Cesar Quinn - Vitja Pauwels

“Vernuftig, verrassend volwassen, boeiende ritmes en een goede stem.”

Cesar Quinn, a four-piece band based in Brussels and led by Frederik Daelemans (known for his work with Meskerem Mees, Tamino, and Beirut) is a sonic force that defies easy categorization. Their music is the dimly-lit path guiding through the seemingly contradictory influences of Armand Hammer’s alt hip hop, Black Midi’s experimentalism, and Sun Ra’s space jazz. 

At the core of their music lies a prevailing darkness, reflecting urban unrest and existential musings, lifted by sudden moments of clarity and warmth. The band is driven by the cello and vocals of Frederik, who seamlessly transitions between spoken word-like punches and emotive sweeps, showcasing their knack for innovation and musical versatility.

Their debut album, Opal, released in 2021, drew comparisons to King Krule and Radiohead, establishing them as a band to watch. Cesar Quinn has opened for notable international acts like Kassa Overall and Nabihah Iqbal.

Vitja Pauwels

“Guitarist Vitja Pauwels has becomeone of the most versatile and in-demand musicians of the Belgian jazz and pop scene”(De Tijd, May ’24).

Having already earned his spurs with artists including Naima Joris,Bombataz and Bony King of Nowhere, rising Belgian star Pauwels released his debut album 'Day at Half Speed'in 2019,which explored the possibilities of acoustic guitar and live electronics.This experiment became a new artistic path for Pauwels and showcased his musical versatility, with second album 'Drift By/Sink In', released to critical acclaim in 2022.

His band Early Life Forms stems from a dream project for which he collaborated with his favourite guitar player Marc Ribot. Their first ever live show was released in January ‘24 as a self-titled album and was approved by Iggy Pop himself.

Pauwels’ music cites Ry Cooder, Daniel Lanois, Latin Playboys, Ennio Morricone, Lounge Lizards and Morphine with a touch of exoticism and cinematic explorations.