release shows at Botanique in Brussels and Reflektor in hometown Liège. Don't miss the delightful video by Joris Ngowembona and Elena Lacroix.

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Mayway Records represent at Pukkelpop '24

GET A TASTE OF MAYWAY RECORDS AT PUKKELPOP '24 Thu 15 Aug | Meltheads - Club • 00:05 - 01:05 Fri 16 Aug | STAKE - Backyard • 23:25 - 00:20 Sat 17 Aug | CRACKUPS - Backyard • 13:45 - 14:35 Sun 18 Aug | Isaac Roux - Club • 12:35 - 13:25 Sun 18 Aug | The Haunted Youth - Marquee • 17:25 - 18:25

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NEW SINGLE | CRACKUPS - The Phallus

CRACKUPS “The Phallus” Belgian garage punk rock outfit CRACKUPS return with new song ‘The Phallus’, taken from their third album ‘Plexi’ (11 October). It's another bombshell and perfect example of the band as we know them: insanely fast, tight, seriously loud and with a keen sense of melody and ear for detail. They will be playing a bunch of shows in the coming months, following their triumphant set at Pukkelpop. And no doubt the album release show at Trix in Antwerp (BE) on 29 November is going to be a bomb.

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NEW SINGLE | Bobbi Lu - Tall Now

Bobbi Lu releases mesmerizing new track “Tall Now” Bobbi Lu is the moniker of Lucy Ryan, born and raised in Oxfordshire in the UK, now living in Bruges after following love a few years ago. As a DIY bedroom producer, she’s released a handful of beautiful singles, drawing inspiration from acts like Radiohead, FKA Twigs, Jockstrap and Saya Grey. Combining piano, slow beat and auto-tune, mesmerizing new track “Tall Now” is another fine example of her wonderfully disrupted electronic art pop and sheer international class.  Building an impressive live reputation, as showcased at The Great Escape (UK), Bobbi Lu is now ready with a debut album – ‘Arrow, Four’ – that will be out on 25 October.

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NEW SINGLE | Eosine - Plant Healing

Eosine releases electrifying new single ‘Plant Healing’ ‘Plant Healing’ is the electrifying new single by Belgian indie darlings Eosine and an amazing throwback to 90s shoegaze heydays of bands like Lush, My Bloody Valentine and Ride, with the ethereal and dreamy voice of singer Elena Lacroix.` Their live shows are fiery, psychedelic and compelling, as showcased at festivals like Les Nuits Botanique (BE), Dour Festival (BE) or Left of the Dial (NL).  The conquest of Europe continues with the release of new EP ‘Liminal’ on September 27, containing four songs that perfectly embody what Eosine stands for: epic, mesmerizing shoegaze and the dreamy voice of Lacroix. The EP will be presented on 24 October at Brussels' Botanique, on 4 November at the infamous Parisian punk club Supersonic and finally on 12 December at Reflektor, in hometown Liege.

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NEW SINGLE | Isaac Roux - U&I

Isaac Roux - U&I Need to relax & unwind? This gorgeous intimate new single by Isaac Roux is exactly the tune for it, with his gentle acoustic guitar and soft voice.  Coming out of a European tour, playing Vienna, Paris and Berlin among others, Isaac Roux will be releasing his debut album on 8 November, presenting it at Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, at Paradiso, Amsterdam and at the legendary Brussels venue Ancienne Belgique.

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Get a taste of Mayway Records at Reeperbahn Festival '24

Mayway Records Showcase Get a taste of Mayway Records at Reeperbahn Festival '24 The showcase is brought to you by Mayway Records, a young and vibrant Belgian independent record label, home to an eclectic roster of exciting acts such as The Haunted Youth and Meskerem Mees. The mind always open, the finger on the pulse and the ambition boundless, Mayway Records is taking the international alternative music scene by storm. For this edition of Reeperbahn Festival, we’re hosting our very own stage, showcasing a superb selection of promising Mayway Records acts: from the insane psych punk of Meltheads, the global electronic sounds of Ão and the geometric proto-punk-disco of Lézard to heartfelt indie folk wizard Isaac Roux and the queer art pop splendour of Dressed Like Boys. Exact timings tba

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NEW SINGLE | Calicos - Easy

Calicos releases new single “Easy” “Easy” is the delightful new single by Belgium’s best kept indie secret Calicos, flowing on a heavenly pedal steel and the velvety voice of Quinten Vermaelen. Singing about seeking solace in the night and a bar, surrounded by kindred spirits, this is swirling alt country and americana folk for your playlist.   Having supported The Haunted Youth in The Netherlands, Calicos release their sophomore album this fall, before embarking on a release tour.

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NEW ARTIST | Lézard

Introducing Lézard at Mayway Records! The ongoing collapse of civilization, however, becomes a lot more bearable to a spicy groove, as Belgium-based collective Lézard have quickly found out. Beneath the quintet’s functional geometry simmers a frenzied hysteria: a Boogie Wonderland for oddballs, misfits and lost souls you can't help but be a part of.  With a sound forged in the spirit of Devo, XTC, LCD Soundsystem and Belgian forebears Telex, Lézard have already turned plenty of heads with their ‘disco vogue’ art punk shenanigans. The band wears its garish pop smarts like a too-tight three-piece suit on the hottest of summer days.  With the high-wired “Nothing at All” and the equally suave & seedy “Coltrane & XTC” as opening salvo’s, Lézard has proven themselves a rapidly evolving creature. This year, the band will infiltrate plenty of haunts with their notoriously hot-blooded live performances, while setting their sights on penning brand new material this fall. Photo © Aline Deruytter

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NEW SINGLE & INTRODUCING | Madd9 - Gone

Introducing Madd9 at Mayway Records! New single ‘Gone’ ‘Gone’ is an exciting new single by one of the most striking voices in European hip-hop, an immersive blend of hip-hop, neo-soul & funk in the style of SZA, Anderson .Paak or Smino. With analog synths and distinctive Detroit-style drums Madd9 and producer Preyas create a distinctive sound that’s both innovative and familiar to contemporary hip-hop enthusiasts.  ‘Gone’ is the first single of a double EP coming early next year. Photo © Salim Azaimi

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NEW SINGLE | Isaac Roux - Lost in Some Dream

Isaac Roux releases new indie folk gem “Lost in Some Dream” Grab yourself a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning and unwind with this delicious new track by Isaac Roux, nom de plume of Belgian singer-songwriter Louis De Roo. Singing about a trip with friends to the Lake District, Louis De Roo hits fantastic high Bon Iver notes in this indie folk masterclass, with gentle guitar and subtle drum brushing building up to a euphoric finale.  Having just returned from a European tour with Dotan, Isaac Roux will be opening The Barn at Rock Werchter and playing Pukkelpop, before releasing his much-anticipated debut album on 8 November.

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NEW SINGLE | CRACKUPS - Plane Crash

CRACKUPS releases insane garage punk single “Plane Craaaaaaaash”! CRACKUPS are a band of extremes: insanely fast, tight, seriously loud, but with a keen sense of melody and ear for detail. New single ‘Plane Crash’ is just over 2 minutes of raw energy, psych rock injected garage punk and all the vigour you are likely to find in a mosh pit.  CRACKUPS (played on KEXP) will be sharing the stage with Wine Lips this summer before playing at Pukkelpop Festival and releasing a new album ‘Plexi’ on 11 October. 

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Arend Delabie presents debut single in November

Arend Delabie is a 21-year-old bedroom producer/songwriter from Kortrijk, Belgium, ready to open the door to a promising career with the release of his debut single at the end of the year. Delabie started making music in his bedroom with just a laptop, basic instruments and a nose for clever melodies. He just knows – or rather, fééls - how to write a good song, which also came to the attention of Mayway Records. Signing this young talent, they gave him the time to develop and explore his own sound, a DIY indie feel showing hints of Damon Albarn solo or Canadian musician Homeshake. Supporting acts like The Haunted Youth, Marble Sounds, Ão and Mooneye, he’s already shown he has what it takes to impress on stage. And as this year’s ‘Lotto Wild Talent’ for music venue and concert organizer Wilde Westen in his hometown Kortrijk, he is artist in residence, getting the support he needs working on his first release. The residency will be concluded with a headline show on November 22, around which time his debut single will be released.

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NEW SINGLE | Marble Sounds - An Emotional High

Marble Sounds returns with sparkling indie pop single ‘An Emotional High’ Marble Sounds have been one of the most unique bands coming out of the Low Countries for years, with driving force Pieter Van Dessel never stopping to challenge himself musically. In 2013 he scored an instant classic with single ‘Leave A Light On’, and when his fifth and eponymous album landed in 2022, it was showered with praise, one of the highlights being an invitation for the legendary Dutch live show ‘2 Meter Sessies’. Singles like ‘Quiet’ and ‘Axolotl’ conquered airwaves and alternative charts, and the band’s wonderfully lush orchestrated indie pop enraptured live audiences all around. For his new and sixth album, arriving in early 2025, Van Dessel is changing course. “With the previous album I had the feeling I’d reached a point where I couldn’t do better. So instead of trying to top that album, I’ve made a different one. Less melancholy, more clean-cut pop songs and choruses. The previous album aimed for the heart, this one goes for the gut. It contains several references to my childhood’s music memories, especially from the 80s.” Piano and strings make way for a ‘deeper’, almost electronic and pure pop sound with synths boasting a Giorgio Moroder vibe. First single is ‘An Emotional High’, sparkling and epic indie pop that smells like summertime with friends and fun. The new album, once again produced by Van Dessel himself, is coming out in February 2025. The supporting release tour in spring brings Marble Sounds to some of the loveliest venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

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NEW SINGLE | The Haunted Youth - Into You

The Haunted Youth returns with propulsive new single ‘Into You’ “There are also flashes of '80s indie, goth and synth-pop in his songwriting that echo Future Islands and divert some of the tracks into a euphoric trance” – The Line of Best Fit “Dawn of the Freak is a well-crafted set of shoegazerish dream-pop combining shimmering guitars and synths with bittersweet melodies and dark, angst-fueled lyrics” – KEXP Belgium's finest indie pop export, The Haunted Youth have returned with their evocative new single ‘Into You’. Lovelorn yet strangely upbeat, ‘Into You’ mixes the atmospherics of goth adjacent bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode with the guitar driven power pop of acts like The Radio Dept. and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. “The song is about not being able to be with your sweetheart, and at the same time not being able to be without them” singer Joachim explains. “It’s about finding a balance between yourself as an individual and your relationship.” The primary vehicle of songwriter and misfit rock star, Joachim Liebens, The Haunted Youth have been a critically acclaimed part of Belgian’s alternative music scene since first emerging in 2021. They released a lauded debut album, ‘Dawn of the Freak’ in 2022. The Haunted Youth headlined shows all across Europe and graced the stages of many big name festivals including Iceland Airwaves, Lowlands, Best Kept Secret, Rock Werchter, Pukkelpop, Eurockéennes and Montreux Jazz. With more new music to come The Haunted Youth look set to go from strength-to-strength. 

