I am quite introverted until I hear music

Tell us, what do you do in life?

I am a student born and raised in Leuven, studying International Communication and Media. After I graduate, I hope to get a job in music PR or anything music-related. Besides that, I love to cook. I grew up watching Anthony Bourdain's travel shows, Nigella and Food Network. So I am really glad that I get to work in Het Strand, a vegetarian eatery close to the station. I have been part of the safe.r space team of Nacht since February. Together we think along, develop and implement a space where everyone can freely experience their identity. During club nights, we also act as points of contact for the audience. Last semester I went on an exchange to Lisbon, so I followed everything regarding Nacht online. However, I also got to partake in Lisbon's nightlife. It was really interesting to see the collective's interpretations of safe.r spaces, such as harm reduction practices and non-mixed spaces. It's still a bit weird to be back in Leuven, but I'm glad I get to be a more active and present member of the Nacht team. Thus far it has been quite an educational and fun experience. 

​

I have been part of the safe.r space team of Nacht since February

​

What do you like best about your place?

My room is quite small but I have big windows that overlook the garden. I like how the light enters in the morning and hearing birds chirp as soon as I wake up. When I was younger, I spray-painted gold circles and triangles on my walls. The end result wasn't exactly successful, but there is still something charming and nostalgic about them. It reminds me of how long I have been living here. I quite like my neighbourhood too. After 13 years, I am finally discovering how big Kessel-Lo is actually by walking around and discovering parks.

​

What kind of music are you listening to at the moment?

I am seeing Yung Lean in November, so lately I have been going through his discography. I am also looking forward to Bladee's new project. I have been enjoying LYZZA's mixtape, Felix Lee, Celes, Vanessa Amara and Kelela. RENAISSANCE always ends up in the rotation. And of course, the Somto's tunes playlist on the Different Class Spotify (which is curated by me) :).

​

The Somto's tunes playlist on the Different Class Spotify is curated by me :)

​

What’s the first record you bought?

Gwen Stefani's ‘Wind It Up’. I used it for a dance recital.

​

What’s your favourite pastime?

Listening to music, eating, cooking and reading. I must say, I started scrolling more since I got on Instagram last year. It's not my favourite pastime, but it takes up enough hours to be considered a pastime.

​

Any guilty pleasures?

The Real Housewives franchise. It gets so absurd, almost camp. Both toxic and entertaining. I am a sucker for reality television.

​

If you could be famous, what kind of celebrity would you be?

Someone like Enya. Apparently, she lives off her fortune in a castle with her cats. It sounds a bit isolating but also amazing. Or Solange. Although she is very famous, she seems like a more manageable kind of celebrity. She has already made timeless albums, so she can disappear and live life. And she is just so creative and talented.

​

Have you experienced any regrets recently?

Not enjoying being in the moment.

​

Who do you wanna give credit to here?

My mum, for everything she has done for my siblings and me. Kasper-Jan and Herlinde, for all the opportunities they have given me since my internship at Subbacultcha. My friends for being truly amazing and everyone at @nacht.be

​

Who are the most underrated artists?

Producers deserve more limelight. I think of Gud, Yung Sherman, Whitearmor, Swift D, Sega Bodega and even Skrillex. I love how LYZZA shared the process of producing her mixtape. It really shows the time and effort it takes in creating a song that's over in a few minutes.

​

What is the key element of your morning routine?

I am absolutely not a morning person. Being hydrated and fed is essential for my mood. I try to jug as much water as I can as soon as I wake up. I love cooking breakfast. It's either eggs or oatmeal and lots of green tea.

​

When you think of your safe space, what do you imagine?

I imagine a space that no one can enter without my permission. It's cosy but has high ceilings, drapes, lots of windows, soothing colours, soft light and no clock. I also love the smell of spices, so there definitely needs to be some type of aroma in the air.

​

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Lisbon. I truly underestimated how at ease I felt there.

​

The latest book that you read and liked?

I have been rereading Afropean: Notes from Black Europe, which explores Europe's relationship with Blackness. It's educational, confronting, and sometimes even painful to read. It taught me so much.

​

Name one podcast that you always go back to.

Dua Lipa: At Your Service. I have been pleasantly surprised by her newsletter and her podcast is worth listening.

​

What is your favourite staple clothing piece?

A black top.

​

Is there anything you wish people would know about you?

That I am quite introverted until I hear music. Less talking, more dancing.

​

The best place you have ever lived in?

Lisbon.

​

What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?

Waiting for new music releases to drop at midnight on Friday or doing absolutely nothing.

​

Name a contemporary artist you think we should know about.

@jasonebeyer, a contemporary 3D artist. His creations remind me of modified Bratz dolls.

​

What is a relationship deal breaker?

Disrespect

​

One thing you always have in your bag?

Water

​

What is the most meditative activity to try out?

Dancing with your eyes closed.

​

When was the last time that you had to fake laugh?

When a person made an insensitive remark about me. I did not want to waste my energy and time by calling them out, so I fake laughed.

​

Cite your favourite lyrics line.

‘Isolation caved in. I adore you, the sound of your skin’ - Yung Lean