Soulwax

Soulwax is a pioneering Belgian band founded by brothers David and Stephen Dewaele — who also perform as the DJ duo 2manydjs. Renowned for merging indie rock and electronic dance music, Soulwax carved out a distinctive space in the international music scene. Their heady mix of guitars, synthesizers, and inventive production techniques has shaped modern alternative dance culture, while their genre-bending releases and electrifying live shows continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Formed in Ghent, Belgium, Soulwax initially emerged as a more traditional indie-rock outfit with the debut album Leave the Story Untold (1996). Their second LP, Much Against Everyone's Advice (1999), signaled a transition toward a more adventurous sonic palette, weaving electronic elements into the band's lively guitar-driven sound. This willingness to experiment, coupled with the Dewaele brothers' expertise behind the decks, set them apart from the standard rock acts of the era and attracted a devoted fan base both at home and abroad.

The mid-2000s saw Soulwax at a creative peak with the release of Any Minute Now (2004)—a record that refined their blend of dancefloor-ready beats and edgy guitar work. Critically acclaimed for its fresh, high-energy approach, the album gave rise to the remix companion Nite Versions (2005), which magnified the electronic aspects and brought them to the forefront. The stark reimagining of their own material became a signature move for Soulwax, earning them a reputation as fearless sonic alchemists capable of deconstructing, reshaping, and reinventing music. This era also marked the group's growing presence at major festivals, where their full-band live shows often bridged the gap between rock fans and clubgoers.

In tandem with their performances as 2manydjs, the Dewaele brothers launched Radio Soulwax, a multimedia platform that broadcasted 24-hour streams of curated mixes, each paired with cutting-edge visuals. This project illustrated the band's constant drive to push artistic boundaries and immerse fans in a more holistic audio-visual experience. Over time, Soulwax produced and remixed tracks for a wide array of artists, including Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, and Tame Impala, further expanding their influence in the dance and alternative music scenes. Even as electronic music continues to evolve, Soulwax's pioneering spirit and dedication to experimentation ensure they remain a leading force, inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike.