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- Mitxoda Weekly #20: Belgium, Beers & Breakthroughs!
Mitxoda Weekly #20: Belgium, Beers & Breakthroughs!
Time to Celebrate Belgium: A Deep Dive into Its Musical Legacy & More!
Mitxoda
February 07, 2025
Song of the Week : J’aime la vie by Sandra Kim (released on January 1, 1986).
Hello Dear Friend!
Welcome to Mitxoda Weekly #20! We finally have a Belgian government… (yeah!). What better excuse to celebrate Belgium? 🇧🇪 This week, I’m taking you on a journey through the country’s incredible musical history, from Jacques Brel to Stromae, and shining a light on how this small nation has shaped the global music scene.
But that’s not all! I’ve also done something unusual, I gave a rare in-depth interview with Bryan Gribbin. We talked about Mitxoda, my journey, Brussels, beer (of course), and so much more. If you’ve ever wanted to get a deeper look into who I am, now’s your chance!
Happy reading (untill the End please!!), and as always, thank you for being part of this journey!
Mitxoda
Au menu, this week:
Time to get exposed!
You've always wanted to know more about the person behind Mitxoda? Well, this is your chance! For the very first time, I'm going public in a long and in-depth interview with the fantastic Bryan Gribbin. We talked about everything; Mitxoda, my journey, Brussels, Belgium, and, of course, beers!
Take a listen, and who knows? You might just find yourself booking a trip to Brussels soon! 🍻🎶 Thanks again Bryan, your support to indie musicians is awesome!
Long Read: Belgian Music, a Century of Innovation
Belgium. A small country at the crossroads of Europe, often overlooked in grand narratives of musical history. But take a closer listen, and you’ll find a nation that has not only followed global trends but has shaped them, reinvented them, and in many cases, led the charge into new sonic territories. From Jacques Brel’s heart-wrenching chansons to the relentless beats of electronic pioneers like Front 242 and Stromae, Belgium has proven time and again that size is no limitation when it comes to artistic innovation.
The Foundations: Mid-20th Century Pioneers
Modern Belgian music as we know it owes much to the mid-20th century trailblazers. Jacques Brel, arguably Belgium’s most internationally revered musician, set the standard for poetic storytelling, his impassioned performances transcending language barriers and inspiring generations of artists worldwide.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s rock scene had its early moments with bands like The Cousins, whose 1960 hit Kili Watch showcased how Belgian musicians could take global trends and infuse them with local character.
The Psychedelic Era: 1960s-1970s
As the world plunged into psychedelia and progressive rock, Belgium was right there with it. Wallace Collection’s Daydream (1969) became an international hit, and progressive bands like Cos and Univers Zero pushed the genre into avant-garde territories, mixing jazz, classical, and experimental rock in ways few dared to try.
On the new wave and punk front, TC Matic, led by the inimitable Arno, carved out a unique, explosive sound, while Telex pioneered electronic pop before it was even a movement. And let’s not forget Toots Thielemans, whose harmonica mastery made him a legend far beyond jazz circles.
The Electronic Revolution: 1980s-1990s
If one movement put Belgium firmly on the global map, it was electronic music. The 1980s saw Belgium spearhead the Electronic Body Music (EBM) movement with Front 242, I mentioned them last week, a band whose mechanical, industrial sound would influence acts like Nine Inch Nails and Rammstein. Meanwhile, Lords of Acid merged techno, industrial, and provocative lyrics into something uniquely Belgian.
Other artists brought crossover appeal: Vaya Con Dios blended pop and world music influences, Soulsister added a sophisticated touch to pop rock, and Channel Zero gave Belgium a foothold in the metal scene.
In the 1990s, alternative and indie exploded:
dEUS redefined experimental and alternative rock.
K’s Choice found international success with deeply emotional, introspective music.
Hooverphonic (originally named Hoover) brought orchestral elegance to trip-hop.
The Modern Era: 2000s-Present
As the 21st century unfolded, Belgian music became more diverse than ever.
Belgium’s love affair with electronic music only deepened, with:
Soulwax/2manyDJs revolutionized the art of the mashup.
Goose blurred the line between electro and rock.
Oscar and the Wolf infused indie pop with shimmering electronic textures.
Rock and Alternative
A new wave of rock bands emerged, each carving out their own distinct identity:
Triggerfinger mastered the art of blues-infused hard rock.
Ghinzu delivered cinematic, ambitious alt-rock.
The Black Box Revelation kept garage rock raw and alive.
Girls in Hawaii and Balthazar built dreamy, intricate indie soundscapes.
Meanwhile, the metal scene continued to thrive, with Aborted leading the charge in death metal, Amenra redefining post-metal with their hauntingly intense music, and Evil Invaders keeping speed metal alive.
The Pop & Indie Renaissance
No discussion of contemporary Belgian music is complete without Stromae, whose genre-blurring mix of electronic beats, French chanson, and personal storytelling turned him into an international icon. Meanwhile, Charlotte de Witte became a leading figure in global techno, Tamino brought Middle Eastern influences into indie folk, and Angèle became a feminist pop powerhouse.
A Scene Without Borders
One of the defining traits of Belgian music today is its genre fluidity. Artists refuse to be boxed in, and the DIY scene has exploded, with self-produced and self-released music spanning every imaginable style. Experimental jazz, post-rock, electronic, folk, metal, all coexist in a uniquely Belgian melting pot.
