Novastar

Novastar is both the name of a Belgian band and the banner under which Dutch singer Joost Zweegers releases his own albums. The band enjoys great success with a combination of strong pop and rock songs, driven by the singer's distinctive voice. In 1996, the band won Humo's Rock Rally, an event that has launched many more Belgian talent over the years. Yet, it took another four years for Novastar's debut album to be released. It became a huge success, both in the Netherlands and Belgium, thanks in part to the singles "Wrong," "The Best Is Yet To Come," "Caramia," and "Lost And Blown Away." Novastar reached number one on the Belgian album chart with its self-titled debut. The debut album garnered fans in high places. Neil Young was so impressed with Novastar that the group was asked to open for several of his European shows.

It was a late, but no less flying start for a band that continued to make waves in the years that followed. The album "Another Lonely Soul" was made with Ozark Henry and was another artistic and commercial triumph. Novastar also proved to be an exciting live act at festivals like Pinkpop, Rock Werchter, and Lowlands. Their third album, "Almost Bangor," delivered their most varied album to date. It was produced by Irishman Kevin Killen, who previously worked with Elvis Costello, Bryan Ferry, U2, Kate Bush, and Paul McCartney, among others. For their next album, Novastar once again managed to enlist a major producer. Inside Outside, from 2014, was made with John Leckie, who has a history with The Stone Roses, Radiohead, Muse, The Verve, and Pink Floyd. In the following years, Novastar released the top albums "In the Cold Light of Monday" and "Holler and Shout," which again became top 10 hits in the Belgian album charts. The Best Is Yet to Come was released in February 2024. The compilation, named after one of Novastar's first singles, features newly recorded versions of old songs, supplemented with one new track. The title also makes it clear that much more can be expected from Novastar in the coming years.