Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Have you ever been captivatedby a song on the radio only to dig
a little deeper and discover,well, a whole universe behind the
artists.
A universe not just of charttopping hits, but of, you know, unexpected
quirks, profound fanconnections, and a mission that quite
literally changed a nationalmusic scene.
Yeah, it happens.
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Well, get ready, because todaywe're embarking on a truly immersive
deep dive into the phenomenonthat is bizarre.
They're this indie pop groupfrom Belgium that isn't just making
waves, they're creatingtsunamis in the world of Dutch language
music.
And what's truly fascinatinghere, I think, is observing how a
band, through sheer artisticconviction and a really crystal clear
(00:42):
vision, managed to redefine anentire genre in their home country
and, you know, increasingly beyond.
So we're not simply going tolist their achievements today.
Our mission is more to explorethat intricate intersection of musical
innovation, cultural impact,and the very human stories behind
it all.
Exactly, exactly.
Those backstage moments, thefan interactions, precisely.
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The things that transform asuccessful group into, well, a beloved,
almost iconic institution.
It genuinely makes you reflecton what goes into building that kind
of loyal following.
It really does.
And our journey today willsift through a rich stack of insights,
anecdotes, peeling back thelayers of Bizaar to reveal what truly
makes them unique.
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We'll move from theirabsolutely chart topping hits to
those wonderfully quirkybackstage habits and that incredibly
deep, almost familialconnection they've forged with their
fans.
Yeah, the goal is to get atrue feel for this band far beyond
just their discography, anduncover those surprising nuggets
that really define their identity.
I'm particularly excited aboutdiving into a band that explicitly
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set out to make Dutch poppopular in Belgium.
Right.
Which was a bold move.
A very bold move.
And from what we've seen,they've not only succeeded, but it's
carved out a space that, well,few could have predicted.
And this deep dive, I hope,will demonstrate that their success
extends far beyond just themusic itself.
It's about understanding theentire ecosystem of a band's life.
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You know, how their earlyaspirations, their evolving sound,
their personal preferences,even their most casual interactions
contribute to their publicPersona and ultimately their enduring
appeal.
We'll see how everything fromtheir formation to their favorite
festival foods plays a crucialpart in their story.
It really invites you toconsider the multifaceted tapestry
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of artistic success.
Okay, so let's unpack thisremarkable journey then, starting
right from the beginning.
The genesis of Bizaar and howthey meticulously forged what became
a truly Distinct new sound inDutch pop.
This all kicked off in 2012, right.
In Ghent, Belgium.
That's right, Ghent.
And the core vision, it reallycame to life through two founding
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members.
Matthew Taran, the charismaticlead vocalist, and Simon Newton,
who does vocals and guitar.
They didn't just stumble into this.
They had a clear, almostaudacious idea of what they wanted
to achieve.
Audacious is a good word for it.
Yeah.
And while Matthew and Simonlaid the foundational songwriting
and conceptual groundwork, theband's initial structure quickly
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saw the addition of bassistTom Gouvernts, drummer Jonas Goten,
and keyboardist Oliver Simons.
Okay.
However, as often happens withemerging creative projects, especially
music, there's an earlyevolution in the lineup.
Right.
Things shift around.
Exactly.
By the time their pivotal 2015EP was released, Dane Sheepers had
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stepped in for Gouvernetz on bass.
Ah, okay.
And Rob Bethegaman took overfrom Gutin on drums.
This early fluidity wasn'treally a sign of instability, I think,
but more a testament to theirdedication to finding the perfect
collective dynamic.
Climbing the right feature.
Yeah.
The right blend ofpersonalities and musical voices
to truly realize theirartistic mission and crucially, to
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refine that distinct new soundyou mentioned earlier.
And their mission statement.
It wasn't exactly whispered,was it?
It was bold, clear, andincredibly ambitious.
They wanted to popularizeDutch language pop music among the
Belgian audience.
Think about that for a second.
They weren't just aiming for asingle hit or local fame.
They were aiming tofundamentally shift a cultural preference.
(04:15):
Yeah.
To make their native tonguenot just acceptable, but genuinely
cool and accessible inmainstream pop.
In a country often saturatedwith English language music, and
where Dutch pop sometimesstruggled for broader appeal, that
was an incredibly challenging goal.
It was a very deliberate,strategic choice and one that required
immense conviction.
Like you said, in a musiclandscape that often sees English
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tracks dominating radio wavesand festival stages, their commitment
to Dutch pop was both aformidable challenge and, well, an
immense opportunity.
