3 indie Belgian musicians you didn't know about

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’ve embarked on a mission—cue Mission Impossible theme and dramatic sunglasses—to dive deep into the Belgian music scene for as long as I can call this quirky little country home. If you haven’t read my previous articles, congratulations on wounding my fragile blogger ego. But don’t worry, you can catch up here, then come back. I’ll wait, sipping tea and quietly judging your life choices.

Done? Excellent. I absolutely love discovering new artists, especially those who are independent and still flying under the radar. It makes me feel like I have a special connection with them—like a proud mama who believed in them from the very start, long before the world caught on. Plus, there’s something magical about exploring less-traveled paths and uncovering hidden gems. It’s more personal, don’t you think? So here I am, ready to expand your musical horizons and elevate your taste with three independent artists you’ve probably never heard of—unless you happen to live in Belgium. You can thank me later.

Iskander Moon

Let’s kick things off with Iskander Moon, the stage name of 24-year-old singer-songwriter Iskander Moens, from Ghent. If you’re in the mood for intimate, acoustic vibes or craving a candlelit live music session in the cozy ambience of your neighborhood bar, he’s your guy. With a soothing, Chris Martin-like voice, guitar arpeggios, and the simplicity of a piano-vocal pairing, all the ingredients are there for a few hours of dreamlike intimacy between artist and audience. A true balm for the soul, wrapped in a cozy-vintage aesthetic. But Iskander Moon isn’t just about the music—he’s a traveler. The many cities where he’s lived and left pieces of his heart—Berlin, Florence, New York, to name a few—have left an indelible mark on his sound, as evident in the track Berlin. So far, he has released a seven-track EP, Are You Lost Here?, and collaborated with various artists. I’m eagerly anticipating a full album, which I’ll be very curious to hear.

Galine

Staying close to Ghent, let me introduce you to Galine, a Belgian-Dutch singer whose debut album is set to drop next year. Her bluesy voice—reminiscent of Norah Jones—has consistently blended classical and electronic elements in her first two EPs. The upcoming album, teased through four singles already out, hints at a shift towards a more acoustic and cohesive sound—but no spoilers for now. You’ll be hearing more about Galine here soon. Stay tuned for updates.

Kids with Buns

Last but not least, Kids with Buns, a Flemish indie-pop duo consisting of Marie Van Uytvanck and Amber Piddington. Winners of De Nieuwe Lichting in 2021, a Studio Brussels radio program dedicated to discovering new musical talent, they released several singles before their debut EP Waiting Room in 2022 . Their first full album, Out of Place, dropped last year, and their new single in Dutch has been released this summer. From the first listen, you’ll notice Marie’s voice is truly unique—warm and almost androgynous—making it hard to go unnoticed, or rather, unheard.

Now relax, sit back on your couch, and press play. If you liked what you read, keep following me, music lovers!