24.10.2016-25.03.2023
a-e-i-o-u is a project that started in 2016 under the initiative of Gustave Demoen with the name ‘de zwarte zusters fanfare’ (named after the street where they were rehearsing). He was studying at the LUCA School of Arts at the time and brought together a large group of fellow
students and visual artists with the plan to start a musical project.
The first year of operation of a-e-i-o-u was marked by weekly rehearsals. Before the rehearsel, a meal prepared by some of the musicians was enjoyed together. As with any beginning, the rehearsals were mostly chaotic and it was not immediately clear whether they were a musical group or a theater company. In these uncertain times, the foundation of the group was formed: collectivity.
A concert by a-e-i-o-u is an experience. While improvising, each performance explores the tension between the musical and the visual performative. In doing so, they are inspired by the incidents of the moment and the environment with their props.
In March 2023, they released their first EP called “Opbrakel,” named after the place where it was recorded. During a week they recorded all their improvisations. From this hours and hours of music they selected three sessions: “Dinsdagmiddag” (Tuesday afternoon), “Vrijdagochtend” (Friday morning) and “Woensdagavond” (Wednesday evening) which were simply named after the moment they were played. After the release, Gustave left the collective.