KAU (formerly KAU trio.) is an instrumental project based in Brussels. Representing various European backgrounds, their coming-together is in the spirit of the city they grew up in. Taking inspiration from jazz, they create a head-bobbing atmosphere using broken beats and heavy grooves while leaving space for improvisation.
UPCOMING RELEASE
Mad Kau (EP) - 13/09/2024
First single 'Kaugummi' out 14/06/2024
Following their debut album release, KAU amps up the energy with this new track. Intricate synthesizer arrangements intertwine seamlessly with rapid drum patterns and deep, resonant basslines. The trio exudes an authentic band dynamic, infusing elements of jazztronica that morph into a realm reminiscent of Flying Lotus. Picture the fusion of UK jazz with the innovative soundscape of Brussels, offering a refreshing sonic journey.
For fans of Yussef Dayes, The Comet is Coming, Makaya McCraven, Corto Alto.
LATEST RELEASE
The Cycle Repeats (Album)
Released on 22/09/2023 on SDBAN Ultra
“The Cycle Repeats” is KAU’s debut album and represents a milestone in the band’s musical journey: it’s their firm decision to present a strong and unified trio playing music that stands out through the combination of 80’s synths, acoustic drums and electric bass. Moreover, the album succeeds in capturing the energy of their infectious and legendary live shows.
Highlights are album opener “Kampala”, which has a throbbing bassline, jazzy synths and heavily modified arpeggiators at its core. The album’s first single “Little Steps” starts with a strong hip hop groove, morphing into Herbie Hancock-style chords. “Amulet” is inspired by breakbeats, fast paced grooves and pentatonic bass lines. Both “Kautokeino” and “Alaska” are an invitation to travel to the utmost remote places of this earth, using intense sequencing and suffocating subbasses into an epic finish, probably demonstrating the trio in its most sincere form.
Video Clip
KAU - Amulet
Live sessions
Live in Ancienne Belgique - 06/12/2023
'Mad Max' - Jam RTBF
'Time Chamber' ft. Jay MNG and Maxime Dereux (Recorded at Bijloke Studio)
UPCOMING GIGS
- Jul 18 - Gent Jazz Festival, Gent, Belgium
- Jul 19 - DOUR Festival, Dour Belgium
- Sep 4 - Bonnefooi, Brussels,Belgium
- Sep 7 - RUIS Festival, Antwerp, Belgium
- Sep 12 - European Jazz Network, De Centrale (Gent), Belgium
- Oct 10 - Jazz UP! Europe, Nancy, France
- Nov 8 - TBA, France
- Nov 16 - Jazz Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium
- Dec 22 - Trefpunt, Gent, Belgium
PREVIOUS RELEASES
III - EP
Released 28.10.22
EP III is the latest collaboration between the three core members of the band and Maxime Dereux, talented French saxophonist already guested on the previous EP II. Having built strong musical ties over the course of the last years, the idea to make more music together arose naturally without a shadow of a doubt.
The result is a 4 track EP with a high concentration of powerful riffs and sharp themes. The title song 'Mad Max' perfectly represents madness incarnated. On 'Moonwalker' they go to new places with ever-changing melodies and sax lines. This new EP also features Brussels-born and bred rapper Jay MNG. Enraged, banging in whatever language that may be, Dutch, French or English, he manages to put his stamp on the atmosphere & vibe of the tracks 'Time Chamber' and 'Diva 2.0'
II - EP
Released September 2021
II is the second EP released by Belgian trio. After experimenting with beats and live instruments in the first release, this second opus marks the evolution towards a more hybrid and powerful sound, defined by their willingness to create extended compositions while keeping space for the unplanned. The bobbing and gritting atmosphere reigning in this EP is in the continuum of their first release, keeping in touch with their identity.
BEAT TAPE VOL. I - EP
Released October 2020
Recorded during a summer week in the German countryside, in an attempt to escape 2020 society, the three KAUs came together to renew their old-time bond and to reconnect with nature. The result is a 12 short-tracks EP, in which they meticulously mixed beat structures, with juicy grooves leaks and electro soundscapes, exploring different horizons from dark trip-hop auras to Japanese funk, whilst keeping an organicness in their sound.
Compilations
MEDIA: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / SPOTIFY / TIKTOK / YOUTUBE
TECH RIDER / HOSPITALITY RIDER / PRESS PICS
Contact: kautriomusic@gmail.com
Management: Alexandre Grimaldi / alex@righthandproduction.be
Label: SDBAN Ultra / info@sdbanrecords.com
PR BE (NL) : Les Fabuleux / amelie@lesfabuleux.rocks
Booking BE: Full Colorz Agency / contact@fullcolorzagency.be
Booking NL: Dox Live / walter@doxlive.amsterdam
Booking FR: Persona Grata / antoine@personagrataagency.com