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NEW SINGLE | Eosine - Progeria

Eosine releases new single ‘Progeria’ Meet Eosine, a Belgian indie rock quartet based in Brussels, founded and fronted in Liège by 22-year-old Elena Lacroix. With their fiery, psychedelic and compelling live reputation, Eosine has quickly become one of the hottest bands in the French part of Belgium, and new single ‘Progeria’ shows just why: epic, ethereal shoegaze and the dreamy voice of singer Elena Lacroix. The future is looking bright for Eosine, who will be dropping new singles in the coming months, followed by their EP ‘Liminal’. Looking even further into the future, the band are working hard for their debut album to be released somewhere in 2025 or 2026. After supporting The Haunted Youth on tour in France and playing major homeland festivals like Les Nuits Botanique and Dour Festival, Eosine prepare for plenty more shows.

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NEW SINGLE | Calicos - In Motion

Calicos releases new single ‘In Motion’ Release new album 22/11 + club tour “I’d do it all just the same”, Calicos sing on their new single, musing on young love and taking life as it comes. It’s a superb track in two parts, the first delightfully meandering folky americana, the second a climactic finale driven by pulsing piano and drums.  Belgium’s best kept indie secret release their sophomore album in the fall, followed by a tour in Belgium. Calicos album release tour: 29 nov | 4AD - Diksmuide 02 dec | Het Depot - Leuven 06 dec | Café Café - Hasselt 11 dec | Charlatan - Ghent 12 dec | De Casino - Sint-Niklaas 13 dec | Trix - Antwerp 14 dec | Deux Ours - Modave 15 dec | Ancienne Belgique - Brussels

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Welcome to Mayway Records ... Few Bits !!

Welcome to Mayway Records ... Few Bits !! Few Bits, led by Karolien Van Ransbeeck, have returned with the announcement of their third album, their first release since ‘Big Sparks’ in 2016. The new album is set to be released on Mayway Records in the spring of 2025, with the first singles scheduled to drop from September 2024 onwards. The band made their debut in 2013 with a self-titled album, which included the radio hit single ‘Shell’, and garnered praise from critics, fans, and fellow artists alike. None other than The War On Drugs invited Karolien to support them on the Scandinavian leg of their ‘Lost In The Dream’ tour in 2014. The following year, Few Bits also opened for The Lemonheads in the UK and Ireland. Their second album, ‘Big Sparks’ (“Charming and disarming through and through”, according to PopMatters) released in 2016, further solidified their acclaim, earning praise from critics and fans. Few Bits performed at major Belgian festivals such as Pukkelpop and Gent Jazz in Belgium and gained attention internationally. Tracks like ‘Summer Sun’ and the title track ‘Big Sparks’ were embraced by indie stations like WFMU in the US and Amazing Radio in the UK. Their growing recognition led to performances at prestigious events such as SXSW in Austin, Texas, and the Canadian Music Week in Toronto. In 2017, they were once again invited by The War On Drugs to support them, this time on their ‘A Deeper Understanding’ tour. After the birth of her daughter in 2019, Karolien went on a musical hiatus until she started to feel the itch again in 2022, prompting her to bring the band back together. The album features colourful reflections on both present and past, where imagination and desire intersect. Blurring the fine line between fantasy and reality, the lyrics often appear cryptic, yet to Karolien, each sentence holds a clear meaning. Despite its bittersweet undertones, the album exudes anything but gloominess. Perhaps Few Bits' most refreshing and sunny-sounding album to date, it serves as a fine example of the band's tuneful guitar-pop music, marking their return after too long of an absence.

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Ão excited to announce summer live dates

More info: ao-band.com

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NEW SINGLE | Bobbi Lu - Vacuum

Bobbi Lu releases stunning new single “Vacuum” Showing a different and more downbeat side of Bruges based British musician Bobbi Lu, 'Vacuum' sounds like Billie Eilish teaming up with Mitski and Phoebe Bridgers. It’s a beautiful indie song about the time in a relationship when the fresh air is gone, but if you’re aware both can open windows and breathe again. She’s played a bunch of gigs to rave reviews, including festivals like The Great Escape (UK), Fifty Lab (BE), Grasnapolsky (NL) and Left of the Dial (NL), while also opening for Sylvie Kreusch and The Haunted Youth in their Paris and London shows. Looking to the future, her debut album comes out in October, and with a new duo set-up her live shows are going to be even more engaging, electrifying experiences.

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NEW SINGLE | CRACKUPS - Sgt. Haze

CRACKUPS releases energetic art punk single “Sgt. Haze” Blink and you’ll have missed it, but if these 1.35 minutes of punchy, brisk and energetic art punk song “Sgt. Haze” don’t get you going in the morning, we don’t know what will. CRACKUPS are a band of extremes: insanely fast, tight, seriously loud, but with a keen sense of melody and ear for detail.  Album number 3 (titled "Plexi") will be out by the end of the year. True to their DIY state of mind, they took matters into their own hands again for production and artwork. First single “Sgt. Haze” doesn’t beat about the bush. Don’t look for a handbrake, as they still don’t have one, much to everyone’s relief. No-nonsense and no secrets. Inspired by a record collection that could be their parents’. B-52's and Devo meets Viagra Boys and Warmduscher.

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Meltheads set to tour the UK this autumn

Tickets & info: meltheads.com

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Ão playing Reeperbahn Festival '24

https://www.reeperbahnfestival.com/en/festival

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DEBUT SINGLE | Dressed Like Boys - Nando

Dressed Like Boys unveils emotive debut single ‘Nando’ Belgian singer/songwriter Jelle Denturck is currently leading something of a double life. For the last few years, he’s been the charismatic frontman of acclaimed noise merchants DIRK., whose mix of indie, post-punk and Talking Heads Lyricism has made them something of a sensation at home. There is another side to Jelle though, and that finds an outlet in the form of Dressed Like Boys. He sings about the search for personal freedom, his life as a gay man, his relationship, and never shying away from difficult subjects such grief and the homophobic abuse he has suffered in the past. It doesn’t get more personal and fragile than this. Dressed Like Boys’ echoes the deeply confessional sounds of 70s singer/songwriters, and the music has a lush, timeless quality, brought on through the use of tape recording, strings, Wurlitzer organ, biscuit tin like snare sounds and a wonderful reunion with the piano, the first ever instrument he learned to play as a child. Appropriately for such intimate music, Dressed Like Boys debut single ‘Nando’ is a declaration of love to his partner, and draws on the influence of Elton John, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Anohni and the Johnsons. “Being in a relationship inevitably causes personal turbulence.” Jelle explains. “That’s what this song is about. We all suffer insecurities, injuries, doubts and regrets for the sake of love.” ‘Nando’ is out now and a full debut album is set for release in the spring of 2025. Having supported The Haunted Youth for the European leg of their tour, Dressed Like Boys have played across Europe, including sold-out crowds in his native Belgium (Antwerp, De Roma) and Holland (Utrecht, TivoliVredenburg).

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Welcome to the family ... STAKE !!

Welcome to Mayway Records ... STAKE !! How would YOU feel if you could introduce one of the most iconic Belgian bands and insane live acts of the past 20 (!) years as newest member of the family? Exactly! Welcome to Mayway Records, STAKE! A long, long time ago, STAKE started out as Steak Number Eight and clinched, much to their own surprise, Humo's Rock Rally in 2008 with their fascinating post rock/sludge metal music. At barely 15 years old, they are to this day the youngest winners of Belgium’s biggest rock band contest. They soon recorded debut album ‘When The Candle Dies Out’, school gave them time off to go on tour and the roller coaster hasn’t stopped since. They went from small venues to bigger ones and even bigger festival stages (Graspop, Hellfest, Wacken,…), played with the biggest names (Mastodon! Deftones! Dillinger Escape Plan! Alice Cooper!), released five more albums and wrote classics like ‘The Sea Is Dying’, ‘Dickhead’, ‘Return of The Kolomon’ and ‘Catatonic Dreams’. In 2018 they changed their name to STAKE. STAKE are Brent Vanneste (vocals/guitar), Cis Deman (guitar), Jesse Surmont (bass) and Joris Casier (drums). They are currently working on a new album, which will be out on Mayway Records in 2025. To celebrate their 20th anniversary, they will throw a huge all-day party and play their ‘Biggest Show To Date’ in front of fans and friends on November 1st (LandMarck, Kortrijk, Belgium).

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NEW SINGLE | Isaac Roux - The Right Place

Isaac Roux unveils new single ‘The Right Place’ European tour with Dotan Meet Isaac Roux, nom de plume of Belgian singer-songwriter Louis De Roo. After graduating from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), signing a record deal, scoring several hit singles and with a sensational debut album coming up, Roux is more than ready for his big breakthrough. New single ‘The Right Place’ is Isaac Roux's most uptempo single to date. With its uplifting message and catchy sing-along chorus, this indie folk gem is a wonderful display of folk rock like Ben Howard, SYML or Fleet Foxes.  After supporting Dotan for a European tour in April, he’ll be kicking off the line-up in The Barn (the world’s biggest festival tent) at Rock Werchter. And with his debut album coming out in November, the near future is looking very bright for this new indie kid on the block.

