Choosing from the hundreds of concerts happening in Belgium each month to curate a list is nearly impossible. This season, we’ve decided to split our selections into two categories: The first, “Big Shows,” will cover concerts in venues with over 1,000 seats. The second, “Local Scene”, will shine a spotlight on smaller venues and local promoters, showcasing performances by both local and international artists. Without further ado, here’s our selection of the 20 must-see Local Scene shows in Belgium for September 2024
1. Squint– JC Bouckenborgh – 10 September
Squint may have only formed in 2022, but they’ve already earned a solid reputation among the new wave of hardcore bands, offering a unique blend of ’90s hardcore, punk, Britpop, and grunge. With their dedication to their craft and a sound that resonates across generations, Squint is poised to make a lasting impact on the hardcore scene and beyond. Don’t miss their gig at JC Bouckenborgh!
2. SeeYouSpaceCowboy – Kavka Zappa – 11 September
On 11 September, SeeYouSpaceCowboy will perform their new album Coup de Grâce at Kavka Zappa as part of their first headline tour. Expect a night of exhilarating music and passionate performances, as their unique blend of metalcore, sasscore, mathcore, and punk is sure to resonate deeply with fans of modern hardcore.
3. JXDN – Trix Club – 13 September
At just 23, jxdn first made a name for himself as a TikTok influencer in 2019 before diving into his music career—a move that paid off when his track Comatose racked up over 15 million streams in just one month. Known for his emotionally charged lyrics and catchy melodies, his live show promises to be an intense experience. Don’t miss the chance to discover this rising star—we’re sure this is only the beginning!”
4. Ill Nino – Espace George Struffaut – 15 September
Twenty-five years ago, Ill Niño exploded onto the scene with their unique blend of nu metal infused with Latin flavour. Celebrating a quarter-century of trailblazing music, Ill Niño continue to captivate audiences. Their upcoming concert at Espace George Struffaut on 15 September promises to be a powerful showcase of their nu metal legacy!”
5. MOTHICA – Kavka Oudaan – 16 September
If you attended the Halestorm concert at AB last year, you might have been captivated by MOTHICA, who opened the show. This year, the rising star returns to Europe for her very first headline tour. She’ll be showcasing her latest album, Kissing Death, released last month. Expect a show that immerses you in a world where pop music seamlessly blends with rock and metal.
6. strongboi – Botanique – 17 September
strongboi is a collaboration between Ziv Yamin and Alice Phoebe Lou, who share a passion for lo-fi music and primarily use Casio keyboards and toys as their instruments. What started as a minimalist project has evolved into a full band, maintaining its original essence while expanding its sound to include everything from disco to jazzy ballads. This unique blend promises a stage performance that’s truly one of a kind and definitely worth experiencing.
7. NewDad – Trefpunt – 18 September
On September 18, NewDad will bring their dreamy indie pop to the Trefpunt. For singer and guitarist Julie Dawson, music has always been a refuge—a space where she can express emotions she finds difficult to convey elsewhere. Their live performance will showcase their emotionally charged music, offering a soothing and immersive experience for fans of atmospheric pop and indie rock.
8. Phantom Vision – Magasin4 – 19 September
Phantom Vision, the renowned Portuguese dark wave band, is set to electrify the stage at Magasin4 for an unforgettable release party celebrating their latest album, Where The Hell Is Heaven?. This is a unique chance for Belgian fans to experience their music live—don’t miss out!
9. Beyond The Styx – Brasserie de la Mule – 20 September
Good news for the Brussels music scene! The Hellhole project is returning for another season, now at the Brasserie de la Mule. To kick off the festivities, they’ve assembled a fantastic line-up featuring French band Beyond The Styx, American act Contortion, and two promising Belgian bands: Endless Empire and Project:Ill. See you in the pit!
10. Senses Fail + Saves The Day – Cactus Club – 21 September
If you’re nostalgic for punk rock and emo, this concert is a must-see! Senses Fail and Saves The Day, two iconic names from the 2000s punk rock and post-hardcore scene, will perform their classic albums Let It Enfold You and Through Being Cool in their entirety. Get ready to relive the best Groezrock memories for one unforgettable night!
