Caleborate, from California, is one of the most lyrically interesting rappers of the moment. He surprised on his latest album ‘Real Person’ with beats influenced by soul and melodies that remind one of J. Cole and Lil Wayne.

In Belgium the rapper has already worked with rising-star duo blackwave. They released the track ‘Flow’ together.

Practical info, locations!

Take into account that a number of BRDCST locations have limited capacity. So make sure you arrive on time, as full is full!

On Friday 10/5 SX will appear in AB for the 4th time, and it is now 7 years since they performed here for the first time. “It was really impressive for us to play here back then. Everything was still so new. We hadn’t really been discovered yet, nobody knew us. We were so nervous when we had to go on stage.”

Their 3rd album was released at the end of 2018: EROS. The positive responses were unanimous from press and friends alike. “Everyone says that EROS is our best album, and we think so too. We still really sound like SX, but over the years we have developed much more craftsmanship and, of course, learned a lot. The finest words came from HUMO: this is an album that grows with each listen, so that by the end of the week it can’t fit through my front door anymore.”

Their own musical influences are very varied.  Stefanie’s super-influence is Rachel Farrell, but she really likes to listen to jazz, pop and rock too. Benjamin likes to listen to techno and house, but also rock. “My very first show-and-tell was about ‘The Prodigy’. Back in the day, there were rockers and housers… I was both. Those influences can most likely be found in SX too.”

SX has also performed abroad often: Italy, Brazil, Poland, France, The Netherlands, Switzerland, … Their favourite place, to date, is Istanbul. “Everyone sings along enthusiastically there. The vibe is really upbeat. But the best show is yet to come, of course, at AB!”

 All the concerts in Belgium are now sold-out, luckily there are still a few tickets for their show in AB. Tickets can be found HERE!

From 30 May to 2 June, during the Ascension weekend, hundreds of teams will be riding the 1000 km to support the battle against cancer, to show their concern for patients & those around them, and also to do a lot of cycling. 

Help our teams over the line by buying delicious hotdogs during the concerts of: 

• Sat 2/2 : Heideroosjes
• Sat 23/2 : Mustii
• Thur 7/3 : Ertebrekers
• Thur 14, Fri 15 & Sat 16/3 : Black Box Revelation
• Wed 28 en Sat 29/3 : Zwangere Guy
• Sat 20 & Sun 21/4 : Bazart
• Thur 25/4 : Dead Man Ray

Or... sponsor the AB Café teams by depositing money in the urns on the bars at AB, by making a contribution of your choosing when ordering a ticket online, by purchasing a bottle of Rosé De Vlaeminck in the AB Café (€10), by leaving your cup deposit for the campaign, by depositing online via this page or via bank transfer to the account of Kom op tegen Kanker: BE14 7331 9999 9983 of 733-1999999-83 with the message ‘GIFT’ and our team’s code: 170 003 485.

A a big fat wholehearted thank you, enjoy and cheers!

The AB Team

In ‘Meet the artist’, we subject our artists to an intense cross-examination before they go on stage. 

AB: How did you start making music?
Poppy Ajudha: I’ve always sung since I was little but when I was around 13 I taught myself to play the guitar and that was the beginning of me composing all my own songs. Since then I’ve ventured into composing on the piano and producing on ableton and logic. 

AB: How would you describe your music?
Poppy Ajudha: Unique, socially conscious and powerful.

AB: Last year you released the EP ‘Femme’. Would you consider yourself a feminist?
Poppy Ajudha: Yes. Always. 

AB: We saw an album of Bobby Womack in your ‘Love Falls Down’ video. Is he one of your musical heroes? /Who are your musical examples?
Poppy Ajudha: I love lots of old music as this is what I grew up listening to. Bobby Womack, Al Green, Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Roy Ayers but lately there are so many amazing emerging artists I listen to a lot of current music like Solange, James Blake, Ravyn Lanae, Melanie Charles, Rosalia, Childish Gambino 

AB: What is your favourite album of 2019 so far?
Poppy Ajudha: James Blake - Assume Form

AB: You grew up in London with Caribbean roots. What influence does this have on your music?
Poppy Ajudha: My heritage is part of my identity, which informs my perspective of the world.. that will always come out in my music. 