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NEW ALBUM | Mooneye - Come with Me and Hide

Mooneye release new album ‘Come with Me and Hide’ Featuring stunning new video and single ‘Too Fast’ On tour in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany With an excellent and acclaimed debut album, a string of successful singles and a steaming live reputation, Mooneye have been in the forefront of Belgium’s indie scene for quite some years now. A status that will only continue to grow with sophomore album ‘Come With Me And Hide’. It all started for Mooneye in 2019 with victory in a music talent show for national alternative radio station Studio Brussel. They released an ep soon after and scored a first modest hit with Thinking About Leaving. Their debut album Big Enough followed in 2021, containing hit singles like Bright Lights (ft. Meskerem Mees), Fix The Heater and Are You Lonely Too. They toured through Belgium and the Netherlands and as far as Germany, where their fame is growing considerably since they played a very well received gig at the famous Reeperbahn festival. By the end of 2022 the band went into the studio for the long-awaited second album, and frontman Michiel Libberecht wanted to return to the band’s very essence: intimacy built up from an acoustic foundation. He drew inspiration from his love for the American way of songwriting, incorporating elements of folk and country, and influences ranging from Kevin Morby and acoustic Beck to Morricone and Luppi soundtracks. The result is a stunning, coherent and heartfelt album with Mooneye sounding more full-grown than ever. First single ‘Lover To Stranger’ did very well on radio, streaming services and in alternative charts. After a solo tour supporting Ruben Block (Triggerfinger) in Germany, Libberecht will be looking towards 2024, the release of ‘Come With Me And Hide’ and a new tour taking the band to wonderful venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. And that, after all, is what Mooneye is all about, being on stage and sharing their music with fans and audiences all around.

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The Haunted Youth playing Pukkelpop '24

https://www.pukkelpop.be/en/bands/the-haunted-youth

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NEW ALBUM | Meltheads - Decent Sex

Meltheads release long-awaited debut album ‘Decent Sex’ “Reminiscent of Iggy Pop in flamboyance, there’s a righteous sensibility to their music which recalls The Birthday Party, or perhaps The Gun Club” – Clash (UK) “Conjures mosh pits in the mind with its brash ferocity” – DIY (UK) “Downplaying may suit others, but Meltheads boldly draw comparisons to Iggy Pop. With confidence, the Belgian quartet presents this intriguing debut, packed with melodic noise.” – Visions (DE) Following a series of explosive singles, Belgium’s premiere purveyors of post-punk nihilism, Meltheads today release their raucous debut album, ‘Decent Sex’. To celebrate the band have also released a surreal and darkly debauched video for the title track which you can watch here.  Meltheads have been spreading wildfire on stages in Belgium and The Netherlands for a good while now, driven by the metronomically tight rhythm section of Tim Pensaert (bass) and Simon de Geus (drums), and fuelled by the razor sharp and skilful guitar of Yunas De Proost. And then there’s frontman Sietse Willems, a man born to be on stage, like Morrison, Plant and Iggy Pop in one brutal and gnarly package. The album kicks off with the title track, linking Stooges to The Doors, and not beating about the bush: it’s going to be at breakneck speed, and it’s going to be loud. Just 30 minutes later, once the final notes of fever dream Melvin have died out, ‘Decent Sex’ leaves you knocked out on the floor after an insane trip along blaring post punk (Gear), visceral noise (Theodore), sweeping psych (White Lies) and good old rock ‘n’ roll (Screwdrivers). Eleven tracks of screaming guitars, stomping drums, thick bass and Willems’ primal rasp, but also catchy melodies (No One Is Innocent, Gear, Arbeit), addictive hooks (Night Gym), unexpected variations (Vegan Leather Boots) and surprising backings (White Lies). Meltheads take references like Amyl & The Sniffers, The Gun Club, The Fall and Wire, throw them in the cement mixer and pave a rock-hard road to international breakthrough with it. Part of the world is already turning its head, as renowned radio stations like KEXP (US) and BBC Radio 1 (UK) are picking up songs like I Want It All and Theodore, and fellow Antwerp based rock legends dEUS took them on tour, even as far as London’s Electric Brixton. Influential music magazines like Clash, DIY (UK) and Visions (DE) dug up superlatives – and comparisons to The Birthday Party – for Theodore, a song about looking for (self) love, but also about the mess drug use can lead to. All not very uplifting, and most themes return in several songs, like the dark side to relationships and sex (White Lies, Decent Sex), or toxic masculinity (Vegan Leather Boots, Theodore again) and even politics (No One Is Innocent, Arbeit). Pretty heavy stuff, but wrapped in the highly infectious and piercing guitar rock Meltheads are serving, it’s going like a bomb. Live the band are already becoming a fixture of European stages. After a glorious performance at the ESNS showcase festival in Groningen (January 2024), Meltheads will tour Europe in full this year. Club tours in France, Germany and the UK will soon be announced.

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NEW SINGLE | Mooneye - Out of Place

Mooneye return with new single ‘Out of Place’ New album ‘Come with Me and Hide’ to be released 23 February Pre-order now Cracking melody, straight-up rewarding chorus and superb lyrics, this sparkling indie pop song has Mooneye written all over it and is just the job for the summer festivals. It’s the third single from the band’s upcoming album ‘Come with Me and Hide’ (23 February), after praise and success for singles Lover to Stranger and Branches. A top indie act in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany (following a thrilling gig at Reeperbahn and extensive airplay on radioeins), tickets for the release tour are selling fast.

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NEW SINGLE | Ão - More

Ão unveils new single “More” ESNS '24 - Thu 18 Jan - 8:10 pm - WeNutButter “More” is another beauty by Belgian rising band Ão from their superb debut album ‘Ao Mar’, and closing song to their sparkling live shows. It comes with a stunning video, shot and directed by Seeyousound Film Festival (Turin, IT) nominee Michiel Venmans (Warhaus, Meskerem Mees). Fans and media like KEXP (US), Le Monde (FR) and FIP (FR) are down with their unique blend of electronica, saudade, folk and indie, not to mention the phenomenal voice of singer Brenda Coryn, singing in Portuguese and English. Ão are nominated for the MIA's (Music Industry Awards), the ‘Belgian Grammy's’, in the ‘Breakthrough’ category. Playing big events like ESNS in 2024, there’s no doubt the rest of Europe will soon follow suit.

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NEW SINGLE | Meltheads - No One Is Innocent

Meltheads unveils new single ‘No One Is Innocent’ Debut album ‘Decent Sex’ to be released 9 February Pre-order now Meltheads are in the home stretch towards the release of their debut album ‘Decent Sex’, and what a ride it is! New single ‘No One Is Innocent’ has a soaring guitar, snappy chorus and an insane bass break halfway through, followed by an eruption of energy only Meltheads can produce.  “‘No One Is Innocent’ is partly a song about the neighbourhood I grew up in” frontman Sietse explains. “I love the place, it’s diverse, warm, but can feel a little unbalanced between the haves and have-nots. The song is also about this socio-economic unfairness and how we, as a society, keep this corrupt system propped up. That’s why no one is innocent” Already on the radar of big names like Clash (UK), DIY (UK) and KEXP (US), soon the rest of the world will get to know Belgium's answer to IDLES and Shame and the next big thing in post punk. ‘Decent Sex’ is out on 9 February, followed by release shows in Belgium, The Netherlands and Paris. On 17 January, Meltheads will vigorously kick off the year with a show at the highly influential ESNS showcase festival, where the part of the world that is still in blissful ignorance will get to know the brute force of Meltheads.

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NEW SONG | Meltheads - White Lies

Meltheads unveils new song ‘White Lies’ Rolling drums, thick bass, hypnotizing guitar and psychedelic backings, ‘White Lies’ is yet another highly infectious song from the forthcoming debut album ‘Decent Sex’ by Meltheads, Belgium’s answer to bands like IDLES and Shame. Getting a big thumbs up for previous singles from prominent names like Clash (UK), DIY (UK), KEXP (US) and Visions (DE), and having supported dEUS across Europe, Meltheads are ready to take on the world in 2024, starting at the highly influential ESNS on 17 January '24.

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NEW SINGLE | Calicos - The Siren

Calicos unveils new single “The Siren” Take a little bit of Kurt Vile, add some Connan Mockasin and Jonathan Wilson et voilà: The Siren, another masterly song by the Low Countries’ best kept indie secret. Once again, Calicos perfectly blend indie folk with alternative americana in a delightfully flowy track and heavenly outro. After extensive airplay and streaming support for the previous singles, and supporting The Haunted Youth for sold out shows in The Netherlands, Calicos are very ready for 2024 and the release of the new album.

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NEW SINGLE | Mooneye - Branches

Mooneye unveils new single ‘Branches’ Mooneye's second single from their forthcoming sophomore album is a wonderfully delicate indie folk pop song, even calling to mind the great Paul McCartney’s Jenny Wren, and a perfect addition to your playlist. Previous single Lover To Stranger is flying high on big radio stations such as Studio Brussel (BE) and radioeins (DE), the new album is out on 23 February 2024 and tickets for the release tour in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany are selling like hot cakes.

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NEW SINGLE | Isaac Roux - Autumn Love

Isaac Roux unveils new single “Autumn Love” Like Bon Iver singing to a gentle acoustic guitar and piano track by Sufjan Stevens, that’s how this gorgeous “Autumn Love” sounds, a song perfect to enjoy with a nice cup of tea on a dark and cold autumn day.  “Autumn Love is about the fact that people often break up in autumn/winter because these are the periods when we doubt ourselves the most.” Louis explains. “Whereas spring and summer often do the opposite.” Isaac Roux is a project fronted by Louis De Roo who, after a jaw-dropping performance on TV show The Voice, graduated from Sir Paul McCartney’s LIPA. After successful singles ‘White Rose’ (winner of the notorious ‘De Nieuwe Lichting’ contest at Belgian national radio Studio Brussel) and ‘Colours’, it’s the next step to indie folk stardom for Isaac Roux, whose debut album comes out in 2024.