By choosing to singexclusively in Dutch, they could
connect deeply with theiraudience on a linguistic and cultural
level.
Right.
Fostering that shared identity.
Exactly.
That resonance through theirmusic, this profound intention right
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from the start played anabsolutely crucial role in shaping
their unique trajectory.
And the sound itself was key,wasn't it?
It wasn't just about the language.
Absolutely.
They didn't go for traditionalrock or folk.
They embraced this melancholicsynth pop aesthetic, shimmering with
atmospheric synthesizers,often driving the melodies, combined
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with a prominent groundingbass line.
And Matthew's vocals areincredibly emotive, often layered,
creating this rich Almostcinematic texture.
Yeah, it's that blend ofaccessible pop hooks with an underlying
artistic introspection thattruly made them stand out.
And then came the moment thatchanged everything.
The seismic event in theirearly career, the breakthrough hit.
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Good.
Good.
Yeah.
You simply cannot talk aboutbuzz art without talking about good.
This wasn't just a hit, it wasa phenomenon, a genuine cultural
moment.
It really was.
It became their definitivebreakthrough single, charting spectacularly,
especially in Flanders.
I mean, it appeared twice inthe top 10 of Studio Brussels, Dia
Frequent.
Which is huge in Belgium.
Huge.
A highly influentialalternative chart, often a barometer
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for burgeoning talent.
It also hit the highestposition, 101 on Penguin Radio's
Grad Meter.
Another key independent.
Exactly.
For a Dutch language track toget that kind of independent and
alternative radio penetrationthat was almost unheard of at the
time.
The success of Goode was trulyunprecedented for a Dutch language
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indie pop song from Belgium.
Before Goode, there was thisperception, you know, that for a
Belgian artist to gainsignificant traction, they had to
sing in English.
Right.
That was the prevailing wisdom.
Right.
Just shattered that perception.
And its reach wasn't confinedto Belgium either.
It gained significantrecognition in the Netherlands, being
named single of the week by3v12, a highly respected Dutch music
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platform.
So it crossed borders.
It did.
This cross border appealhighlighted the universal resonance
of their distinct sound andemotive lyrical approach.
Even with the languagedifference, though, their primary
impact remained profoundlyBelgian, redefining what mainstream
Dutch pop could sound like musically.
What made Good connect so much?
Well, musically, Goode was amasterclass in building tension and
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release.
It starts with this almostminimalist atmospheric synth, gradually
introduces a driving beat andthen explodes into that anthemic,
incredibly catchy chorus.
Yeah, that chorus isunforgettable, totally.
And lyrically, it's poetic,yet deeply relatable, touching on
universal themes of fleetingmoments, emotional depth, which just
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resonated with their audiencefar beyond the melody.
But the numbers, wow.
The numbers truly tell thestory of its sheer impact.
Claude spent nearly a year onthe Flemish ultra top 50.
Almost a year.
Staggering.
Staggering for any single, letalone a debut breakthrough.
And if that wasn't enough, itbroke records by spending an incredible
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45 weeks.
That's almost an entire yearin the top 10 of the Flemish top
50.
Unbelievable staying power, unparalleled.
And to cap it all off,platinum certification in Flanders,
solidifying its status notjust as a hit, but as an iconic era
defining song it became the song.
This kind of sustained chartperformance is just a clear, undeniable
indicator of its Deep cultural penetration.
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It wasn't a fleeting viral trend.
It resonated profoundly.
It demonstrated a powerful,enduring connection.
That platinum certificationisn't just sales.
It represents this widespreadadoption and appreciation that few
songs ever achieve, especiallywithin a specific linguistic context
like Dutch pop in Belgium.
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It effectively laid thecornerstone for everything that came
after.
Proving their initialaudacious mission statement wasn't
just a dream.
It was real.
It was real and it hadcaptivated a nation.
So building on thatincredible, almost overwhelming momentum,
they followed up swiftly withchaos in June 2016.
And guess what?
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It followed suit.
Also reaching the top spot inD Africaning and Gradmeter in August
of that year.
Right.
Proving it wasn't a fluke.
Exactly.
Conclusively proving Godwasn't a one off.
They had truly found theirsound and critically, their audience,
who were clearly hungry for more.
And what's remarkable there ishow quickly and effectively they
capitalized on the breakthrough.
Chaos demonstrated theirability to replicate that success.
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Consistency, consistency.
Proving their unique blend worked.
This rapid follow up wasabsolutely crucial in cementing their
position.
Decisively preventing thatdreaded one hate Wonder.