AB: 2018 has been a busy year for you. You released 2 EPs and went on tour. What’s on your agenda for the next couple of months?
Poppy Ajudha: I’ve put so much work into this tour, curating the perfect show making, my own merch and collaborating with incredible artist Joy Miessi to create a unique tour experience. After the tour I can’t wait to release all the new music I’ve been working on! 

AB: What was the best concert ever you ever played and why?
Poppy Ajudha: My last headline show at Jazz Cafe. It was just so special to end the year with such a bang and share the moment with so many amazing musicians and fans around me.

AB: What can we expect from your show at AB?
Poppy Ajudha: STRONG VIBES. I’m so excited to play my first European headline shows and make new friends along the way, we are putting in everything we’ve got into them.

Buy your ticket for the Poppy Ajudha concert at AB on THU 21.03.19 HERE!

Between all that programming, Astrid has still found the time to share with you her ultimate concert tips. Just like that!

04/04 – 08/04 BRDCST festival with:

• Bendik Giske
  This Norwegian saxophonist and performer combines free jazz with the repetitivity of techno. His sound reminds strongly of Colin Stetson.
  
   
• Obonjayar
  This London rapper with Nigerian roots handles politics, spirituality, spoken word and soul in his sound. He serves up the hip-hop of the future.
  
  
   
• Refree
  This Spanish musician is one of the pioneers of the ‘new flamenco’ movement. He blends jazz and flamenco with field recordings and restrained electronica.
  
  

01/05: Braindance: Eartheater + Mun Sing

‘IRISIRI’ by Eartheater is, for me, one of the strongest releases of 2018. A wonderful album on which classical composition and fierce, reckless electro are coated with a poetic whispering and her unbelievable voice (with which she can cover 3 octaves, no less!). The New York musician and choreographer explores the boundaries of music with her remarkable sound.

Aside from that, I am very curious to see Mun Sing at work. The solo project of Harry Wright from Giant Swan.

14/06: Kevin Morby!

Kevin Morby has become one of the ring-leaders of folk and Americana singer-songwriters and is named in the same breath as Courtney Barnett, Steve Gunn and Kurt Vile.
His candid, refined sound gets me every time. I’m looking forward to the new album!

Ben Bertrand will perform at BRDCST festival on April 6th at AB Salon. Buy your ticket HERE !

AB wants to reflect society in Brussels as fully as possible. Ethnic/cultural minorities are encouraged to apply. Selection will take place based upon competency, irrespective of origin, age, or gender.

AB is a forerunner in the area of ecology and sustainability within the cultural sector. Environmental considerations form an essential part of all our decisions.
 

Job:

• You are a part of a team of experienced production managers, responsible for the general preparation for and execution of productions at the Ancienne Belgique.
• You carefully collect all information regarding the technical, organisational and logistical conditions for a concert and pass this information on to the other departments in a comprehensible and crystal clear way. You also convey technical solutions to realise the artistic concept.
• You draw up work plans and playbooks for the workers, and manage them during the production, taking into account the applicable regulations and the needs of the production.
• In consultation with the artistic department, you make clear and correct agreements with an artist’s entourage and with clients. You analyse to what extent AB can and will meet these expectations.
• You are an active part of a safe and very audience-friendly service.
• You check that all material, products and procedures used are in line with safety regulations and you apply these rules rigorously.
• You take action when there are problems, so that the continuity of the show is still guaranteed.
• You point out possible risks and safety measures to staff and managers.

Profile:

• You have at least 3 years’ experience in a position such as this.
• You maintain the reputation of AB with your professionality.
• You have a very good knowledge of Dutch, English, and French.
• You have good computer skills. (Knowledge of a CAD program, to put together technical schemes, is an advantage.)
• You have a good general technical knowledge of show lighting – sound – backline – rigging and electricity.
• You have a driver’s license category B.
• You are a people manager and capable of motivating employees and creating enthusiasm.
• You have excellent organisational and communication skills.
• You are able to draw up budgets and manage them.
• You are client friendly, dynamic, have a positive attitude, and can handle stress.
• You take initiatives and contribute pro-actively to optimising work processes and service.
• You are familiar with the mission and values of AB.