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Ão and Isolde Lasoen nominated for MIA's 2023

Vote here: https://mias.vrt.be/

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NEW EP | Aure - A Few Notes

Aure presents beautiful haunting EP “A Few Notes”  Sit down and luxuriate in the timeless class of Aure, whose EP “A Few Notes” provides a warm soundtrack for these dark and cold autumn and winter days. With her first ever release the French singer-songwriter with the characteristic husky voice is on the threshold of a very promising career. The six songs of ‘A Few Notes’ almost all originated when Aure was living in Mexico for a couple of years. There the architect by profession took her first real steps as a musician and started writing compositions and songs. Former classmate Ambroise Willaume (aka Sage, and member of French band ‘Revolver’) helped with the arrangements, while English singer-songwriter Piers Faccini rewrote the lyrics for the songs in English. Aure also sings one song in French and one in Spanish, all in that deep and mellifluous voice that inevitably calls to mind icons like Nico and Françoise Hardy. The songs were all recorded in one take in a small Romanesque chapel in her native region the Cevennes in the south of France. The building’s architecture intensifies the stripped-down production of the songs, and leaves plenty of room for the surrounding’s identity to fill in. Aure sings about doubts and about love confronted with time, in sparse, direct lyrics, like emotional snapshots, without artifice. The stripped-down production, with mainly guitar and voice, further emphasizes this directness, like a contemporary Nick Drake or Leonard Cohen, or more recently Jessica Pratt and Mariee Sioux. Three songs already found their way to the audience as singles: debut ‘The Line’ was received enthusiastically in Belgium and France, and follow-ups ‘Dans La Plaine’ and ‘Suddenly’ only added to the growing fame in the rest of Europe. The Pariesienne’s songs were picked up by big international Spotify playlists, while press wrote in superlatives and big radio names in France (Les Inrocks, FIP) and the Benelux (Radio 1, Studio Brussel) were eager to give the soul-stirring songs extensive airplay. Onstage Aure leaves audiences breathless, supporting Andy Shauf on his European tour, or headlining her first shows in her home country. She will be supporting fellow label artists Marble Sounds and Ão later this fall, and many more tour dates are to follow next year, along with new music. But for now, it is time to indulge in the beauty that is ‘A Few Notes’.

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NEW SINGLE | Meltheads - Night Gym

Meltheads return with new single “Night Gym” “Reminiscent of Iggy Pop in flamboyance, there’s a righteous sensibility to their music which recalls The Birthday Party, or perhaps The Gun Club” - Clash (UK) “Brutal and gnarly in the most streamlined and satisfying way” - DIY (UK) Belgium’s answer to IDLES and Shame returns with another excellent piece of post punk madness, a raging bull featuring an ultra-catchy chorus and Sietse Willems’ characteristic primal rasp. “Night Gym” is the third track from the band’s eagerly anticipated debut album, ‘Decent Sex’, which will be released on 9 February '24. “I guess there are some places where love is for sale.” Sietse says enigmatically on the track’s origins. “I don’t like those places. ‘Night Gym’ is about a place like that in Prague.” Getting a big thumbs up for previous singles from prominent names like Clash (UK), DIY (UK), KEXP (US) and Visions (DE), and having supported dEUS across Europe, Meltheads are ready to take on the world in 2024, starting at the highly influential ESNS on 17 January '24.

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NEW ARTIST | Eosine

Mayway Records welcomes ... Eosine! Eosine is a four-piece from Liège (Belgium) and, for now, a well-kept secret of the Walloon indie scene, but not for long. Formed by now 21-year-old Elena Lacroix (vocals, guitar), the band also consists of Dima Fontaine (guitar, vocals), Benjamin Fransen (drums) and Brieuc Verstraete (bass, vocals). Eosine's songs start from the wall of sound and ethereal sounds of shoegaze, emphasising progressive structures, chiselled vocal harmonies and forthright melodies, which fans of My Bloody Valentine, Lush and Psychotic Monks will love. Their live shows are fiery and psychedelic, and this was also felt at the Concours Circuit, a renowned music contest in the French speaking part of Belgium, where they snatched first prize, late last year. With their controlled, but sometimes cathartic frenzy, Eosine have already been allowed to open for The Haunted Youth, DITZ, Lambrini Girls and at the farewell concert of Belgian indie icon BRNS in the Rotonde of Le Botanique, Brussels. Earlier this year, they performed at festival such as Left Of The Dial (Rotterdam), Les Nuits Botanique (Brussels) and – cherry on the cake! - Dour Festival.

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Arend Delabie new artist in residence at Wilde Westen!

Info: https://www.wildewesten.be/nl/nieuws/arend-delabie-is-onze-nieuwe-lotto-wild-talent

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NEW SINGLE | Meltheads - Theodore

Meltheads new single “Theodore” Confirmed for ESNS 2024  Meet “Theodore”, Meltheads' newborn big mouth, packed with a post punk attitude and ready to kick up a rumpus. “It’s a song about trying to love yourself” frontman Sietse Willems explains. “The things you fuck up and the love you get from your friends. I love my friends, they adore me. I adore my friend Theodore.” With debut album ‘Decent Sex’ coming out on 9 February 2024 and previous single ‘I Want It All’ picked up by KEXP, WDR and MTV, Meltheads are becoming one of the most exciting guitar acts around. Belgian rock legends dEUS invited them as their support act for 17 European shows, taking Meltheads from Cologne to Paris and London, and 4 (!) nights at the iconic - and sold out - AB in Brussels. Meltheads will be touring Europe in 2024, kicking off at the influential ESNS showcase festival on 17 January. More dates to be announced.

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NEW SINGLE | Aure - Suddenly

Aure presents new single “Suddenly”  European tour with Andy Shauf After already making a deep impression with her first two singles, Parisian singer-songwriter Aure enchants again with new single “Suddenly”, a stripped-down folk masterpiece centred around guitar and her gripping voice, as if Joan Baez and Angel Olsen decided to team up. France (Les Inrocks, FIP) and the Benelux (Studio Brussel (BE), Radio 1 (BE), Radio 2 (NL)) are already falling for her, and a European tour with Andy Shauf, kicking off next Sunday in Ireland, will surely open more doors. Her debut EP “A Few Notes” is set for release on 24 November.

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NEW ARTIST | Dressed Like Boys

Mayway Records welcome ... Dressed Like Boys! Jelle Denturck is the singer and frontman of DIRK., a popular Belgian indie band that – in his own words – ‘has been making a fair amount of noise these past few years’. But in fact he thinks he’s a real softie, with a record collection full of melancholic indie pop and rock music: Bowie, Beatles, Lou Reed, Elton John, Nina Simone, Anohni & The Johnsons, Sufjan Stevens, Perfume Genius, Wilco, Tobias Tesso Jr. … clearly there’s a side to Denturck that doesn’t easily reveal itself in DIRK.’s music. It's about time, Denturck feels. As Dressed Like Boys he wanted to write songs and make a record all of his own. Not to turn it into an ego trip, but by way of self-examination. Denturck sings about the search for personal freedom, about his dearest friends, his homosexuality and relationship, but doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics like gay bashing either. It doesn’t get more personal and fragile than this. Musically the influence of Denturck’s record collection is inevitable, and Dressed Like Boys’ sound mainly echoes that of the 70s. Denturck takes it into the 21st century with tape recorders, (real!) strings, Wurlitzers, Rhodes, biscuit tin like drum sounds and a wonderful reunion with the (grand) piano, the first ever instrument he learned to play as a child. For all the noise Denturck likes to make with DIRK., Dressed Like Boys allows him to turn the volume down a bit for an intimate look into his soul.

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Aure supporting Andy Shauf across Europe

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Ão confirmed for Crossing Border '23

https://www.crossingborder.nl/

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NEW SINGLE | Mooneye - Lover To Stranger

Mooneye - Lover To Stranger After the success of debut album Big Enough and the accompanying tour, Mooneye return with a languishing break-up song ‘Lover To Stranger’, the lead single for their sophomore album coming out next February.  Carried by Michiel Libberecht’s angelic voice and building up to a stirring guitar driven outro, it’s another piece of clever alternative song writing. The band can’t wait to share the new music with audiences all around, both on record and in venues for the release tour in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany next Spring. 

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NEW ALBUM | Ão - Ao Mar

Ão debut album “Ao Mar”  No-one sounds quite like Ão, the Belgian fourpiece that in just a matter of months went from well kept secret to sparkling jewel in the crown of Belgian music. Frontwoman Brenda Corijn, Siebe Chau, Jolan Decaestecker and Bert Peyffers masterfully blend saudade, indie, electronica, global and folk into a unique sound that not only appeals to an ever-growing fanbase, but also receives widespread praise and extensive airplay on radio and streaming services. Their debut album ‘Ao Mar’ (‘To the sea’) is out now. Recorded partly in Belgium and partly in Portugal, ‘Ao Mar’ follows the undercurrent of the sea with its vast, timeless, and rugged character, yet also its reassuringly calming presence and immense healing power. Themes include how it feels to be a woman, the longing for both distance and closeness, and of course saudade, the Portuguese/Brazilian feeling of melancholy, nostalgia and longing. ‘And just like the sea, sometimes I’m ebb, and sometimes I’m flow’, Corijn explains. Musically, comparisons inevitably point to Madredeus and Lhasa De Sela, or more recently FKA Twigs, Arooj Aftab and James Blake. But Ão is very much a band with its own sound, making ingenious, multifaceted tracks and captivating acoustic songs. Corijn entwines her warm voice with Chau’s southern guitar, Decaestecker’s ambient sounds and Peyffers’ eclectic percussion, drawing on her Mozambican-Portuguese roots for her lyrics. Other sources of inspiration include tales of her mother, a trip to Morocco, Elena Ferrante’s acclaimed novel My Brilliant Friend and Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story. The fresh summer vibes of single ‘Meninas’ kick off the album, followed by the chilling synth theme of outright classic ‘Mulher’. ‘Avó’ is heart-warming and clever electronica, ‘Crowd’ and ‘Guardar’ show that the band can be intimate as well, and songs like ‘Vazio’ and ‘More’ exhibit the very essence of Ão: intoxicating lyrics bathing in an overwhelming blend of saudade, electronica and indie. ‘Ao Mar’ is a breathtaking debut album, taking you on a marvellous trip along Ão’s vast soundscape. If the album is already impressive, live Ão is something else, a mind-blowing and immersive experience, as showcased on various summer festival stages. Now they’re getting ready for the tour supporting the release of ‘Ao Mar’, playing amazing venues in Belgium later this year, and hitting the rest of the European roads in 2024. TRACKLIST 1. Meninas 2. Outra 3. Mulher 4. Mãe 5. Avó 6. Speak 7. Guardar 8. O 9. Vazio 10. Crowd 11. Caixinha 12. More

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Marble Sounds teams up with Illuminine for new beautiful ambient track

Listen here: https://illuminine.ferry.fan/BAS

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NEW SINGLE | Bobbi Lu - Zoo Interaction

Bobbi Lu - Zoo Interaction Bobbi Lu's new single “Zoo Interaction” is another fine example of her talent for making smouldering, synth and piano driven indie electronica.  The star of this British born Bruges resident keeps on rising, after opening for The Haunted Youth, Sylvie Kreusch and even more so after the buzz created by her two memorable shows at The Great Escape (UK), which was lauded by the BBC amongst others.  Zoo Interaction is also the soundtrack to a pivotal scene in the new - critically acclaimed - tragicomedy TV series ‘De club’ on Amazon Prime.