Label, which can be so toughto shape.
Exactly.
It show their artistic depth.
And with that success came themajor festival circuit.
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2016 was a monumental year for them.
Live.
Huge.
They made significantappearances at major festivals like
Rockwurch, one of Europe'sbiggest, and Pink Pop in the Netherlands.
This wasn't just about sellingrecords anymore.
It was about proving theirlive appeal.
Drawing massive crowds.
Showing that magnetic stage presence.
Absolutely.
Their presence on suchprominent stages, especially Wurkster
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and Pink Pop, is a resoundingtestament to their rapidly growing
live appeal.
Festivals are crucial proving grounds.
And dominating them likeBizarre did showed that their melancholic,
layered music translatedexceptionally well to a large, energetic
audience.
That live interaction is vitalfor building a dedicated fan base.
Solidifies them as real performers.
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Exactly.
Not just recording artists,but formidable live performers.
And their connection to their roots.
Their origins remainedincredibly strong too.
They were recognized asStrafts Gentinar 2016 in the music
category.
Kuliskan resident.
Basically, yeah.
Which is just great.
This award given by theirhometown reinforced that deep local
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connection.
Showed that despite thegrowing fame, they were still celebrated
where it all began.
And that local recognition isan important element.
Often overlooked.
It grounds them, reminds theaudience of their authentic origins.
Right.
Stops them seeming detached.
Yeah.
It adds this layer ofcommunity endorsement that strengthens
their appeal as a trulyBelgian band.
Rising organically from theirlocal scene.
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Reinforces that idea there ofthe people.
Okay.
So moving into the nextsignificant Phase Let's Talk Albums
and how they truly expandedtheir horizons artistically and geographically.
Their debut album, echodropped in September 2016 right on
the heels of the single success.
Highly anticipated.
Very.
And within an astonishingweek, it shot straight to number
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one on the Ultra Top 200albums chart.
Another record, another recordbroken unequivocally marking them
as more than just a singles band.
They were a cohesive, albumdriven artistic force.
That rapid ascent of Echosignifies a critical transition.
It showed the audience wasn'tjust hungry for tracks like Good
or Chaos.
They wanted the wholeimmersive experience picture exactly.
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Breaking another record with adebut album so quickly is an incredibly
strong indicator of theirbroad appeal and the eagerness of
their fan base.
It solidified their artistic credibility.
And to launch the album theyheld two huge sold out shows at the
Ancienne Belgique, the AB in Brussels.
Iconic venue.
Totally iconic.
Selling that out speaksvolumes about their immediate live
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appeal.
Fans were clearly eager notjust to hear the new stuff, but to
experience that emotionalresonance live.
Selling out the AB for analbum launch is a powerful statement.
It shows an artist capable oftransforming studio success into
compelling live experiences.
That immediate connection in alive setting further solidified their
viability, reinforcing theidea their sound was for shared collective
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experience.
And the singles from Echo Justkept Coming, Kept Hitting knock became
their third consecutive singleto top the grade meter.
In December 2016, just hittingbullseyes consistently.
It seemed almost uncanny,their ability to craft songs that
immediately resonated.
Yeah.
The consistent success oftheir singles even after the album's
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release speaks volumes aboutthe strength of their songwriting
production.
Nacht extending that streakconfirmed their appeal wasn't limited
to one or two breakthroughs,but was rooted in consistent, compelling
output.
Underscored their reputationfor delivering hits.
And 2017 saw them keeping upthat relentless pace, continuing
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the festival circuit dominancewith appearances at Lookers Feast
in Sukorok.
They were everywhere.
Pretty much everywhere.
Yeah.
Solidifying their presence asa must see live act across Belgium
and maintaining that.
Strong festival presence yearafter year is vital for sustaining
reach.
It allows them to connect withnew audiences, reinforce the connection
with existing fans and honetheir live performance keeps the
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momentum going.
Absolutely.
Their consistent presenceunderscores their enduring popularity
and dedication to connectingin person.
Then came too their secondalbum, September 2018, and predictably,
it also hit the number onespot on the Flemish album chart.
They were just on thisundeniable roll.
That consecutive number onealbum is a clear indicator of sustained
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relevance and success.
Shows they weren't a flash inThe Pan right.
They had staying power.
A consistent, evolvingcreative force.
Delivering music thatresonated deeply cemented their influential
status.
The lead single from two grip,Omarmee, instantly recognizable,
continued the winning streak.
Top 10, ultra top 50 earned agold record quickly.
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They just seem to have theMidas touch.
