OurStage Model U.N. – Belgium
posted in: Features
Just because a country is small doesn’t mean it can’t have some large responsibilities. Along with hosting the U.N. Headquarters and founding the European Union, Belgium has also made significant contributions to every sweet tooth know to man with its world renowned chocolate creations and enormous waffles (if you like chocolate chip waffles, Belgium is the place for you). And any country that boosts over 500 different types of beer is fine by us. Musically, Belgium has made some significant contributions to the electronica / house / trance scene. Did you know that Technotronic (creators of 1989 smash hit Pump The Jam) is a group of Belgians? Probably not.Marvelously original gypsy blues guitarist Django Reinhardt is also from Belgium, along with the inventor of the Saxophone, Adolphe Sax. Now let’s take a look at some current notables.
The man behind the machine: IceSixxx
Belgian Do-It-Yourself electronic guru IceSixxx‘s sonic palette is replete with ambient chill songs like Departure, mid tempo-padded synth beats like SweetMood and darkly energetic rave-centric tunes like WinterSession. Rooted in the rock world, IceSixxx released his debut electro album for free in January of 2008, which has been downloaded 25,000 times since. He’s even received the attention of former Nightmare on Wax and Zero 7 vocalist Mozez, who wants IceSixxx to remix one of his original songs for an upcoming album. He is currently working on a few projects: an album themed around burning man festival, a minimalist electronic album and an electro-disco album.
Celtic Dancing?
Celtic folk artists can be found just about anywhere, including Belgium. However, Ceili Moss‘ sound expands beyond both Ireland and Belgium, as they describe themselves as acoustic folk rock with guts and melodies, with a northern European edge. Perhaps best of all, their sound lands somewhere in between strictly traditional Irish folk and the modern Irish Punk sounds (Dropkick Murphys), all while continuing the use of historically Celtic bagpipe and flute. Having been together for 13 years, the group’s musicianship is tighter than ever!
Can't doubt their sincerity with a photo like this
Social commentary goes hand in hand with punk music in the US and the UK, and the story is no different in Belgium. Hailing from Denderleeuw, Belgium, punk rock band W.R.3 sings politically-conscious music and plays charity gigs with proceeds going to the homeless and tsunami victims. Their name even refers to the risk of a 3rd world war. But despite these sobering causes, the band still likes to have a good time on stage, admitting that our gigs usually end with a big party.