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Meltheads confirmed for ESNS '24

More info: https://esns.nl/en/festival/artists/meltheads/

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NEW SINGLE | Ão - Vazio

Ão new single “Vazio”  Debut album “Ao Mar” to be released 6 October  Pre-order now Everything Ão stands for comes together in ‘Vazio’: intoxicating Portuguese lyrics bathing in an overwhelming, ingenious mix of saudade, electronica and trip folk. After widespread international Spotify support and radio airplay (including KEXP), Ão are looking far beyond the magnificent Coliseu dos Recreios in Lisbon where they left a great impression earlier this year as the opening act for dEUS. ‘Vazio’ is the new single for the upcoming debut album ‘Ao Mar’ (‘To the sea’), which is set for release on 6 October. Be sure to check out Michiel Venmans' stunning video as well.  Leading Belgian daily ‘De Standaard’ already took an advance and crowned Ão ‘The Discovery of 2023’. No fake news as far as we are concerned, because Ão is exciting, innovative and just utterly góód: 'The Discovery of 2023'? Yes, please!

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NEW SINGLE | Aure - Dans La Plaine

Aure presents new single “Dans La Plaine” Aure's shimmering debut single "The Line" conquered many hearts in her home country (FIP, Les Inrocks) and in the Benelux (Radio 1, Duyster, Radio2/Blokhuis, RTBF Jam). “Dans La Plaine” is her new single, the first in her mother tongue, and with her husky Nico-like voice and subtle Leonard Cohen guitar picking, it is another gem by this Parisian top talent: a delicate and poetic folk chanson à la Françoise Hardy, Mariee Sioux or Sybille Baier.  The single comes with a beautiful video, directed by Aure herself. Aure: “This song is about duality and doubt in love. The plain (La plaine) represents the vastness of the world in which every couple, every couple has to evolve, with the inevitable falling down and getting up again.” Aure is set to perform at the notorious Leffingeleuren festival in Belgium in September, along with Rozi Plain, Runnner and King Hannah, as part of a line-up curated by renowned Flemish radio icon Ayco Duyster. Other shows in Belgium, Holland and France are confirmed and will soon be announced. Aures debut EP “A Few Notes” will be out on 24 November.

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Ão confirmed for 3 (!) sold out support slots with Arsenal at OLT Rivierenhof

All dates and info can be found via Ão.com

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NEW SINGLE | Isaac Roux - Colours

Isaac Roux presents new single “Colours” Starting off gently and carefully adding layers of drums, guitar and swelling electronica, “Colours” is the new single by Belgian prodigy Isaac Roux, unleashing his inner Ben Howard, My Morning Jacket and Bon Iver for a climax of epic proportions. Isaac Roux is fronted by Louis de Roo who, after a jaw-dropping performance on TV show The Voice, went on to graduate from Sir Paul McCartney's LIPA. After the succesful debut single ‘White Rose’ (winner of the notorious ‘De Nieuwe Lichting’ contest at Belgian indie radio Studio Brussel), “Colours” is Isaac Roux' next step towards international indie folk stardom.

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NEW SINGLE | Calicos - Reliving

Calicos release new single “Reliving” Whenever you’re in the mood for a lovely Kurt Vile vibe with a touch of Cass McCombs, Whitney or even 70s era Fleetwood Mac, “Reliving” (production/mixing: Tobie Speleman) is your go-to song. This is Calicos at the top of their game: gently meandering and masterful guitar, a compelling melody and that blissful voice of frontman Quinten Vermaelen. After the success of ‘Comedown’, this is the second step towards the release of the new album in early 2024. Until then, this formidable Antwerp sextet are ready for a bustling festival summer.

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NEW SINGLE | Ão - Meninas

Ão presents new single “Meninas” Ão, a young and exciting Belgian-Portuguese fourpiece, presents new single “Meninas”. It's dazzling blend of saudade, indie, electronic music and the luscious Portuguese lyrics inspired by the Mozambican roots of singer Brenda Corijn. The song, partly inspired by the series ‘My Brilliant Friend’, is about finding strength by the side of another woman to finally do what you want and who you are'. Singer Brenda Corijn: “ser mulher é mais fácil a lado seu”/"being a woman is easier on your side”. After the widespread praise and airplay of previous singles ‘Avó’ and ‘Mulher’, even on the highly influential Seattle-based KEXP, Ão will be touring intensively before releasing a debut album on October 6. Live, Ão is out of this world, not just a good show with brilliant musicians and an amazing voice, but a mind-blowing, unique and exhilarating experience. Watch ‘Mulher’ live at Coliseu dos Recreios, Lisbon back in April. Video: Michiel Venmans

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NEW SINGLE | Meltheads - I Want It All

Meltheads presents new single “I Want It All” There was no way of escaping Meltheads this past year (and frankly, why would you want to?), with their big alternative hit ‘Naïef’ and a vigorous live reputation spreading like wildfire in Belgium and The Netherlands. Not bad for a band whose debut album is yet to come out. Their fame quickly went through the roof. Belgian rock legends dEUS invited them as their support act for 17 European shows, taking Meltheads from Cologne to Paris and London, including 4 (!) nights at the iconic AB in Brussels. WDR (German TV) broadcasted their show at Rockpalast in Cologne in full.  After the roaring success of ‘Naïef’, the bar is set high for Meltheads. But these guys have high expectations like these for breakfast and return with “I Want It All” (irresistible riff!) garage punk with an attitude, like Amyl and The Sniffers, The Chats or The Datsuns. The only way is up for Meltheads, and they’ll go fast.

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NEW SINGLE | Bobbi Lu - Pretty Planet

Bobbi Lu presents new single “Pretty Planet” “Enjoyed Bobbi Lu's set at The Great Escape! Emotional and personal storytelling driven by piano and samples.” (BBC Music Introducing)  Rising star Bobbi Lu broadens her sound with new single “Pretty Planet”, adding pounding drums and guitar, and a thrilling pop melody evoking Miss Kittin and Caroline Polachek. Originally from Oxford (UK), like major influence Thom Yorke, Bobbi Lu has been living in Bruges (BE) for some years now. After a string of memorable shows, including opening slots for Sylvie Kreusch and The Haunted Youth in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, many listed her among the standout acts after two (!) impressive shows at the influential The Great Escape festival in Brighton (UK) this month.

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DEBUT SINGLE | Aure - The Line

Aure - The Line Let us introduce you to the timeless class of Aure, a French singer-songwriter from Paris and Mayway Records' first international signing. Her breathtakingly beautiful debut EP “a few notes” is coming later this year. An architect by profession, music has always been an important means of expression for Aure. When living in Mexico for a few years, she took her first real steps as a musician and started writing compositions. Her old architecture classmate Ambroise Willaume (aka ‘Sage’, and member of the popular French band ‘Revolver’) helped with the arrangements, while English singer-songwriter Piers Faccini rewrote some of the lyrics in English.   The resulting 6 songs were all recorded in one take in a small Romanesque chapel in the region of the Cevennes in the south of France. The building’s architecture intensifies the stripped-down production of the songs, whose rather slow and careful orchestrations leave plenty of room for the surrounding’s identity to fill in.  The first single taken from the forthcoming EP is the gorgeous “The Line”, evoking the legendary Nico (that voice!), Mariee Sioux or Aldous Harding.

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NEW SINGLE | King Viktor - Riptide (feat. The Haunted Youth)

The Haunted Youth’s side project ‘King Viktor’ presents shimmering debut single “Riptide” Take some Radiohead (In Rainbows!), Slowdive and DIIV, add the dreamy synths of The Haunted Youth and soothing voice of frontman Joachim Liebens et voilà: Riptide is nothing short of a dreampop beauty, fascinating indie shoegaze screaming ‘endless repeat’. King Viktor is the brainchild of close friends Tom Stokx and Arno De Ros, born in 2018 as part of the healing process after the passing of Stokx’ father. Originally a live band of four, King Viktor soon evolved into its present line-up: a duo blending indie rock with shoegaze and dream pop, inspired by their love for bands like Slowdive, Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine. Tom Stokx will be touring all over Europe (Rock Werchter, Pinkpop, Eurockéennes, Sziget, Iceland Airwaves, more tba) with The Haunted Youth this year. 'Riptide' will feature prominently in the live set.

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NEW SINGLE | Ão - Avó

Ão is a Belgian-Portuguese foursome, bringing a unique blend of saudade, electronic and indie music, of which the new single ‘Avó’ is a perfect illustration. The international aspect of the project is becoming more and more tangible, since their previous single ‘Mulher’ made it to the playlist of, amongst others, KEXP in Seattle. Also Ão is coming to Lisbon, Portugal, on 2 April, supporting dEUS in the majestic Coliseu dos Recreios. What an honour! ‘Avó’ is based on a story Brenda's (singer Ão) mother brought back from her native Mozambique. She lived as a child in a village on the Zambezi River, and on the edge of that village lived an old, wise lady. There are many crocodiles in the Zambezi, but that lady knew when it was safe for children to swim and play in the river. They called her “a avó dos crocodilos”, the “grandmother of the crocodiles”. And so that's what the song is about. Ão is leaving on tour soon: dates to follow shortly.

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NEW SINGLE | Isaac Roux - Bloodbuzz Ohio

Isaac Roux - Bloodbuzz Ohio Isaac Roux is one of Belgium's most promising indie youngsters. As a teenager frontman Louis de Roo shone in the famous international TV show The Voice (was 2016). In 2019 Louis graduated from LIPA in Liverpool, aka "Paul McCartney's School". Isaac Roux' debut single ‘White Rose’ came out in December and is scoring highly in Belgium (#1 Viral 50) and the Netherlands. Today Isaac Roux releases a mesmerising cover of The National's ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’, taking this indie classic to a new level. Honestly? Nothing seems to stand in the way of a fantastic international career. Isaac Roux could be the ‘new Ben Howard or Bon Iver’, but most of all ‘the one and only Isaac Roux’.