And the continued success ofGrip validated their evolving sound.
Achieving goals for a singlefrom their second album showed the
audience remained deeply engaged.
Still eager for new material.
Exactly.
Reinforced their commercialstrength and critical acclaim.
And their audience reach wasgrowing massively too.
Fall 2018 they played sold outconcerts in huge venues like the
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Sport Palais and Antwerp.
Massive Arena?
Huge.
And Paradiso in Amsterdam, oneof the Netherlands legendary halls.
Selling those out is amonumental achievement.
Playing and selling out placeslike the Sport Pelais and Paradiso
marks a significant milestone.
It indicates that transitionfrom popular festival acts to headliners
in their own right.
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Drawing huge crowdsspecifically for them.
Yes.
This expansion highlightstheir broader appeal and increased
ambition for the live showsmoving from clubs to arenas.
What's really interesting ishow they further built that Dutch
connection.
Yeah.
December 2018.
They collaborated on onDurands with the acclaimed DUT singer
Ifshe Deviser.
Great pairing.
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Her poetic, ethereal soundcomplemented Buzart's aesthetic perfectly.
Yeah, it really did.
And they performed ittogether, opening the main stage
at pink pop 2019.
That's a strategicallysignificant cross border collaboration,
expanding their influence organically.
Smart move.
Very smart.
The collaboration with anartist of a caliber plus the Pink
Pop performance signifies astrategic and artistically complementary
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expansion into the Dutch market.
Cross pollinating fan bases,precisely leveraging the.
Strengths of both acts.
It showed ambition beyondBelgium, building authentic bridges
within the Dutch speakingmusic world.
And Monlicht, released late 2019.
16 weeks at number one in theFlemish top 50.
16 weeks.
Extraordinary.
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Almost four consecutive monthsat the top.
That kind of longevity isexceptionally rare.
It really is.
Sixteen weeks at number onemeans Monnlik wasn't just a hit.
It became pervasive.
Deeply ingrained in thecultural soundscape for ages, Almost
An Anthem showcased theirremarkable ability to consistently
produce music that not onlyresonated, but deeply connected on
an ongoing basis.
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So Fast forward to June 2021.
Their third studio album,Andrew is released after some anticipation.
Yeah.
10 tracks including Prerelease singles like Allahs of Neets,
Dank, Marneed and Morgan and Anders.
A third album is always acritical juncture for a band.
Shows longevity, sustainedcreativity, often a deeper exploration
of their sound.
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Right.
Onderweg built on theirestablished synth pop sound, but
likely incorporated Nuancesand maturity gained from their experiences
marked a distinct point intheir evolution.
And those singles fromAnderweg absolutely delivered.
Thank Mar.
Niedan Morgan achievedplatinum status.
Phenomenal feat.
And charted for almost half ayear in the Flemish alter top.
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Incredible endurance.
And Anders soared to numberone on the Flemish top 30.
Their consistency is just astounding.
It really is.
Defies the usual ebb and flow.
The continued successreinforces their remarkable ability
to produce hits that resonate.
It's not just catchy tunes.
It's testament to theirestablished sound.
Evolving depth and ability toconnect emotionally.
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And commercially ensures theirprominence for years.
This level of consistency is rare.
Speaks to a profoundunderstanding of their craft and
audience.
After that challenging twoyear hiatus from big live shows.
The Pandemic.
Tough time for everyone in music.
They made a Triumphant returnin November 2021.
Two sold out concerts at theLotto arena in Antwerp.
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Must have been incredibly emotional.
Oh, I bet.
A real moment of reunion withtheir fans.
A celebration of live music's return.
And the sold out shows atLotto arena after that enforced break
profoundly underscore the pentup demand and deep loyalty of their
fan base.
It was a powerfulreaffirmation of that connection
between band and audience.
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Showed their popularity endured.
Highlighting the strength oftheir live appeal and that irreplaceable
communal experience.
A symbolic moment definitelyfor the band and the whole Belgian
music scene.
Okay, here's where it getsreally interesting.
I think.
Showing ambition beyond justmaking music.
In 2022, they launched theirown record label, ingeniously named
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Echo, after their debut album.
And this wasn't just for theirown releases.
It was explicitly intended toplatform new emerging talented.
What does this signify?
The establishment of Ecco isan incredibly powerful statement.
Artistic independence,entrepreneurial vision and a clear
commitment to giving back tothe scene.
It allows them greatercreative control, obviously.
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But more significantly, byactively fostering emerging artists,
Bizaert is effectively shapingthe future landscape.
