Some of Belgium's hottest musical talents will descend on Brussels from Monday, as this year's Belgian Music Week kicks off in the capital.
A variety of gigs, panel discussions, radio shows, workshops and raves are being held across the country, in what is being billed as an opportunity for Belgium to celebrate home-grown music.
The festivities mark the fourth annual Belgian Music Week, and organisers hope that it will give a boost to the country's musical scene, ranging from headline performers to future stars.
"We have a very rich and diverse music scene in Belgium, which is something to be proud of!" Charlotte Lootens of VI.BE – a musicians support group helping to organise the week – told The Brussels Times. "It is our goal to give exposure to all facets of our musical landscape."
With so much going on, The Brussels Times has created a handy guide of the most unmissable events.
Belgian Worldwide Music Night, Ancienne Belgique, Monday 22 January
Held at Ancienne Belgique, Belgian Worldwide Music Night proudly kickstarts Belgian Music Week. The event will host four international, Belgium-based bands, as well as the winners of the first 'Belgian Worldwide Music Awards'.
Belgian Worldwide Music Night artists. Credit: Belgian Music Week
Jawa Band, presenting traditional music originating from Aleppo, are set to feature. Also taking the stage will be AKAR Collectif, with French and African musical influences. Anmoor – inspired by a multitude of countries – will make an appearance, as will Kosmo Sound and Imane Guemssy, a Ghent based band that boasts a musical repertoire inspired by a fusion of jazz, dub, reggae and groove.
This event is free, with doors opening at 18:30.
Desk Session with Edmund November, Bibliotheek Wetteren, Tuesday 23 January
An interesting take on live performance, the Edmund November band will be playing a mini concert from behind a desk in Bibliotheek Wetteren. The audience are encouraged to listen from anywhere in the library that they find most comfortable.
The Edmund November band create music which they describe as a "fusion between modern folk and melancholy pop", producing a fresh sound in an unconventional environment.
This is another free concert. The set is roughly 30 minutes and begins at 18:30.
Vitja Pauwels' Early Life Forms, Ancienne Belgique, Wednesday 24 January
Brussels guitarist Vitja Pauwels has been a key player in the Belgian Jazz scene. His newly formed band 'Vitja Pauwels' Early Life Forms' is an astonishing blend of Latin jazz with rock influences.
Vitja Pauwels' Early Life Forms. Credit: Belgian Music Week
The band will be presenting their eagerly-anticipated new album at Ancienne Belgique as part of Belgian Music Week.
Numb Nuts, Brugotta Cafe, Thursday 25 January
For something a little heavier, the Brugotta Cafe presents Bruges-based punk band, Numb Nuts.
Described as 'melodic punk rock', Numb Nuts are influenced by ska and hardcore genres, and their performance is set to be a lively display of Belgian punk.
This is a free event but spaces are limited, so make sure to head down there before the 20:00 start time.
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RePercussion ft Julien Tassin, Jazz Station, Friday 26 January
RePercussion are a groove, funk and jazz-inspired rhythmic group. On this occasion, they will also be accompanied by Belgian guitarist Julien Tassin, who is known for exploring unconventional guitar styles – making for a captivating performance.
Credit: Belgian Music Week
This upbeat and danceable event starts at 20:30 at Jazz Station on Chausée de Louvain.
Music at the gallery, Galerie d-e-m-e-e-s-t-e-r, Saturday 27 January
Music at the gallery is considered a mini festival in one evening, at the unusual contemporary Galerie d-e-m-e-e-s-t-e-r.
The night will host a variety of musicians from genres spanning across rock and folk to traditional French music. With such a variety, this event will include something for everyone – even if you just wish to admire the art.
The event starts at 17:30 and entry costs just €5.
Cinemaximiliaan Silent Films Concert, Sunday 28 January
Cinemaximiliaan will host the works of seven international directors, who have created cinematic interpretations on the theme of solitude. The films are presented as traditional silent cinema, with no audible dialogue and displayed in black and white.
However, accompanying the films will be a live band, performing scores written especially for these cinematic works and taking the audience on an immersive journey.
For more information on all the week's events, check out the official website.