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DEBUT SINGLE | Bobbi Lu - Metapwhore

Bobbi Lu proudly presents debut single ‘Metapwhore’ Announced for The Great Escape Festival (Thu, 11 May)  Imagine starving yourself over 4 years as some kind of protest to the invention of smartphones. Sounds fucking stupid right? Which is why British born Lucy Ryan preferred to leave that part of herself behind and move over the water to Belgium, following love, the opposite to what she had been chasing back home.  That was a decade ago. Now, she proudly presents her anticipated debut single ‘Metapwhore’ (no misspelling). Lucy’s intriguing electronic indie sound, built from the bass up and layered with synths, loops and her subdued voice, is reminiscent of Thom Yorke (like her from Oxford) and the art pop of FKA Twigs and Caroline Polachek.   Keep an eye on Bobbi Lu, she is going on EU tour with The Haunted Youth in April, supporting in Amsterdam and Paris, plays with MEYY at Les Nuits Botanique in Brussels, and as icing on the cake, she will return to her home country in May for The Great Escape Festival.

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NEW ALBUM | Isolde Lasoen - Oh Dear

Isolde Lasoen releases her fabulous ‘Oh Dear’ album Isolde Lasoen is not only drummer with DAAN, but also a versatile musician, singer, TV personality and frontwoman of her very own band, whose career takes a new turn with a brand new and ambitious album ‘Oh Dear’. The seeds of la nouvelle Isolde were sown in 2021, when Isolde had a big hit in Belgium with her take on Aphrodite’s Child’s cult hit ‘The Four Horsemen’. The success gave her the desire to work on a new (‘eccentric’ in her own words) solo album, without having to stick to the rules of mainstream music. The idea was to incorporate all her influences, everything she loves, in the record: from her education as a jazz drummer to a wide variety of genres, from vintage soundtrack, psychedelia and progressive rock to French music from the 70s. Less usually means more for Isolde, but in her music she embraces bombast, with rich orchestrations, elaborate instrumentations and compelling harmonies. It’s pretty difficult to file the album under one particular genre, then. Or is it? “This record IS my style. Every song has its own Isolde-like little world”, she says about the album’s 10 tracks, ranging from jazzy, melancholic and groovy to poppy and everything in between. The songs have the cinematic feel of Morricone, Mancini, François De Roubaix or early John Barry and evoke the obscure baroque pop of David Axelrod, suffused with a hint of indie à la Goldfrapp, Air or Sébastien Tellier. The opening and title track is nostalgic and atmospheric indie that has Isolde written all over it. The moving and symphonic ‘Douce Mélancolie’, starring French cult artist Bertrand Burgalat, not only seduced Belgium, but also France, where it reached the biggest radio stations and the homepage of influential music magazine ‘Les Inrocks’. ‘Oh Dear’ is packed with treasures like these, and lush instrumentals like ‘Bed & Breakfast’ and ‘Capricorn Avenue’ sit next to brilliant pop gems like ‘Something French’ (the new single today) and ‘Batterie’, with an irresistible parlando by DAAN, evoking the spirit of Gainsbourg. Isolde wrote, composed and styled ‘Oh Dear’ all by herself. She built every song – now more than ever – up from the drums, vibraphone and her own voice as an instrument, which has become a signature sound and forms layered melodic lines that often define the hooks of the songs. Together with producer Tobie Speleman, she has worked hard to perfect the sound of the drums, the driving force of everything she does in music. Wietse Meys wrote the sublime arrangements for strings and horns, and for the recording sessions of the album Isolde could rely on her beloved and talented musicians. Isolde Lasoen has put her heart and soul in ‘Oh Dear’. This is HER album, and the album that will define her as a Grande Dame of Belgian music. ‘Oh Dear’ is ‘Album of the Week’ on Radio 1 (BE) and made it to the ‘Sélection FIP’ at the well-known French radio station of that name.

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NEW ALBUM | DIRK. - Idiot Paradise

DIRK. album: ‘Idiot Paradise’ Have you met DIRK. yet? DIRK. surfaced in 2018 with their debut record ‘album’ and reached national indie stardom with their 2020 sophomore album ‘Cracks in Common Sense’ and characteristic geeky indie rock sound – warm like Weezer, edgy like Pixies and Fugazi. Over the past two years the band has worked hard to become an even more close-knit fourpiece, and surgically removed what little baby fat was left. The result can be heard on new album ‘Idiot Paradise’, where DIRK. sounds more focused and ferocious, while at the same time exploring new musical territory and adding a touch of sheer international class and wit, much like Blur did towards the end of the 90s (“13”). The album's lead single is ‘I Can't Sleep’. An insanely catchy slacker indie track, this might just be the song Pavement forgot to write and include on 'Wowee Zowee'. Add some Car Seat Headrest and Deerhunter, et voilà, this is alternative college rock at its finest! Take it from us, ‘Idiot Paradise’ is going to be a game changer for DIRK. The album will be showcased at a sold-out Ancienne Belgique (Brussels!), in the hottest club in France and The Netherlands, and at the coolest European summer festivals. Being the raucous live band they are, you’ll want to be there. DIRK. can’t wait to see you.

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NEW SINGLE | Calicos - Comedown

Calicos release new single “Comedown” Brand new single by Calicos and first step towards the new album, expected in early 2024. ‘Comedown’ is jubilant indie americana, combining Bruce Springsteen’s sparkling pop sound of the 80s, The War On Drugs’ epic melodies and Jonathan Wilson’s superb songwriting. Imagine driving down a desert road, car window down, arm out, and this high-spirited alt country song blasting out at full volume. Calicos won the Belgian renowned and bi-annual music competition Humo's Rock Rally in 2018 (previous winners: Novastar, Meskerem Mees, Whispering Sons, ...) and achieved great success with the single 'Nova' in 2020. Now they're back, and could well become the surprise of the year!

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NEW SIGNING | Isaac Roux

It’s just a small step from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) to a record deal, and Louis De Roo (26) takes it with ease. Now he can fully focus on writing songs, making a debut album and working hard for his predestined big breakthrough, under his nom de plume Isaac Roux. If LIPA doesn’t ring a bell, then ‘Paul McCartney’s music academy’ certainly will. In 2015 De Roo was one of the lucky 100 applicants that were admitted to study there for four years, even having the chance to work on some songs with Sir Paul himself. His English has also made great strides forward, which was, in his own words, one of the most important reasons to go to England in the first place: with a perfect accent he puts his emotions and soul in his songs, wrapped in guitars that build up at the right moment. Think: Bon Iver, Ben Howard, Perfume Genius and My Morning Jacket or, closer to home, Novastar. ‘White Rose’ is one of those songs, heavenly indie folk with just the right amount of edge, a full sound, not slick, and the warm glow of De Roo’s characteristic voice. It was White Rose that brought him victory in ‘De Nieuwe Lichting’ (‘The New Class’), a steppingstone to a thriving career, following in the footsteps of fellow label artists The Haunted Youth and Mooneye. Radio stations in Belgium and The Netherlands were head over heels, and Spotify didn’t hesitate to provide full support. Live the combination of warm indie folk and alternative rock works even better, if possible, and Isaac Roux never fails to leave a crowd open-mouthed. No wonder he’s already supported acts like The Haunted Youth, Mooneye, Marble Sounds, Portland and The Bony King of Nowhere. With all that in mind, every normal person would start to swoon, but not Louis De Roo. With the experience he already has and his feet firmly on the ground, he has what it takes to fulfil the promise, without rushing things. Isaac Roux has a lot more beautiful stuff in store for us, and in the distance, somewhere in 2024, a sensational debut album is already peeking.

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NEW SINGLE | Mooneye - In Between

Mooneye - In Between Tour BE/NL/DE Mooneye starts a new chapter with the sparkling ‘In Between’, an indie folk gem from the land where also R.E.M. and Sam Fender live.  The producer is Koen Gisen (Meskerem Mees, The Bony King of Nowhere, ...) and you can hear that at once: his craftsmanship (perfectly balanced, full sound and subtle arrangements) allow Michiel Libberecht's 24-carat pop songs to fully come into their own.  Mooneye will do an extensive club tour in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany in March and early April. Lots of tickets were sold beforehand, which proves that the live reputation is intact and the hunger and appetite of band and fans is big ànd mutual. The Netherlands has been along from the very beginning (radio/press/shows/ESNS '22) and doors are also opening in Germany after a particularly successful passage at Reeperbahn Festival (Hamburg) last September. Six club shows are scheduled for early April. The album release is set for early next year.

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NEW SINGLE | Isolde Lasoen - Oh Dear

Isolde Lasoen presents ... ‘Oh Dear’ Eponymous album to be released 8 March ‘Oh Dear’ is the stunning opening track from the album. Its lush, almost cinematic, semi-psychedelic elements blend perfectly with the articulate pop and indie tunes and arrangements, all composed by Isolde Lasoen herself. An impressive title track for an impressive Grande Dame who will take France (her previous single with Bertrand Burgalat ‘Douce Mélancolie’ is played nationwide on French radio), and the rest of Europe by storm this year.  As icing on the cake, the album will be labeled ‘Sélection FIP’ at the renowned Paris radio station of the same name. ‘Sélection FIP’ is also where it all started for her labelmate Meskerem Mees in La Douce France. Doigts croisés for Isolde Lasoen!

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NEW SINGLE | DIRK. - No

DIRK. unveils new single ‘No’  Kicking off 2023 (we wish you good luck!) with a bang, this is DIRK. as we know and love them: punchy, ridiculously catchy and radio-friendly indie rock, blending the best of Pixies and Weezer into that undeniably DIRK. sound. Producer Bert Vliegen (aka Whispering Sons, Sophia) and mixing wizard Tobie Speleman (aka blackwave., The Haunted Youth, Isolde Lasoen) have succeeded in creating a splendid and crystal clear sound. The single deals with toxic masculinity and grabby alpha males for which singer Jelle Denturck and his band have a concise but clear message in store: “No!” ‘No’ is the third single from their forthcoming third album ‘Idiot Paradise’. The album will be out on 3 March, followed by a string of blistering shows in Belgium (Ancienne Belgique!), Netherlands and France (Paris!).  Being the raucous live band they are, you’ll want to be there. DIRK. can’t wait to see you.