Paying it forward.
Exactly.
It positions them as industryleaders, mentors, ensuring longevity
for their vision andcontributing to the development of
new Dutch language talent.
It's a strategic investment inthe future of Belgian music.
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A mature phase in theircareer, leveraging their success
precisely building a legacybeyond their own discography.
And the very first single ontheir new label, Van Godlos, was
a cover of a classic Monza hitfrom 2001.
Great track.
And what's even cooler, a realfull circle moment.
Mario Gooseens, the originalMonza drummer, had already joined
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Bizarre as their live drummer.
Fantastic Synergy covering VanGogh and integrating Mario Goosens
demonstrates this respectfulnod to Belgian music history, while
also showcasing Bazaert'swillingness to reinterpret and evolve.
Connect them to a broadermusical lineage.
Adds depth to their live shows.
And it signals the diversesounds their Echo label might champion.
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Their Duck success continuedto climb too early.
2023, Gifmi Aulis hit numberone on 3fm's Der Verlangleist.
Significant chart on majorDutch radio.
Huge marks their very firstnumber one hit in the Netherlands.
A triumphant moment.
Definitively breaking throughthat border.
Absolutely.
A significant milestone.
Emphatically indicating theirsuccessful expansion shows their
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sound appeals to a wider audience.
Transcending borders withinthe Dutch speaking world.
Validates those consistent efforts.
It does solidifies theirregional impact, proving their ambition
was far more than just local.
More exciting collaborationsfollowed quickly in 2023.
Bleifnug.
Even here with the Dutchsinger Gusher.
Who became the first artistsigned to Echo.
(20:49):
Right.
Fantastic synergy there.
And then December 2023.
How mi wast with the massivelypopular Belgian artist Pomelian Tyas.
They're clearly not justnurturing new talent, but actively
expanding their creativenetwork across the Benelux region.
These strategic collaborationshighlight their commitment to the
label's mission and theirongoing artistic interest in partnerships.
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Working with artists likeGushet and Pomalian enriches their
own output.
Exploring new sounds andstrengthens their position as influential
collaborative figures.
Fosters a vibrant ecosystem.
And to wrap up 2023 in trulyspectacular fashion, they held a
massive Echo Festival concertat Sport Pillis.
Wow.
This wasn't just a regular concert.
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It was a meticulously curatedmini festival experience.
Diverse guests.
Nordcap, Merrill, Gouche,Pomelin, Tis Legends and Current
stars.
Exactly.
Even presented by renownedcomedians Alex Agnew and Andries
Beckers, it really showcasestheir ambition, influence and vision.
Hosting their own EchoFestival at Sportpillas is arguably
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a crowning achievement.
Signifies their transitionfrom headliners to influential curators.
Right.
The thoughtful inclusion ofdiverse guests and presenters speaks
volumes to their broad appealand desire to create a comprehensive,
multifaceted experience.
It extends their brand beyondjust music into entertainment as
a whole.
It was a statement.
Absolutely.
A statement of their artisticand entrepreneurial power.
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A testament to the communitythey've built and a glimpse into
their future as cultural architects.
So we've covered the charthits, the landmark albums, the evolution,
the expansion.
But what truly makes Bazaarspecial, what gives them that resonance,
is the human touch.
The stuff beyond the metrics.
Exactly.
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The magic of their live shows,their profound connection with fans
and those wonderfully quirkybackstage habits that give us a glimpse
into who they really are.
And this section is crucialbecause it pivots away from commercial
success metrics and delvesinto those qualitative, intangible
aspects.
Understanding their approachto live performance, fan engagement,
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even the writer details it,provides a holistic human view, reinforces
why they resonate so deeply.
The band themselves oftenemphasize the magical interaction
and cohesion they feel withtheir audience during shows.
They talk about how everyonesings along wholeheartedly, this
sea of voices.
And this isn't just a happy accident.
This response is preciselywhat they hope for when they're writing
songs.
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That emphasis on magicalinteraction reveals a core philosophy.
It's not just performing foran audience.
It's fostering a sharedexperience, a reciprocal energy exchange.
Yeah.
That desired translation ofemotion from songwriting to the collective
live experience is for themthe ultimate validation.
(23:35):
Yeah.
Speaks to an empathetic connection.
They shared a reallyinteresting anecdote about this.
They recounted a bucket listperformance, one they dreamed of,
that surprisingly fell short,didn't quite capture the magic, but
then contrasted it with a morerecent bullseye performance where
they felt this immensetangible energy from the crowd.
That contrast beautifullyillustrates the unpredictability
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and organic nature of live music.
Yeah.
It highlights that the magicisn't just about the venue's prestige,
but that elusive, spontaneousenergy exchange.
It's a powerful reminder thatfor them, authenticity and genuine
connection are paramount.
More important than justticking boxes.
Exactly.
A testament to theirdedication to real human interaction.
(24:17):
And here's a truly memorablestory illustrating that connection.
During grip, Omarmee Matthieu,the lead singer, described making
eye contact with what hecalled a stereotypical metalhead.
Long hair, band shirt, right.
He looked at him,spontaneously, said, should we embrace?
And the guy, without a word,gave this look of profound confirmation.
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A silent click.
And Matthew embraced him right there.
That's not stagecraft, that'sraw, authentic human connection.
Perfectly embodying the song'stitle, Embrace Me.
That anecdote is incredibly telling.
A spontaneous human momentencapsulating the power of live music
to break down barriers andforge unscripted connections.
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It's not just the lyrics.
It's the vulnerability theartist shows and the shared experience
transcending appearance.
This kind of interactioncreates lasting memories, solidifying
loyalty beyond any hit song.
Brings Omar Me to lifevividly, emotionally.
Showcasing their philosophy of connection.
And speaking of loyalty,Bizaert has cultivated this truly
dedicated, almost legendary fanbase.
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A core group, maybe eightpeople, who are, in their words,
literally always there, everySingle show.
Like extended family.
Exactly.
A fixed, fiercely loyal fanbase like this is invaluable.
Provides a consistentpresence, a familiar anchor.
Generates a strong sense of community.
They're the super fans, thetrue evangelists.
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Their unwavering presence is asignificant source of comfort and
motivation for the artists.
And the band actually knowsthese fans personally, greets them
by name, which is amazing today.
It really is.
Their presence provides thatsense of coming home.
It's not anonymous spaces,it's friends, family cheering them
on.
That personal recognitionfosters an incredibly strong familial
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bond.
Transforms the artist's fanrelationship into something more
intimate, reciprocal.
Creates belonging for the fanswhile offering the band familiarity
during demanding tours.
Makes each performance feelmore like a communal gathering.
And these ultimate collectors,as they've been called, they have
every set list, every.
T shirt the band's ever made,meticulously preserved.
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They know everything.
They are literally theencyclopedias of Bazaar.
That ultimate collector aspectspeaks to an extraordinary depth
of engagement.
They aren't just consumers.
They are active chroniclers ofthe band's journey.
Living archives.
Exactly.
Living archives.
Ambassadors.
A testament to the profoundimpact Bizzard has had.
(26:42):
The band even playfullymentioned selling tote bags, suggesting
fans probably use them tostore their brawl.
Which is that great Belgianword for junk or clutter.
Yeah.
Or bizarre.
Just stuff.
It's this cute, self aware nodto their super fans.
That playful comment shows ahumorous, authentic connection.
Shows the band recognizes andappreciates the fans dedication.
(27:03):
Even down to how they mightuse merch.
Yeah, it's endearing.
Reinforces that shared humorand familiarity.
A little inside joke thatmakes fans feel seen.
Okay, let's step backstage.
Talk about some unexpectedrevelations from their writer.
The wish list for performances.
Ah, the writer.
Always a fascinating window.
It really is.
This list has some uniquerequests, offering a peek into their
(27:24):
world.
It's rarely just necessities.
It reflects tastes, rituals,comfort items.
Gives us a more intimateperspective beyond the stage.
Personas for beverages.
Clubmate described as super lekker.
Very tasty.
That Berlin lemonade based onYerba Ma tea.
Yeah.
Bit unusual.
Then champagne, usually forafter the show.
(27:46):
And some local beers.
Pretty standard, but with thatclubmate twist.
Clubmate is definitely aninteresting, somewhat niche choice.
Signals a preference forsomething unconventional.
Maybe reflects a certainEuropean indie aesthetic.
Champagne indicates celebration.
Beers are the casual staple.
Helps paint a picture of theirpocho vibe.
Snacks?
Absolutely.
(28:06):
Must have a cosplanche.
A classic Belgian cheese platter.
One member in particular loves it.
And who wouldn't?
A classic, refined choicesuggests comfort, appreciation for
quality Food backstagedefinitely better than just crisps.
A desire for something a bitmore elevated and enjoyable than
typical.
Quick snacks suggests a bandthat values.
(28:27):
Good, simple pleasures and forpracticalities mixed with playfulness.
