Nieuws

IST IST is set to take the stage at Kavka Zappa on 19/11/2024. As excitement builds for their performance in Belgium, we had the privilege of sitting down with the band to delve into the details of what attendees can look forward to from their highly anticipated new album and the electrifying experience of their live show. Join us as we uncover the music, energy, and passion that IST IST will bring to the stage on this unforgettable evening.

Kavka: What excites you most about this new tour? Does Belgium hold a special place in the band’s heart? How do you feel about performing here?

We first played in Belgium at Sinners Day festival back in 2022, ever since we’ve always had such a warm and welcoming reception! We’ve levelled up everything with this album and the new live show reflects that, the new songs we’ve been playing are sounding really great and we can’t wait to come back to Belgium and for people to hear it!

Kavka: What’s one of the most memorable or unexpected moments you’ve experienced during a live performance?

It’s true that touring is hard work. Doing so many hours in the van and so many shows it can easily become draining. What has surprised us is how much a great crowd can really push your energy up, and take a good performance to a great one! We feed off the audience a lot and that energy and passion we get from our fans is what really pushes us on tour to give people a really memorable night.

Kavka: How does this album differ from your previous work, both musically and lyrically?

This is our first album working with producer Joe Cross, who’s previously worked with bands like The Courteeners, HURTS and The Slow Readers Club. We spent a long time with Joe re-writing and working out extra parts before we even got to the studio. Joe has really brought out so many extra elements and layers of production that we wanted this time around. Lyrically on this record I think there’s a lot more romantic themes, both positive and negative. And a certain air of hope and longing to the record.

Kavka: What were some of the key influences or inspirations behind the new album?

There’s a couple of tracks on this album that really lean into our dance music influences. We wanted to write some tunes that people could dance to, and thought it would be fun for us too. The two songs ‘I Can’t Wait For You’ and ‘Hope To Love Again’ might divide some fans, but I know they’re going to be so much fun to play live, and really get people moving!

Kavka: Which song never gets old for you to play live, and why?

We’ve always said ‘You’re Mine’ never gets old. It always has a great energy and is always a joy to play. It’s lucky for us really because it’s our most popular song, and was our first big hit in Europe, it holds a very special place in our hearts for that reason. I doubt it will ever be dropped from the set list.

Kavka: What makes this concert unmissable? Are there any new elements in the production or setlist that fans should look forward to?

With the production on the studio recording being so much richer, our live sound is treated much the same. This new album has such a wide range of moods; post-punk, rock, synthwave, dance and even a piano ballad to close the album. Being able to craft a new setlist around this wealth of material has been a joy, and we can’t wait for people to experience it.

Don’t miss this concert! Tickets: https://kavka.be/event/ist-ist/

First picture by: Liam Maxwell