We offer:

• An open and informal working environment in a dynamic and enterprise-oriented business culture where communication, creativity and efficiency are actively encouraged.
• Full-time roster permanent employee contract with commencement as of 1 September 2019.
• Remuneration according to the salary scale of PC 304 Podiumkunsten, Salary Category B
• Reimbursement of travel on public transport for home-work travel, meal cheques, group and hospital insurance, 13th month.
• A great job in a very musical environment.

Application:

Send your enthusiastic application letter and detailed resume CV prior to 15 April 2019 with as subject “Kandidaatstelling Productiemanager”.
The first round of interviews will take place in the week of 29 April 2019.

Ancienne Belgique
Anspachlaan 110
1000 Brussels
Belgium
hr@abconcerts.be
www.abconcerts.be
 

Leyla McCalla

Leyla McCalla is at home in both Haiti and New Orleans (via New York and the Carolina Chocolate Drops) and the French Les Inrocks also mentions: '...tire profit de ces deux cultures pour explorer le folk ancestral, avec un violoncelle, un banjo et une voix en or.'

Eriksson Delcroix

This Saturday night now becomes a sultry, groovy double-bill with even more New Orleans allure: we already start at 7:30pm, with new exciting work from Eriksson Delcroix and their entire ensemble: Bjorn Eriksson and Nathalie Delcroix, plus Peter Pask (bass), Alain Rylant (drums), Tim Coenen (guitar, percussion), Karl Eriksson (banjo, accordion) and Elko Blijweert (guitar). New CD Riverside Hotel will be out as of February.

Why is it not ok to smoke in concert halls?
A concert hall is an enclosed public space. Smoking in public spaces was banned years ago to protect others from passive smoke. If you light up during a concert, you are not the only one smoking. Other concertgoers are also forced to inhale your unhealthy tobacco smoke. On top of that, you often encourage others to light up as well. So if you do feel the urge to smoke, do everyone a favour and do it outside.
 

The solution for #smokefreeconcerts
Because we really want to change things, we’re working together with Kom op tegen Kanker to champion the cause of non-smoking concert goers. United, we stand for #smokefreeconcerts, to keep the smoke outside, even if the band is on fire!

#smokefreeconcerts: where?
The #smokefreeconcerts can be found on our website and our social media channels but also at the concert venues themselves. Because Kom op tegen Kanker will be handing out free #smokefreeconcerts wrist bands at selected gigs. So we can all make a powerful statement: if you want to smoke, keep it fun for everyone and do it outside.

Thanks a lot in advance for your cooperation!

For more info and the full list of concerts where #smokefreeconcerts wristbands will be distributed, check out www.smokefreeconcerts.be.

She already impressed at the previous edition of BRDCST and her visit to Best Kept Secret didn’t go unnoticed. 

More info & tickets: BRDCST.BE

Enter the competition to win the following VIP package:

*overnight hotel stay in Brussels city centre from Friday 5 to Saturday 6 April
*2 BRDCST combi tickets
*a meal for two in the AB Resto on Friday 5 April
*10 tokens
*2 BRDCST tote bags

Line-up, info & tickets: BRDCST.BE

The Golden Glows took the audience in tow through the wonderful ‘The Anthology’ during a long residence of AB Salon concerts. Not surprising, as the trio from Antwerp has immersed themselves in the Americana of the ‘20s and ‘30s for more than a decade now. They interpreted the collection with one microphone and a warm three-voiced harmony for six months long. 'Pureness’ was the magic word: acoustic and emotional.

Supported by genius synths, massive grooves and electronic soundscapes, the Glows bring Harry Smith’s masterpiece collector all the way into the 21st century. They found inspiration in the pop music of today to breathe new life into the pop music from back then. The band borrows style elements from hip-hop to demonstrate that Smith’s obscure Americana can still sound sexy, exciting and exceptionally relevant in 2019. Expect a deep dark glittering show.

On a previous visit to AB’s Main Hall, The Golden Glows wrote that their ‘Prison Songs’ would have the AB ‘in touch with the depths of its soul’. In 2019, they now shamelessly aim for your underbelly.