They used to have batteries onthe rider, but those got removed.
Maybe they bring their own now.
Maybe.
But what's always on it,described as tough, cool or fun,
is a disposable camera.
I love that.
A wonderfully analog, charmingaddition suggests a desire to capture
raw, unvarnished momentswithout digital screens.
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Yeah.
Lo fi.
Authenticity stands indelightful contrast to smartphones.
Hints at a nostalgic orartistic sensibility.
And perhaps most surprisingly,scratch cards.
Lottery scratch cards.
Get out.
Really?
Yes.
They've even won moneysometimes and apparently return the
winnings to the venue.
That's brilliant.
The scratch cards are anabsolute gem.
Playful, unexpected.
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Highlights their down to earthhumorous side.
And returning the money addsanother layer to their character.
Playful integrity.
A rare glimpse.
Okay.
Moving to culinary confessionseven deeper into personal tastes.
Like many Belgians, they havetheir cherished fruit habits.
Though these have evolved.
The fruit Belgian institution totally.
One member is standard client.
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Chistoufle sauce, mayonnaise,viandel and in grizzly.
Um, to Dell and Met Marie.
Classic combo.
Stuffle sauce, bistu sauce,mayo, a viandel fried sausage and
a grizzly.
Another snack to share.
Quintessential.
The other member used to likeviandel, but doesn't go to the frittur
much anymore.
Which leads to an interestingreason these.
Specific orders offer such anauthentic glimpse into their everyday
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lives.
Their connection to Belgianculinary traditions.
Very human, relatable.
And the reason for reducedfruitur visits.
Oliver's wife, described bythe band as the best chef they know.
Ah, so home cooking wins out.
Apparently so.
Home cooked meals, includinghomemade fries that surpass brasserie
quality.
Vastly superior.
(30:16):
Oliver's wife has reportedlyonly eaten fruttula fries two or
three times in her life.
Wow.
That's quite the testament.
This anecdote is delightful,humorous, personal.
Explains a shift in eating habits.
Preference for qualityhomemade food.
Paints a picture of comfortand good living.
Balancing out touring life.
They even playfully callthemselves team under de Sluff.
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Team under the slipper.
Endearing Belgian phrase.
Yeah.
A lighthearted admission.
They happily defer to thechef's Oliver's wife's superior culinary
preferences.
Very Belgian, very humble.
Team owner Daslouf is brilliant.
Adds immense personality.
Implies playful deference todomestic life.
Recognition of where the trueculinary authority lies makes them
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even more relatable.
Now, when it comes to festivalfood paradise, one place stands out.
Lukersfiesten the bandemphasized this 10 day festival isn't
just about music but isrenowned for exceptional food, the
best at any festival they've played.
And that's saying somethinggiven how much they tour.
For artists on the road, oftengetting mediocre fare, quality festival
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catering can make a huge difference.
Huge.
Their enthusiastic praiseunderscores Lockersfesten's unique
standing.
They detailed the experience.
Empty mussel shells by the thousands.
Evidence of feasting and onenon meat eating member praised Pastamet
zoetze sorte monvel di pasta asweet filled pasta with sage butter
and lemon and the Kaskarketnmet Belgisch cozen cheese croquettes
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with Belgian cheeses.
Sounds divine.
These specific descriptionspaint a vivid picture.
The muscle shells conveycommunal enjoyment.
The praise for vegetarianpasta and cheese croquettes highlights
the diversity in quality.
It's clearly a culinaryadventure for them, not just sustenance.
A genuinely pleasurablegourmet experience that sets Lockers
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feastin apart.
And the anecdote of eating sixlayers of food every day there and
never feeling hungry.
Hilarious and impressive.
Conveys the sheer abundance in quality.
For a touring band, that's a luxury.
A morale booster speaks to thecare from the organizers.
One last thing aboutLockersfiesten the tradition of the
tigel the tile right the daily message.
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A thoughtful message for concertgoers.
Buzhardt's chosen messageresonated deeply with them.
Denkma niet an morgen don'tthink about tomorrow.
Exactly.
They were very content with it.
Hoped people would reflect on it.
Linking it directly to theirpopular song of the same name.
The Teagle Tradition and theirchosen message offer profound insight
into their philosophy.
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A deliberate connectionbetween their music and a broader
message for living right.
Encouraging reflectionreinforces that their songs carry
deeper meanings.
Inviting engagement on a morethoughtful personal level elevates
their festival presence beyond performance.
Okay, moving on.
Let's delve into the artistsinner world.
