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!
Jonathan Cant/crat
founder of MONTAGE and part of KAVIR, Brussels
What do we & our readers need to remember about you?
I'm not into a personality cultus so I hope you mostly remember my projects, parties, and the releases on the label.
What is the (near) future bringing you?
MONTAGE is releasing the debut EP by Nillies Nihilist, it's a collage of samples mostly sourced from kids' vlogs on Youtube. I'm also working on a new compilation.
What are you up to these days?
I'm producing a bit and trying to stay positive and creative. There's also always some work on the label and planning for the future to be done.
What artists are you listening to?
I've been really digging the back catalog of West mineral ltd., the label by Huerco S. Especially the releases by himself under his Pendant moniker and the music Ulla Straus is involved with are great. For that matter, also check out Ulla's work on the Dutch BAKK.
Which records are you playing most right now?
A couple of the records on repeat here have been Razen's Ayîk Adhîsta, Adhîsta Ayîk on KRAAK, Kelman Duran's They Are Not Afraid Of Her and I have also rediscovered Slint's Spiderland and have been forcing it down my neighbours' ears.
What makes your heart go faster these days?
Sadly, quite some stress, but luckily there's also love :-)
What are you doing daily at 9pm/9am?
Sleeping/watching movies or listening to music.
How do you bring some routine into your days?
I just do the shit I have to, I'm not into a routine.
What does your face mask look like?
Like Piero Manzoni's ‘Merda d'artista’.
What’s your favourite lockdown book?
A friend recently lent me Nathalie Olah's Steal as much as you can, which has been good so far. For the rest, I can also recommend Laura Grace Ford's Savage Messiah.
What’s your favourite lockdown film?
Tsai Ming-Liang's The Hole (1998). As it's about a strange quarantine for a mysterious disease, it's very apt for our situation. It's an abstract but still very human film.
I can't handle the social control everyone has taken upon themselves
What would you like to be doing in 10 years' time?
I hope I won't be boring.
How does the current crisis make you feel?
Anxious and frustrated, I can't handle the social control everyone has taken upon themselves. I saw a lady hysterically screaming at a family from her fancy balcony next to Josaphat park. She thought that they were with too many people, but does she know their situation?
How important are fellow companions now? How do you reach out?
I've been meeting people for walks and bike rides mostly, I think Brussels is a great city in this sense as we have such beautiful nature surrounding it.
What is the latest/future project you are working on?
We're doing a new compilation on MONTAGE on referential irony in contemporary music, for which I'm currently doing the research and contacting artists. So far the line-up is looking great, but there's still a lot of work to do.
Did you have an exhibition/concert/show on your agenda these days? Which one?
I would have been in Uganda for project research during April, so I didn't have much planned. As that was cancelled quite early, I was happy I could attend some events organised by friends like Club Détour and Slagwerk, but in the end, those got cancelled too. I would have loved to see James Ferraro live...
What will the second part of 2020 bring you?
Hopefully a new compilation and a couple of cool releases accompanied by some events. I have heard some snippets by artists I've been working with which are sounding great.
Wallonia is actually closer by bike or foot than I thought and it's fucking great there
Who is the person that most influenced you throughout your development in life?
It's a close call between épong and Karl Marx (kidding).
What is the most important thing you’ve learned lately?
Wallonia is actually closer by bike or foot than I thought and it's fucking great there. And before you call the cops, I was doing sports and I didn't lick any doorknobs.
Is there anyone in your scene who needs more attention?
I think the easy option would be to talk about Helenah, of whom we released a tape in October 2019. He's an unbelievably talented producer and more people need to check his shit out.
Comfort food/specialty dish now?
Malaysian Laksa and vegetarian Moussaka with lentils and oyster mushrooms!
Lockdown hobby?
I've been staring at my walls a lot (photo added for reference). I've also enjoyed nature more than usual.
[soundcloud.com/m0ntage](http://soundcloud.com/m0ntage)
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