2024 marks a shift in Chantal Acda’s approach to writing music. She decided to create a new album in collaboration with the band she has been touring with for over ten years, musicians who know and trust each other through and through. Where she used to be the sole writer, she now wanted the music to reflect the songwriting sensibilities and instincts of every member. The upcoming album, dubbed ‘The Whale‘, is a true collaborative effort.

“For the first time, the lyrics are inspired by stories that are not my own. They are universal but connected to the stories given to me by the band members. It’s like a book we all wrote together”, Chantal says.

After having performed in several duo formations, Belgo-Dutch singer-songwriter Chantal Acda embarked on a solo career in 2013, seeking to explore new musical landscapes and to express her artistic vision more freely. The result was her first solo album, ‘Let Your Hands Be My Guide’ (2013), produced by Nils Frahm and featuring collaborations with Peter Broderick and Gyda Valtysdottir, among others.

She followed up her critically acclaimed solo debut with ‘The Sparkle in Our Flaws’ (2015), ‘Bounce Back’ (2017) and ‘Saturday Moon’ (2021), in which she further explored deeply emotional themes and she continued to grow as an artist, with more intricate arrangements and bolder experimentation. In the past decade, Chantal Acda carved out her own space in the contemporary musical landscape with relatable, genuine and moving songs, led by her characteristically fragile and beautiful voice.

Returning now to her band of trusted musicians, the singer explores a slightly heavier and poppier sound than before, but with the same emotion, creativity and introspection we know and love from her.

The new album, ‘The Whale’, was produced by Chris Eckman (of The Walkabouts) and will be released in the fall of 2025 by Starman Records. The first single, Heads, is out now!

LINE-UP

Chantal Acda (BE) – Vocal, Guitar
Niels Van Heertum (BE) – Euphonium
Alan Gevaert (BE) – Elec. Bass
Gaetan Vandewoude (BE) – Guitar, Keys & Vocals
Eric Thielemans (BE) – Drums

https://www.chantalacda.com

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