The Legacy & The Future
From the early rockers to the electronic innovators, from punk legends to alternative rock visionaries and rap masters (Benny B, Zwangere Guy, …), Belgian music has never stopped evolving. It has proven that innovation thrives in unexpected places, and that a small country can leave an outsized mark on the world stage.
Belgium’s music history is an ongoing movement, a culture of reinvention, with fearless creativity that has always defined this country’s artists.
And if the past century has been any indication, the next wave of Belgian musicians will be just as unpredictable, groundbreaking, and undeniably influential.
Check them out here, just to name a few - one day, I might list them all, but not today: Ava Gratia , SÆ, Bertier, Dashbox, The Kat’s PyjamaZ, Hotel du Globe, Yanu, The Electrozixx, Doryphore, Candeur Cyclone,…
Many many other names are to be found in the Mitxoda Weekly Songs playlist below!
Featured Track: Self Help, A Vibrant Ode to Living in the Moment
"Self Help" by Dougieto is an infectious anthem of self-discovery, blending honesty with an irresistibly playful vibe. From the opening lines, the song invites us into a reflection of nostalgia, those fleeting moments of joy that feel like smoking a cigarette in the rain. The clever imagery hits home, reminding us of the bittersweetness of clinging to the past. But here’s the magic: the chorus bursts through like sunlight after a storm. It's a bold declaration to break free from the numbing grip of anxiety and embrace the beauty of now. The melody dances between heartfelt da da da’s and playful wah wah wah’s, giving the song a cheeky, upbeat energy. Dougieto masterfully weaves a sense of catharsis with a celebration of life’s small but powerful victories. |  The instrumental break? It feels like a breath of fresh air, a musical pause that mirrors the song’s message, sometimes, you just need to stop and let yourself feel. By the final choruses, you’re singing along, inspired to let go of the past and grab hold of the moment. |
Dougieto’s "Self Help" is a soundtrack for anyone needing a reminder that healing comes when you dare to live in the now. Love it!
Historical Fact: Amy Winehouse's Grammy Triumph
On Feb 10 2008, Amy Winehouse made history by winning five Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year for Rehab. Denied a U.S. visa due to personal struggles, she performed live via satellite from London, delivering an unforgettable set. Her victory was a career high, but also a poignant moment, just three years later, she was gone, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music.
Here it is! A little slice of history shared just for you!
Playlist of the Week:
Nadine's Indie Treasures: Fuselage
Nardine stumbled upon Fuselage through an algorithmic playlist and instantly got hooked. She admires their tight rhythm section and the way they blend rock’n’roll, alternative rock, and post-grunge into irresistibly catchy tunes. Her must-listens? Black Sun, Saturday (pay attention to that bass!), and their latest single, Broken Promises.
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💬 Introducing Nadine’s Indie Treasures a new chapter where Nadine de Macedo handpicks and spotlights exceptional artists. Subscribe to her Bandcamp to support her work, enjoy exclusive singles, and be part of her evolving story!
Quick Indie News
The SPOCK Files EP by SPOCK - Rock (USA) - 28 August 2024. A punk-infused EP showcasing SPOCK's energetic style and raw talent. Discover their unique sound!
Ghost by The Haptics - Alternative (Canada) - 31 January 2025. A haunting exploration of lost love, filled with melancholic nostalgia and raw emotion. Feel the longing! Check it out here!
A Hobo's Hymn by Calamity Jay - Folk (France) - 31 January 2025. A heartfelt anthem to freedom, blending acoustic guitars, mandolin, and angelic choirs into an epic finale. Celebrate the wanderer's spirit! Check it out here!
The Know It Alls by The English Assassin - Alternative (Canada) - 20 January 2025. A catchy alt-pop track tackling personal and global themes, with a nod to political muses. Dive into the sound! Check it out here!
Like A Dream by Nadine de Macedo feat. Ramona Muhn - Electronic/Dance (Germany) - 31 January 2025. Combining spoken vocals and entrancing beats, this re-release creates a deeply emotional atmosphere. Let it sweep you away! Check it out here!
Goodnight & Good Riddance by SeverTheBond - Alternative (United States) - 02 February 2025. A defiant anthem of self-acceptance, moving from reflection to an empowering declaration of worth. Shout it out loud! Check it out here!
Simile by i - Rock (United States) - 04 February 2025. A grunge-soaked anthem born from chaotic inspiration, delivering energy and emotion, under a single letter, i. Brace yourself for impact! Check it out here!
If you'd like to introduce your latest release, just click here to submit all the details. I’d love to hear about it! 😇 Submit your track here.
What’s Next for Mitxoda?
Lots of exciting releases are coming up!
Patience, no release date yet
Undressed will be released later in 2025
And many other collabs to come! I am blessed!!
Until Next Week: The Beat Goes On!
From Belgian music legends to indie treasures, this week’s newsletter was a reminder that music has no borders, it’s a timeless, evolving force. Whether you’ve discovered a new favorite track, learned something new, or just enjoyed the ride, I hope you’ll take some of this inspiration with you. Let me know!
As always, let me know what you’re listening to, what’s inspiring you, and what’s next on your indie journey.
Also, just a quick note, I’ve been sick, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to keep going from now on. So maybe till next week… or maybe not. Let’s see where this road leads.
Stay curious, stay reckless, and let the music lead the way.
Remember, this newsletter is for you. Thank you for being a part of the Mitxoda journey.
Love,
Mitxoda
END 😆
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