Jan and Dries demonstrate their musical genius yet again, collaborating with the likes of Roméo Elvis and Seasick Steve for their new album ‘Tattooed Smiles’. What’s more, in doing so, they never lose sight of their inimitable sound and feeling for old-school American blues either.

Black Box Revelation brings yet another energetic performance, with new work and their biggest hits, to the stage of AB, tickets still available for 16/03. A concert not to be missed!
 

1. Let yourself be led into temptation by our BRDCST playlist
   
    
2. Keep yourself and your loved ones hydrated, buy sufficient BRDCST tokens

   

   
    
3. The gates to BRDCST heaven stand wide open to those in possession of a wristband.

   

   
    
4. Timing is everything – those who seek shall find…
5. Let yourself be moved publicly by the NMBS and MIVB
    

   

   
    
6. Gently drown in our Berry Me Deep cocktail

   

   
    
7. Surround yourself with kindred spirits for a more intense experience

   

   
    
8. Discover more sweet sounds at the Balades Sonores record stand
9. Dance yourself into the 7th heaven during BRDCST By Night at Beursschouwburg
10. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do

ALL INFO: www.BRDCST.be

• Glitterbeat presents SAMBA TOURE 05/03 (Mali) 
  
   
• CHICOS Y MENDEZ 13/03 cd-voorstelling; Sold Out (B) 
• RUMBARISTAS 29/03; cd-voorstelling (B/Spain) 
  
   
• Soundway presents MSAFIRI ZAWOSE 10/04 (Tanz.) 
• Turkish Psychedelica Night: GAYE SU AKYOL… 19/04 
• LA YEGROS 02/05 - Sold Out (Arg.) 
• JERUSALEM IN MY HEART 04/06 (Lib./Can.) 
  
• JAMBINAI 05/06 (Korea) 
• Glitterbeat presents BaBa ZuLa 25/10 (Tur.) 

Relive the concert NOW:

Liveurope is proud to announce its collaboration with Sabam For Culture. Together, they want to lend a helping hand to all members of Sabam who tour in concert halls of Liveurope.

The platform, which is coordinated by the Ancienne Belgique, brings together a network of 14 European concert halls that aim to program young European talent.

 

Liveurope, which was founded in 2014 with European support, has already supported more than 1800 European artists and around 100 Belgian artists, including BRNS, Témé Tan, J. Bernardt, It It Anita, Phoenician Drive, Intergalactic Lovers, Black Wave, Charlotte de Witte and many more.

Support for Belgian artists who are member of Sabam

Because Liveurope addresses itself directly to concert halls, Sabam now launches a grant for its members.

From now on, Sabam members who perform in a Liveurope concert hall can receive financial support to cover expenses such as transport, accommodation, production and promotion.

With this grant Sabam For Culture wants to increase the success of Belgian music in some of the best concert halls in Europe (including Oslo, Budapest, Lisbon and London).

Would you like to learn more about the conditions of this grant? Please take a look on here.

Do you remember where you were when 'De zji' by Ertebrekers went to air for the first time? We do. On the road, with the offspring in the back and the girlfriend cheerfully aside us. Suddenly a trip to the cinema took on an impromptu road-trip vibe, a sentiment that we later had many times over, as 'Otel' (Ertebrekers’ debut album, from 2016 already) turned out to be excellent cruising-material. Mellow, funky, laidback ... always a piece of summer in the glovebox.

It’s now 2018. The world is still turning at an incredible speed upon its own axis and shooting through the universe fast, boldly going where no one has gone before. The big question is if we are really going anywhere at all. Or are we just treading water? In the case of Ertebrekers: not at all. Flip Kowlier, Peter Lesage and Jeffrey Bearelle put their heads together again last summer, exchanged musical ideas ('Suddenly Jeffrey turned up with about 50 demos. Little ideas, he said’ – according to Kowlier), drank coffee, felt like eating ice cream, and got to work. The result? A new album. The title? 'Crème'. Out on 8 March 2019!

