The June issue usually gives way to a new 20-something list, featuring models, musicians, actors, illustrators, fashion designers, photographers, artists, architects,... and so much more. The people who are a representation of young society in Belgium, a generation ready to rule our world. In 2020, hence the double number, we’re serving you, hungry hearts, 2 editions of our acclaimed list. That’s right, we’re doubling the number of features, starting a bit earlier. Let us introduce you to the faces you didn't realise you wanted to meet!
Rémi Calmont
Illustrator & party promoter at Brasserie Atlas, Brussels
Photos by Bruce Neither
What do we & our readers need to remember about you?
I'm selling my drawings.
What is the (near) future bringing you?
I hope joy, love, projects, success and a lot of fun.
What are you up to these days?
Create and work, laugh, eat a lot.
What artists are you listening to?
I dig music every day and I have an eclectic taste, but my favourites include Coil, Psychic TV, James Ferraro, Cocteau Twins and Aaliyah.
Which records are you playing most right now?
A lot of mixes on Soundcloud, mostly speedy and hard electronic music and also late 80s NYC house. I need to club asap.
What makes your heart go faster these days?
The sport I do every morning and the rage I feel towards police violence in France and here in Belgium.
What are you doing daily at 9 pm/9 am?
At night, I'm either eating or watching a movie. In the morning, I'm either eating or working out.
How do you bring some routine into your days?
I usually hate routine, so I try to not make it happen. The only thing I kinda do every day is working, eating and doing sports.
What does your face mask look like?
It's homemade, with a dark blue weave. Very minimal, very sober, very me.
What’s your utopia?
To be surrounded by the people I love, to create endlessly in good conditions and to live in a beautiful inclusive environment of love, freedom and tolerance.
What satisfies you?
Managing to carry out my projects, being with my friends, dancing on good music and relaxing in the sun.
What’s your favourite lockdown Instagram account?
I am not the biggest IG digger but here are some I like: @aqnb, @ofluxoplatform, @jeannesphinx, @wild\_and\_lethal\_trash and my guilty pleasure @jtfirstman (a hot af and very funny guy).
What’s your favourite lockdown book?
I'm reading three right now: Sam Bourcier's Queer Zones, Life as a Cheap Suitcase: Poems and Texts by Genesis Breyer P-Orridge and The Philosophy of Andy Warhol.
What’s your favourite lockdown film?
Sue by Amos Kollek, Ms 45 by Abel Ferrara and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
How do you keep healthy?
I get up and go to bed more or less at set times, I do sports every day, I eat a balanced and gluten-free diet and drink little alcohol.
What’s one of your sources of inspiration that may surprise people?
I don't know if it's surprising but Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Brandy and all those 90s r&b queens.
What would you like to be doing in 10 years?
I hope to continue to create with more resources and have my own publishing house and curatorial platform.
We have to continue to fight for our rights, help each other and rethink our future more than ever
How does the current crisis make you feel?
Angry and uncertain about the future. Inequalities are increasing, police violence is on the rise, the poorest and most precarious are suffering (sex workers, migrants, homeless, trans people, artists etc.) and the state is taking advantage of the situation to establish a policy of surveillance and strict control in an extreme way. The struggle is not over, we have to continue to fight for our rights, help each other and rethink our future more than ever.
How important are fellow companions now? How do you reach out?
I'm a special case because I live with 15 people so I don't feel lonely at all. Otherwise, I skype or phone my friends and social media also helps me to feel connected with the outside.
What is the latest/future project you are working on?
A new book of drawings called THEY, visuals for various projects, some mixes as well as the imminent arrival of the LYL radio studio at Brasserie Atlas on which I will have my show. I’m also working on my website and 3D environments for my drawings with digital artist Llyazel. As for the events, we will see when it will be possible to start organising them.
Did you have an exhibition/concert/show on your agenda these days? Which one?
I was supposed to organise a pretty cool lineup of concerts in April, May and June and to create an art piece for the Supervue Festival in July but unfortunately, that’s postponed to next Summer.
What will the second part of 2020 bring you?
I hope for beautiful projects, full of encounters and new adventures.
Who is the person that most influenced you throughout your development in life?
It may sound cliché, but every person I've met keeps me going. Gregg Araki’s movies, Genesis P-Orridge and Jean Genet’s books also have left a strong impression on me.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned lately?
Keep calm, be patient and loneliness is precious.
Is there anyone in your scene who needs more attention?
There are thousands, it’s an endless list because I’m surrounded by talented people! My friends at Leaving Dakota, Summer Satana, Jardin, Prr!Prr!, Boomerang, Vastechoses, High Heal, Isengard, H E 4 R T B R O K E N, Métaphore Collectif from Marseille, Filles de Blédards and Poxcat. My queen Simon.e Thiébaut, an amazing party promoter from Paris, Victoria Palacios, Ilyazel, Elfqueene, Delphine Dénéréaz, Shalva Nikvashvili, Roxanne Maillet, Loic Le Hécho, Jérémy Piningre, Tristan Gac, Lili Signorini, Vica Pacheco and Brigadecynophile. My best friend Hunhumn who just released his first album, Loto Retina, Gouren, Countess Malaise, Marouchka, Eslabrava, Lola Lourdes, Llanto, Buga, Antoine 80, Mika Oki, M.James, Ttristana, Basile 3, Clara! etc etc. The clothes of House of Base and Angie, an amazing tattoo artist now living in Marseille, who has started her clothing line too.
Comfort food/speciality dish now?
Lasagna (without gluten), rice in many ways and a good dark chocolate cake.
Lockdown hobby?
Listening to music, dancing, drawing, dressing up, tanning, reading, watching movies and some weird videos on YouTube, sports, having fun with Golce Dabbana, drinking some red wine, watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and most important making arrow words.
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