on Shelter Press

http://shelter-press.com/main/category/017/

http://www.cuttingedge.be/talent/maan

De Neus van God - 14jun13 by Ruisradio on Mixcloud

So, I suppose you have noticed things have been a bit quiet on the KRAAK front lately. Thought it was a good idea to let you all know why. We have experienced some hectic periods in the last two years mainly due to job changes, but the path that lies ahead is shining anew. As Dave left the KRAAK team, which is already two years ago, Tommy and me went on as a duo relying on a freelancer every now and then, and with the kind assistance of a couple of volunteers who helped out at shows et cetera.

For a while it looked as if we were on the edge of our apocalypse, almost losing our grant. In the end we got a grant from the Flemish Government, which will keep the concert promotion running at least until 2016. Since the grant did decrease with 15% we had to reschedule on short term and rethink the organization on longer terms.

In January Tommy moved to the great Brussels concert club Les Ateliers Claus and Niels Latomme joined in. Niels used to be the chief of communication at Netwerk / center for contemporary art. A long time ago he was an intern at the KRAAK offices, finishing his degree of musicology at IPEM. He is a long time KRAAK show visitor and through Netwerk we also worked with him in the last couple of years to organize the festival.

Now, I will be saying goodbye to my beloved KRAAK in October. I probably don't realize yet how it's going to hurt, but I feel it's time. I am finishing my Literature degree this year (at least that's what I hope) so new horizons are awaiting me. Niels will take over the joint. I will not be replaced, at least not by another part timer. The plan is to rely on a new expanded team of volunteers again and to invite people to curate themed concert nights and/or series. Any time soon we will drop an open call for that, so keep your eyes on the blog. All this should make sure we can again free more budget on the artistic side and introduce some new concepts and exciting artists that would otherwise not reach our shores. 

The KRAAK board also changed a while ago. We had to let go of Esther Venrooy as our board director, since she could not find the time anymore combining composing, teaching, traveling and what not. We are very grateful to her for her patience and the intelligent working methods, leading KRAAK to some of its most difficult periods since its existence. Same goes for Glen Steenkiste, dear friend and KRAAK-er since the early days. He has often been the mediating love and critical eye all at once. For a very long time he has been the backbone that kept everything together. New (well not all that new) faces on the board are Jürgen De Blonde (Köhn etc) and Bert Dhondt (Oxfam etc). Both  are involved with KRAAK for quite some time already and will guide and guard the new quests in the future together with Dirk Deblauwe. Johan and Dave, the KRAAK daddy's are back on board as well, cursing at the side line, making sure their baby is not losing its mind on cheap drugs. Damn those old punkers! 

That's about it I guess. Now It's time to finish that autumn program. Loads of sweet candy is coming up. Hope to see you around!

Cheers

Steve

(from left to right: Johan, Jürgen and Glen. probably somewhere in the late nineties)

http://www.mixcloud.com/Sterrenplaten/sterrenplaten-12-april-2013-ignatz/

New album 'Can I Go Home Now?' out on Fonal!

Here