Queer Norwegian saxophonist and performer Bendik Giske (who lives in Berlin) considers his biggest influences to be producer Lindstrøm (a fellow countryman) and the circular breathing of free-jazz saxophonist Evan Parker. We mainly hear Colin Stetson as great inspiration, but he worked with both cutting-edge producer Lotic and also electro/noise/ambient artist Deathprod on his impressive debut EP ‘Adjust’. Uncut described his upcoming album debut ‘Surrender’ as ‘Queer freeform jazz inspired by a night in Berlin techno mecca Berghain’.

Bendik Giske plays Thursday 4th of April in La Machine (21:00 – 22.00).

AB: What do you do in everyday life?
The Armed: Hang out in the swamps of Detroit, MI.

AB: How old are you?
The Armed: The Armed is a large, vague collective of people. The youngest contributor to The Armed is in their early 20s. Oldest is in their early 50s.

AB: Who/What is your biggest musical influence?
The Armed: Bowie

AB: Do you come to AB and/or Brussels often?
The Armed: None of us have ever been, but we are excited to experience it.

AB: What are you expecting of your show in AB?
The Armed: We come with no expectations but we will bring chaos for all who attend, per usual.

AB: Are there special things listed on your rider?
The Armed: No. Will you honor them if we add them now? Can we get a bunch of a specific candle or something?

AB: What are you musical ambitions?
The Armed: To create meaningful experiences for people and hopefully make them happier.

AB: What was the best concert ever you ever played yourself and that of another band? What is your favourite album of 2018?
The Armed: Our favorite show we've ever played will happen Feb 24 at the Ancienne Belgique. Our favorite album of 2018 is ONLY LOVE by The Armed. Second favorite is VIRTUE by The Voidz.

Order your tickets for their show at AB HERE !

Following a first passage at Feeërieën, AB’s free summer festival, in 2015, a concert residency at AB Salon followed soon. AB commissioned Echo Collective to interpret Radiohead’s ‘Amnesiac’ ; an album that spoke to them because of the layers and complexity. They arranged it for string trio, harp, piano, bassoon/contrabassoon, clarinet / bass clarinet / baritone saxophone, and orchestral percussion. Soon after followed their passage at BRDCST 2017, and then again at the Feeërieen. They started recording their album ‘Echo Collective plays ‘Amnesiac’ later that year in AB.

Collaborative work with others has been a very important pillar of the band’s DNA. After shared projects with A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Dustin O’Halloran, Stars of the Lid and Erasure, Joep Beving, Dutch composer and pianist extraordinaire has announced a collaboration with Echo Collective. The album ‘Henosis’ will be out in April.

Now it seems the time has come for the world to discover their delicious music. Thanks to the Liveurope network, this February, Echo Collective plays 3 venues in Europe. The 14 concert venues within the Liveurope network are engaged in offering opportunities to up-and-coming musical talent within Europe. In this way, bands that already have a fan base in their homeland – but are not yet known outside their national borders – also have the opportunity to gain stage experience elsewhere and win the hearts of a new audience. The band will play consecutively Palac Akropolis (Prague), A38 (Budapest) and Kino Siska (Ljublana), respectively on the 25, 26 and 27th of February.

Aside from this, Echo Collective has the honor to play Royal Albert Hall in April. This historic venue in the heart of Europe has received some of the greatest international artists since the 19th century and this year Echo Collective is ready to make their distinct mark on the concert hall.

Follow Echo Collective’s journey though A38’s Instagram page @a38ship. The band will take over their page on the 25th of February.

All information can be found on the Echo Collective website. 

Discover all our hip-hop dates, with the likes of  DVTCH NORRIS, The Internet, Maxenss, Caleborate, Nelick, Lord Gasmique, Youv Dee and many more…

A number of shows coming up this season:

ZWANGERE GUY – EXTRA SHOW
‘Zet Gee in da madafakin building!’

Buy tickets for Zwangere Guy's extra show on 28.03.

L’OR DU COMMUN
'Celebrated Brussels hip-hop trio launches debut 'SAPIENS'

Buy tickets for L'Or Du Commun on 12.04. 

MAHALIA
‘Do Not Disturb Tour’

Buy tickets for Mahalia on 18.04.
 

LORD ESPERANZA
'Young rapper in the footsteps of Nekfeu'

Buy tickets for Lord Esperanza on 18.04.

Get in the mood with our hiphop playlist