11. TRIPLE 6 DEATHCORE FEST – MCP Apache – 21 September
This year, the TRIPLE 6 DEATHCORE FEST is taking over MCP Apache with a more intense and condensed lineup. Featuring seven of the most brutal bands, including Downfall Of Mankind, Scourge, Putrefying Carnage, and MENACER, this festival promises to tear down the walls of MCP Apache with its relentless deathcore and brutal hardcore sound. A must-see for brutal music fans!
12. Stand Atlantic – Kavka Oudaan – 22 September
What better way to kick off autumn than with a pop-punk concert? And when it’s Stand Atlantic, it’s a definite YES! The Australian band will be bringing their fiery energy to Kavka Oudaan for a show we absolutely don’t want to miss. Expect to hear new tracks from their recently released album, WAS HERE. It’s clear: we’re in for an incredible start to the season!
13. DEAFKIDS – Botanique – 23 September
DEAFKIDS will bring their experimental, avant-garde sound to the Botanique on 23 September. Known for fusing noise, punk, and electronic elements over their 13-year career, DEAFKIDS have crafted a chaotic and immersive live experience. Their performance promises a blend of intense rhythms and avant-garde sounds, offering a stimulating musical journey for fans of experimental music.
14. Des Rocs – AB Club – 23 September
Ready for some rock? Don’t miss Des Rocs at the AB Club! Known for blending rock ‘n’ roll and punk into an accessible pop format, Des Rocs delivers a high-energy show filled with powerful riffs, infectious tunes, and captivating stage presence. Expect an evening of electrifying performances that will keep you on your feet.
15. Porches – Botanique – 23 September
The music of Aaron Maine’s Porches project feels both personal and universal, drawing inspiration from intimate, absurd, and seemingly banal everyday moments. It’s a gentle journey through casual rock and playful pop, with Porches taking the listener on a dreamy, primal exploration of a man confronting an incomprehensible era, while still finding joy in simply living through it all.
16. Cloud Cafe – Trix Café – 25 September
Cloud Cafe, an indie folk band from Amsterdam, are beginning to gain recognition beyond their homeland. The quartet’s music plays on contrasts, blending vulnerable lyrics with a mix of folk, fuzz, chaos, and tranquility. With a discreet yet exuberant sound and a hint of ’90s grunge, they’re a band to experience up close in the intimate setting of Trix Café!
17. Telenova – AB Club – 27 September
Telenova will take to the AB Club stage on 27 September with their signature blend of pop and electronic music. Drawing influences from artists like Portishead, Massive Attack and Lana Del Rey, Telenova crafts a soundscape that feels both familiar and refreshing. The Time Is A Flower tour marks a significant milestone for the band, as it represents their return to headline shows following their regional tour of Australia in 2023.
18. Ploegendienst – Trix Club – 28 September
Ploegendienst blends ’80s hardcore punk, oi, and thrash into a powerful sonic assault. Led by Ray Fuego, their live performances are marked by an intensity that goes beyond the norm, aiming to leave no stone unturned and no venue standing. Brace yourself for a show that’s ready to demolish everything in its path!
19. Trophy Eyes + Split Chain – Kavka Oudaan – 30 September
20. BODEGA – Botanique – 30 September
BODEGA will close out September with a vibrant performance at Botanique. The band, known for their blend of punk artistry and cultural critique, uses their latest album to carve out a new future from the fuzzed-out, consumerism-saturated remnants of their past. They’ll be showcasing Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, a collection of catchy indie-rock tracks addressing the creeping influence of capitalist logic on youth culture—songs first penned eight years ago, now more relevant than ever.
This list represents only a portion of the vast selection available in Belgium and is also influenced by our own musical tastes. Naturally, there are many other “local scene” show this month that you can explore in our agenda. Feel free to leave a comment on our Facebook or Instagram about the shows you’re excited to see in September—whether they’re on this list or not!