Creative inspiration but alsothe pressures of fame and a glimpse
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into their future.
There's a fascinating candidquote providing a rare peek into
potential internal dynamics.
We might have felt thatMatthia wasn't doing so well, but
he without an album, wow.
That's vulnerable.
Offers a crucial glimpse intothe personal toll a demanding career
can take.
Speaks to awareness andconcern within the band about well
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being.
The context without an Albumstrongly suggests that link between
creative output, the pressureto deliver and personal state.
The relentless pressure of the cycle.
A rare moment of honesty.
And then immediately followingthat comes this intriguing, maybe
humorous addition.
Sometimes you want to pushsomeone down the stairs.
In our case, usually Simon.
Huh.
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That's great.
A wonderfully candid andhumorous insight into the genuine
complex dynamics.
A release valve.
Exactly.
A lighthearted confession ofthe inevitable frictions in any intense
working relationship,especially under pressure.
It humanizes them furthershows relatable, almost sibling like
frustrations.
Reinforces the strength oftheir bond where humor is crucial.
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A question many artists face.
Getting tired of playing aspecific hit song?
Oliver candidly admitted heplays one song.
A bit less gladly, but theywon't say which one.
Nope.
Refuse to reveal it.
Because they genuinely don'twant to disappoint fans who love
it.
That underscores theirdedication to the audience experience.
Oliver's reluctance is telling.
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A conscious decision toprioritize the collective fan experience
over personal preference orfatigue demonstrates deep respect
for their audience.
Yeah.
That tension between artisticweariness and audience desire is
common.
And their approach highlightsprofessionalism, empathy and commitment.
They also acknowledge that thesingles get played most often and
sometimes they admit they losegrip on the situation.
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A subtle but honest admission.
Yeah.
Of the repetitive nature, thechallenge of keeping it fresh and
authentic night after night.
That admission is a relatableinsight into live performance realities.
Speaks to the human challengeof maintaining peak spontaneity when
repeating materialacknowledges the human element.
Which paradoxically makes themoments of real connection even more
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special.
So what does this all mean fortheir legacy and future?
Well, they've beenconsistently recognized at the MIA's
Belgium's Premier Music Awards.
Multiple wins across many years.
2016-2017-2021-2024.
This consistent recognitioncements their status not just as
popular, but as a dominantpowerhouse in the Belgian state scene.
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Absolutely.
Their repeated MIA wins are apowerful indicator of enduring impact.
Critical acclaim, sustained popularity.
These awards reflect sustained excellence.
Commercial success, popularappeal solidifies their position
as a truly dominant force.
And going back to that initialmission statement, they have unequivocally
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succeeded in popularizingDutch language pop in Belgium.
Undeniably, they didn't justhave hits.
They fundamentally shifted thelandscape, creating a vibrant, respected
space for their native tongue.
And that success inpopularizing Dutch pop is without
doubt their most significant legacy.
A testament to their vision,commitment and ability to execute
it with cultural impact.
(36:18):
They created a trend.
They did.
Opened doors for countlessother artists.
Singing confidently in Dutchdemonstrated the commercial and artistic
viability.
This transformative influencewill be remembered.
And there you have it, ourdeep dive into Bazaert.
From their ambitiousbeginnings in Ghent, their strategic
ascent, record breaking hits,like good.
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Chart topping albums, theirartistic evolution, expansion into
the Netherlands, the visionarylaunch of their eco label fostering
new talent.
And we delved into that deeplyhuman side.
The magical live interactionsthat unscripted embrace.
The unwavering loyalty of thatcore fan base literally always there,
and the delightful.
Writer, Quark's clubmate,scratch cards and their culinary
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preferences, especially thatlove for luckersfiestensfood.
Ultimately, Bazaart hasn'tjust achieved their goal of making
Dutch pop popular.
They've cultivated thisgenuine, enduring, authentic presence.
Driven by their unique sound,authenticity and that profound reciprocal
connection with their audience.
They show us that being trueto yourself, even in quirky details,
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creates the most lasting bond.
Yeah.
In an industry often definedby sleeting trends and manufactured
Personas, Bizaard is apowerful reminder that TR connection
through a song, an embrace,fan loyalty, even enjoying food together
might just be the mostpowerful currency.
So what does that tell you?
What does that tell you aboutthe future of live music and the
evolving, increasinglyintimate relationship between artists
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and their audience?
In an age of digitaldisconnection, it suggests that the
authentic human personalexperience will always fundamentally
be at the heart of trulyenduring artistic success.