Alpha and Beyond: A Conversation with Galine - Part 2

Dames en heren, we're back! If you followed the first part of my interview with Galine, I'm sure you'll appreciate the sequel even more. We discussed her upcoming album, the music scene of Flanders and we got to know her better!

Current work

Your first album, Alpha, is coming out on February 7, 2025. How is it different from your previous work? It looks like, compared to Fabulae and Lilith–your previous EPs–there’s a smooth transition towards more acoustic sonorities rather than electronic.

Yes, you’re absolutely right. Fabulae means ‘little stories’ in Latin, and Lilith took the title from the mythological figure of Lilith in literature. I wanted it also to be related to the feminine figures in my life. At the times of Fabulae I was more into electronics and I wanted to bring that into my music. But performing live with electronics feels more like playing with a computer and it took a bit away the pleasure of making music. So I mixed it with acoustic. Now I just skipped that part. It was more of a not very conscious decision, just following my guts in what I like right now. I’m just trying to find my way. If I make another album, who knows.

Why Alpha? What was the idea and the creative process behind it? Is there a song in the album that’s particularly meaningful to you?

It’s short for Alphabet, meant as a return to the beginning. The Alphabet is also the title of one of the songs. It’s about returning to what you’ve been through. “Can we start over, can't we forget?”– I was asking myself what is the core and what has instead shaped me. Who would you be or who would I be without what we’ve been through? Have I done it right? Have I made the right choices? How am I me, somehow? I like to think in colors and it was red for me. It just made sense, primary color, go back to the beginning, alpha. It’s 11 songs and I’m releasing a new song in December, a more introverted one–which by the time I'm writing has already come out–and the whole album will come out in February with the big single.

The single I forgot about the sky out in December 2024

Indie Music Scene in Belgium

Awesome. I am extremely curious about it! As you know, I’m trying to get to know better the independent music scene of Belgium. What’s your opinion on the industry in general? As an indie artist, do you find it hard to balance the demands of the industry while staying true to yourself?

I think maybe the music industry is not really made for music, it is for sure tough. Of course I want people to listen to my work, but if you have expectations you have to kind of adapt. I don’t deny that I have little moments of struggles when I look at the numbers, but I’m just trying to go with what feels right. If they’ll ever push me into something, it won’t happen. Music is ready when music is ready. It’s important to put out something you believe in.

I noticed that Belgium, and Flanders especially, has a super rich offer of musicians. What’s your take on it?

It’s true. Wallonia as well, but there’s no strong link between the two. It would be nice to build something more united. In Flanders I think there’s a very big difference between commercial and independent music. There’s a lot to offer and too few stages. I feel like in the Netherlands it’s a bit more intertwined. I need to give a shoutout to Eefje de Visser–she’s Dutch and she’s an indie queen for me.

The impression that I have, coming from a different country, is that here almost everybody makes music. I mean, it’s really a lot for such a small country, compared to where I come from. Maybe there’s something in the culture?

That’s interesting, I have never thought about it and I honestly don’t have an answer. Maybe there's a cultural encouragement for music here, I'm not sure. I remember from high school just everybody being in bands.

Yep, definitely doesn’t happen in Italy. Recommend us some Belgian indie musicians that you think deserve to be known.

Laura Cortese–she’s American but she lives here, Sylvie Kreusch, Rosa Butsi, Iskander Moon, Brent Beukelaer.

Any upcoming shows of yours in Ghent?

Yes! There will be a release show for the album and after that it’s just waiting for people to call. The scene is so busy and it’s not easy to find a spot.

How do you prepare for a live performance? Any specific rituals or lucky charms?

I brush my teeth, because it closes off the previous part of the day for me. Like travelling. I always do my makeup in the car, then I brush my teeth and my producer taps on my head for good luck.

Speed Friend Galine

Alright, last round of offbeat questions for our audience to know you better. Ready? As fast as you can.

Oh, shoot!

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?

Psychologist.

A song you wish you had written?

Louie Bag by Yebba.

Louie Bag by Yebba

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?

Stevie Nicks and David Bowie.

What’s a guilty pleasure song you enjoy?

There’s no such thing as guilty pleasure. You need to absorb everything.

Favorite color?

Pink and emerald green.

Zodiac sign?

Virgo. Scorpio rising.

If your music were a painting, which genre would it be?

Expressionism.

Describe your music in 3 words to someone who hasn’t heard it yet.

That’s hard. Expressive, melodic, introspective.

And I’ll add soothing. You have a really nice voice, has anybody ever told you that it reminds of Norah Jones? That bluesy type of voice.

Thank you! Yes, I am told a lot Norah Jones and Lana del Rey.

Any last words?

I don’t know…I just make music. People like to put labels on it, and it’s nice, but in the end there’s no label. I think it’s important to feature more female artists, ‘cause it’s a bit harder for us in the industry. It manifests through little things, comments, unsolicited opinions about stuff other than your music. It’s very important to support each other and get out of the competitive mindset we have unfortunately been brought up with.

Image: Enfnts Terribles

This is Galine–a warm and sweet personality, an art lover, a performer whose world of depth and introspection transfers into her emotional music. She feels genuine. As we finish our tea in the cozy Ghent café, her words linger with me. Galine's journey is a reminder of how essential it is to stay true to your voice, even in an industry that often challenges authenticity. Be sure to listen to her latest song dropped this December, dive into the calm sea of her music and mark your calendars for Alpha, out February 7 2025. Follow her journey and support the female indie scene—this is an artist worth watching.