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NEW SINGLE & INTRODUCING | Ão - Mulher

Ão presents ‘Mulher’, a unique blend of enchanting saudade, contemporary indie and subtle electronica In the wake of successful international acts like Rosalía, Arooj Aftab, Madredeus, James Blake and Lhasa de Sela comes Ão, a young and very promising Belgian-Mozambican-Portuguese foursome with their unique blend of saudade, indie and ambient electronics. The mesmerising single ‘Mulher’ is musical ingenuity, grandeur and friskiness all in one … the mellifluous voice of the singer Brenda Coryn draws you into the song from the very first syllables lyrics, only to lay you back down after four spellbindingly beautiful minutes. … and above all: ‘Mulher’ is a 24-carat pop song, chorus, climax and that impressive synth thump that lifts the song to seventh heaven. Ão are the most recent addition to our roster and are due to release their debut album in autumn 2023.

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NEW SINGLE | DIRK. - Half-Life

DIRK. unveils new single ‘Half-Life’ Album ‘Idiot Paradise’ arrives 3th March 2023 If Sonic Youth and Fontaines D.C. were to join forces, the result would probably sound a lot like this spellbinding opening track and second single from DIRK.’s forthcoming third album ‘Idiot Paradise’. Infused with a generous amount of 90s alternative guitar noise, ‘Half-Life’ is the go-to song for anyone in need of some raging indie post-punk Take it from us, the new album ‘Idiot Paradise’ will be a game changer for one of Belgium's leading guitar bands DIRK. It’s set for release in the spring of 2023 and will be showcased at an already nearly sold-out Ancienne Belgique on March 31st, and the coolest European club and festival shows that follows. Being the raucous live band they are, you’ll want to be there. DIRK. can’t wait to see you.

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NEW SINGLE | Isolde Lasoen & Bertrand Burgalat - Douce Mélancolie

Isolde Lasoen and Bertrand Burgalat: Douce Mélancolie  Album “Oh Dear” to be released 8 March! Isolde Lasoen takes Gainsbourg, Hardy and Morricone into the 21st century in this magnificent, richly orchestrated pop duet with French music great Bertrand Burgalat.  Burgalat is a musical genius. Besides being a solo artist, he works as a producer, composer, producer, mixer and arranger. He has collaborated with artists like Depeche Mode, Ladytron or Robert Wyatt, but above all, Bertrand fell in love with Isolde Lasoen's new album ‘Oh Dear’ (release: 8 March '23) and travelled to Belgium to record the duet ‘Douce Mélancolie' with her.  The irresistible melody, the clever hook and the epic finale give the song a familiar classic feel... you feel like you've always known it.

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NEW EP | Meskerem Mees - Caesar

Meskerem Mees share new EP ‘Caesar’ The year is 2020 when Meskerem Mees rises to fame with her dreamy debut single ‘Joe’. After a number of successful follow-up singles, including instant classic ‘The Writer’ and the comforting ‘Seasons Shift’, the long-awaited debut album ‘Julius’ sees the light of day towards the end of 2021. It’s a critical and commercial success that stretches to all corners of the continent: Meskerem wins the Montreux Jazz and Music Moves Europe Awards, and embarks on a triumphant string of shows all over Europe. 2022 won’t bring a new full album, but in autumn Meskerem will be releasing the EP ‘Caesar’, containing new, old and unreleased songs that perfectly sum up her first couple of years as a professional musician. From the raw ‘The City’, written in 2017 and recorded in her bedroom, to her hypnotizing cover version of ‘Cod Liver Oil and Orange Juice’, the fruit of her recent discovery of and fascination with Scottish cult singer Hamish Imlach. The EP is preceded by the single ‘Try You Might’. Almost as a matter of course, the song is again of unworldly beauty, Meskerem does not go for less.(that outro !) As with ‘Julius’, ‘Caesar’ is produced by Koen Gisen, who expertly knows how to mould Meskerem’s musical ideas into a compelling piece of art in which less consistently means more. A minimalistic approach that Meskerem takes onstage as well, in gripping orchestrations and supported on cello and backing vocals by Frederik Daelemans, who, in a very short space of time, has manifested himself as her perfect musical partner. Caesar 1. The City 2. Best Friend 3. Doesn't Matter 4. Try You Might 5. Away The Sparrow Flies 6. Charlemagne 7. Cod Liver Oil and Orange Juice 8. Great Dandelion

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NEW ALBUM | The Haunted Youth - Dawn Of The Freak

The Haunted Youth conquers its demons with fascinating debut album ‘Dawn Of The Freak’ What a year it’s been for The Haunted Youth! And the best is yet to come for the band centred around Joachim Liebens (29) with the release of debut album ‘Dawn Of The Freak’.   The Haunted Youth became indie darlings in Belgium and The Netherlands from the very first single they released. And what’s more, early singles like ‘Coming Home’ and ‘Gone’ also attracted attention in the UK and US straight away, earning praise from such big names as Consequence, KEXP, KCRW and NME.  The international release of the album is preceded by the single ‘Teen Rebel’, a dream pop anthem you think you’ve known all your life and that will stay with you all your life. The previous singles also return on ‘Dawn Of The Freak’, like close friends that wrap their arms around you, raising the glass to celebrate life with all its highs and lows. Because for all the highs The Haunted Youth have experienced so far, Liebens has had his share of lows in life. For him making music is a way of facing the demons of his past and writing them out of his system. “It’s therapy, a way of dealing with my existence”, Liebens says. “And I hope this album will be universal and accessible enough for others to enjoy it in the same way.” As dark as the lyrics often are, as a whole and musically the album exudes salvation and connection, implying that it’s okay to feel like shit sometimes. And “it’ll all be over someday soon, I promise you”, Liebens leaves a glimmer of hope in the mesmering closing song ‘Fist In My Pocket’. Liebens put his heart and soul in ‘Dawn Of The Freak’, writing all the songs and producing the album. The music of The Haunted Youth echoes the shoegaze and dream pop of musical heroes like Slowdive, The Cure, My Bloody Valentine and DIIV. But the band also has a very characteristic and instantly recognizable sound with that typical dreamy guitar, melancholic synths and Liebens’ velvety voice. A sound both the seasoned indie connoisseur and the average festival goer love, judging by the live sensation The Haunted Youth have become in no time, and the rapturous reception at festivals like Rock Werchter, Dour, Best Kept Secret, Into The Great Wide Open, Pukkelpop, Canela Party, Tomavistas and Reeperbahn (including a nomination for the prestigious ANCHOR Awards!). They will do it again at ESNS 2023, where the band is nominated for the Music Moves Europe Awards. The Haunted Youth will be playing sold-out album release shows in The Netherlands and the Main Hall of legendary Brussels venue Ancienne Belgique, followed by an extensive string of release and festival shows all over Europe in 2023. Dawn Of The Freak 1. Dawn Of The Freak 2. Teen Rebel 3. Stranger 4. Gone 5. Shadows 6. Broken 7. I Feel Like Shit And I Wanna Die 8. House Arrest 9. Coming Home 10. Fist In My Pocket

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NEW SINGLE | DIRK. - Idiot Paradise

DIRK. unveils new single ‘Idiot Paradise’, new (and eponymous) album arrives 3 March 2023 ... and will be showcased on 31 March at Brussel's iconic Ancienne Belgique Tickets now on sale! Have you met DIRK. yet? DIRK. is one of the biggest and most played indie acts in Belgium, having scored two successful albums and a string of alternative chart-toppers, with three (3!) singles simultaneously storming the indie charts in 2020, one of them (‘Hit’) even reaching number one. As one influential music magazine put it after their triumphant gig at the Pukkelpop festival in 2021: “DIRK. has what it takes to be one of the best Belgian bands around, simply because they already are.” So, we think it’s about time the rest of the world gets to know DIRK. a little better as well. DIRK. surfaced in 2018 with their debut record, simply called ‘album’, and reached national indie stardom with their 2020 sophomore album ‘Cracks in Common Sense’, sounding warm and nostalgic like Weezer, and edgy like Pixies and Fugazi. In the past two years the band has worked hard to become an even more close-knit fourpiece, and surgically removed what little baby fat was left. DIRK. sounds more focused and ferocious, and at the same time explores new musical territory, adding a touch of sheer international class and wit, much like Blur did towards the end of the 90s (“13”). Take ‘Idiot Paradise’, the first single and title track of the forthcoming third album. It’s packed with 3 minutes of ultra-infectious hooks, before shifting to a coda of crunchy riffs, a soaring melody, and thumping drums, screaming Silversun Pickups, Pavement and Car Seat Headrest. Take it from us, the album ‘Idiot Paradise’ is going to be a game changer for DIRK. It’s set for release in the spring of 2023 and will be showcased at Brussels’s iconic Ancienne Belgique venue on March 31st, and the coolest European festivals in the summer that follows. Being the raucous live band they are, you’ll want to be there. DIRK. can’t wait to see you.

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NOMINATED | The Haunted Youth is Music Moves Europe Awards nominee @ ESNS '23

The Haunted Youth nominated for Music Moves Europe Awards @ ESNS For the second year in a row a Mayway Records artist has been nominated for the prestigious Music Moves Europe Awards. Last year Meskerem Mees went home with the Grand Jury Prize, this year The Haunted Youth is among the candidates. These are exciting times for The Haunted Youth: a few weeks ago the band was also nominated for the Anchor Award at the Reeperbahn festival and their debut album ‘Dawn Of The Freak’ will be released on 4 November. The MME Awards 2023 will be presented during the ESNS/Eurosonic showcase festival in Groningen (18-21 January 2023). You can vote here for The Haunted Youth ... thanks!

