You already know that we’re enamoured with the Belgian underground. There’s so much innovation and creative spirit flowing from our Flemish comrades; if there’s a place we should all be looking to for the future of underground artistry, it’s Belgium. On top of their artistic ingenuity, there seems to be a dedication to collaborate with each other that you just don’t see this side of the Atlantic. It’s no wonder that Consouling Sounds is able to put out such a high calibre of artistry, both in the sonic and material realms. We’ve stopped trying to anticipate what their next move will be, because every time they come with something we could have never imagined. That’s the case with their new residency project launching this fall called Consouling Sounds: in Residence. Part record label, part gallery, part agent, part curator, Consouling has chosen three artists to collaborate on a series of releases, performances and public Q&As that have been a year in the making.
The artists – Empusae, Monnik and dustbug – worked closely with the label to craft their perfect sonic offering, from conception to presentation, and also shared their personal experiences with one another. To share the final product, they have each developed their own unique take on a visual and tactile experience with the music. Empusae is offering Augmented Reality, where every track will have a piece of artwork that comes alive through an AR-application (pre-order here); Monnik’s LP comes with a tea ritual of personalized Monnik-tea by Koffies de Draak (pre-order here); and dustbug’s LP comes with a limited edition hand made bug by jewellery designer Aline Gorsen (pre-order here). It’s all made possible by government arts funding, and the result is that on October 11th, Consouling Sounds will launch three records unlike anything the underground has seen thus far. They are branching out into territory most labels refuse to, and we are so excited for the results! Today we’re excited to share clips from each of the three artists – what you are seeing here is underground history in the making.
Empusae – Iter in Tenebris
After the therapeutic album Lueur (featuring vocals by Colin H. Van Eeckhout), Sal-Ocin continues the exorcism by composing a new album. Through the medium of old 78 rpm phonograph records from the early 1900, each song captures a different demon. Resulting in a dark and ghostly ambient post-industrial soundtrack from oblivion.
This release comes with Augmented Reality, every track will have a piece of artwork that comes alive through an AR-application. Pre-order here.
Monnik – Bitteroogst
Bitteroogst is the result of a long period of experimenting and searching for his own voice. It expands upon the sound Monnik is known for. The droning guitar sounds are augmented by weeping banjos, lamenting lapsteel and buzzing synths.
This release comes with a tea ritual of personalized Monnik-tea by Koffies de Draak. Pre-order here.
dustbug – Unfield & Stray
Dustbug is the pseudonym of Karel Thant, an odd sound architect doing nothing rather than entrench himself in a stronghold of music equipment. From behind the battlements he leads a force to ethereal soundscapes and broad-shouldered drones. In the background lurk all kinds of mechanical noises and alien ringing. While hushed melodic motifs develop beneath, the border between grimy brightness and scraped darkness is guarded.
This album comes with a limited edition hand made bug by Aline Gorsen. Pre-order here.
In collaboration with: N.V. Koffies De Draak, Jewelry designer Aline Gorsen, Motion designer Christel Morvan, CC Ter Dilft, Muziekcentrum Track, Barcyclette, Snuffel Hostel Bruges.