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NEW ALBUM | Marble Sounds - Marble Sounds

 Le nouveau Marble Sounds est arrivé! During his career spanning more than 10 years, Pieter Van Dessel has never stopped challenging himself, pushing back the frontiers in his music and songwriting. Now, on his fifth album, he takes a more inward approach, going to the very core of Marble Sounds, which is why the name of the band is also the title of the album. “I will probably never get closer to the essence of what Marble Sounds is, and what I am as a musician, than on this album”, Van Dessel says. “Artists sometimes say they step out of their comfort zone, but I have the feeling that for this record I actually went into my comfort zone.”  A comfort zone that is largely built around piano and strings. Together with co-producer David Poltrock, Van Dessel placed three pianos on a stage: a grand piano, a self-playing grand piano and a self-playing upright piano, both controlled through a laptop. “By defining the sound’s essence in advance, musically this has become the most homogeneous Marble Sounds album. A genuine album, rather than a collection of songs”, Van Dessel, who produced the record himself, feels. Within that musical frame he does, however, push the boundaries, from the Air-like electronic sound of ‘Axolotl’ to the neoclassical touch in ‘My Initial Intentions’. The lavish ‘Soon It’ll Make Us Laugh’ features a Bulgarian choir, and you’ll even hear Van Dessel’s young daughters singing along. Pre-album singles ‘Quiet’, ‘Never Leave My Heart’ and ‘Axolotl’ already gave a foretaste of what the new album would sound like: songs that, developing around a mesmerizing piano, strings and Van Dessel’s velvety voice, flow into wonderfully lush orchestrated indie pop gems à la Sufjan Stevens, Nils Frahm or Damien Jurado. The singles were very enthusiastically received in Belgium and abroad, and ‘Quiet’ even played a big part in the final episode of the popular Netflix series ‘Undercover’. As homogeneous as the album sounds, it’s the heterogeneous stories that pull you into the songs. Van Dessel sings about his wife (‘The Jacket’), the climate (‘A Drop In The Bucket’), regeneration (‘Axolotl’), breaking up (‘The Ever After’), living life at your own speed (‘Quiet’), and the kind of setbacks that’ll turn out to be great stories to tell later on in life (‘Soon It’ll Make Us Laugh’). ‘Marble Sounds’ is the band’s fifth album, and the follow-up to 2018’s ‘The Advice To Travel Light’. It’s Marble Sounds’ first album with Mayway Records. Supporting the release of the album, Marble Sounds will embark on an extensive tour along the best venues in the Low Countries in November. (tickets/info)

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NEW SINGLE | The Haunted Youth - I Feel Like Shit And I Wanna Die

The Haunted Youth unveils new dream pop wonder ‘I Feel Like Shit And I Wanna Die’ Debut album Dawn Of The Freak arrives 4th November Pre-order HERE Featuring The Haunted Youth's signature dreamy guitar and synth sound, ‘I Feel Like Shit And I Wanna Die’ is the missing link between The Cure’s ‘Just Like Heaven’ and Slowdive’s ‘Sugar For The Pill’. And even though the title is dark, the message is positive, saying it’s ok to feel bad sometimes. After global indie smash hit ‘Broken’ (in heavy rotation on KEXP!), ‘I Feel Like Shit And I Wanna Die’ paves the way for the eagerly awaited debut album ‘Dawn Of The Freak’. Frontman Joachim Liebens put his heart and soul in it, writing all the songs and producing the album. To say The Haunted Youth has been making waves across Europe would be a hefty understatement. In fact, enviable slots at Rock Werchter, Best Kept Secret, Pukkelpop, Tomavistas, ESNS and Reeperbahn have seen Joachim’s stock rocket during this first year of releasing music. So much so that THY along with Lime Garden and EKKSTACY were nominated for Reeperbahn's 2022 Anchor Award!

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NEW SINGLE + VIDEO | The Haunted Youth - Teen Rebel

The Haunted Youth share the ethereal video for ‘Teen Rebel’ Debut album Dawn Of The Freak arrives 4th November Pre-order HERE What a year it’s been for The Haunted Youth! And the best is yet to come for the band centred around Joachim Liebens (29) with the release of debut album ‘Dawn Of The Freak’ on November 4, marking the pinnacle of a dazzling ride that started in the spring of 2021. New single ‘Teen Rebel’ exemplifies these talents with perfection. Owing as much to classic shoegaze outfits like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine as it does to the toe-tapping momentum of artists such as MGMT. To say The Haunted Youth has been making waves across Europe would be a hefty understatement. In fact, the two thousand tickets available for Dawn of the Freak’s release show in Brussels has proven to be insufficient to meet demand, and the sibling performance in The Netherlands’ has followed suit in selling out. Enviable slots at Rock Werchter, Best Kept Secret, Pukkelpop, Tomavistas and Reeperbahn have seen Joachim’s stock rocket during this first year of releasing music. So much so that THY was nominated alongside Lime Garden and EKKSTACY for Reeperbahn’s 2022 ANCHOR Award; with Celeste, Yard Act and Shame among those who have previously been shortlisted. Joachim writes & records all of the tracks on Dawn of the Freak himself, and The Haunted Youth remains a deeply personal project. “It’s therapy, a way of dealing with my existence”, Liebens says. “And I hope this album will be universal and accessible enough for others to enjoy it in the same way.” As dark as the lyrics often are, the album as a whole – both musically and ideologically - exudes salvation and connection, implying that it’s okay to feel like shit sometimes. In between its perfectly captured moments of vulnerability, there is also a hell of a lot of joy to be found throughout Dawn of the Freak. The unstoppable momentum of ‘Coming Home’ packs its very own main-character moment, and ‘Broken’ is fitting to soundtrack the climax to any coming of age movie, as a snap of 80s-inspired drumbeats provide the percussion to a reverb-heavy, 10-track dream sequence of a debut album. Dawn Of The Freak 1. Dawn Of The Freak 2. Teen Rebel 3. Stranger 4. Gone 5. Shadows 6. Broken 7. I Feel Like Shit And I Wanna Die 8. House Arrest 9. Coming Home 10. Fist In My Pocket

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NEW SINGLE | Isolde Lasoen - Ghosting

Welcome at Mayway Records ... Isolde Lasoen! First single is ‘Ghosting’ Five years after her debut album ‘Cartes Postales’, Isolde Lasoen's solo career is moving up a gear with ‘Ghosting’, a gloriously thumping indie electro track nodding towards LCD Soundsystem, Charlotte Gainsbourg or Metronomy, and urging to be played at full volume. Lasoen is best known as the drummer for DAAN and Absynthe Minded, and more recently for her TV appearances in Belgium, her home country, but there's no doubt she'll soon be in the forefront of the Belgian indie scene, right up there with label buddies The Haunted Youth, DIRK., Meskerem Mees and Mooneye.

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NEW SINGLE | Marble Sounds - The Ever After

Marble Sounds brings you glorious new single ‘The Ever After’ Self-titled album to be released on 7 October. Pre-order HERE ‘The Ever After’ is the new single by Marble Sounds and the glorious closing title of ‘Marble Sounds’, the self-titled album by the project around Brussels-based Pieter Van Dessel, which will be released on 7 October. The song, it's melody and structure (that 'chorus'/'theme'!!) is reminiscent of the best of Sigur Rós, Sufjan Stevens, or ‘The Soft Bulletin’, the 1999 classic by The Flaming Lips. ‘Marble Sounds’ is the fifth album by Marble Sounds and in many ways their Magnum Opus. From the enchanting piano of opener ‘Quiet’, to the Sigur Rós-esque outro of ‘The Ever After’, the ten wonderful songs get under your skin and lock themselves in your heart, never to leave it. Pieter Van Dessel: "This is as close as I can get to the essence of Marble Sounds and myself as a musician. Artists sometimes say that they step out of their comfort zone, but I have the feeling that with this record I just stepped into my comfort zone."

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NEW SINGLE | EMY - Chasing

EMY releases new single ‘Chasing’ ‘Chasing’ is the new single by EMY, and is the official kick-off of the great debut album adventure (release: autumn '23) by the project around Ghent-based multi-talent Emy Kabore (23). ‘Chasing' is a fantastic chunk of contemporary indie R&B/neo-soul and - this might sound grotesque - we dare write that this song comes very close to the level of current big names such as Little Simz, SAULT or Sampa The Great. A short, sexy, in-your-face world track ... la nouvelle EMY est arrivée ! The three previous singles, ‘Freestyle’, ‘Inconvenient’ and ‘Illusions’ did very well on radios and streamers at home and abroad, the latter reached #4 and stayed in ‘Next Wave Neo-Soul’, the global leading Spotify editorial in this genre, for months. And, fresh off the press: ‘Chasing’ is now on the cover of ‘Movement’, the Benelux counterpart to the above playlist. Add to that a steaming live reputation (e.g. Dour Festival, Best Kept Secret, Les Nuits Botanique) and you know that EMY is ready for - roll roll - 'The Big Break'!

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NEW SINGLE | Meskerem Mees - Best Friend

Meskerem Mees presents new single ‘Best Friend’, a joyful and - of course - enchànting indie pop gem EP ‘Caesar’ to be released 10 November. Pre-order HERE The year is 2020 when Meskerem Mees rises to fame with her dreamy debut single ‘Joe’. After a number of successful follow-up singles, including instant classic ‘The Writer’ and the comforting ‘Seasons Shift’, the long-awaited debut album ‘Julius’ sees the light of day towards the end of 2021. It’s a critical and commercial success that stretches to all corners of the continent: Meskerem wins the Montreux Jazz and Music Moves Europe Awards, and embarks on a triumphant string of shows all over Europe. 2022 won’t bring a new full album, but in autumn Meskerem will be releasing the EP ‘Caesar’, containing new, old and unreleased songs that perfectly sum up her first couple of years as a professional musician. The EP's lead single is ‘Best Friend’, an alluring folk gem in which Europe's favourite indie troubadour sings about her rise to fame. She is supported on cello and backing vocals by Frederik Daelemans, who in a very short time has manifested himself as her perfect musical partner, both in the studio and onstage.  As with ‘Julius’, ‘Caesar’ is produced by Koen Gisen, who expertly knows how to mould Meskerem's musical ideas into a compelling piece of art in which less consistently means more. A minimalistic approach that Meskerem takes onstage as well, in gripping orchestrations and supported on cello and backing vocals by Frederik. Meanwhile, the conquest of Europe continues, with Meskerem performing at a number of music festivals this summer, including Best Kept Secret (NL), Sziget (HU), Haldern Pop (DE), Pukkelpop (BE) and Les Francofolies de La Rochelle (FR). Caesar EP 1. The City 2. Best Friend 3. Doesn't Matter 4. Try You Might 5. Away The Sparrow Flies 6. Charlemagne 7. Cod Liver Oil and Orange Juice 8. Great Dandelion

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