KRAAK is a grass-roots organisation that offers presentation and development possibilities in left field music. It's hard to describe the functioning of KRAAK because the combination of our work strategies differs from most other organisations. We see ourselves as a quality platform, a promotor for young artists who are working within uncommon genres as avant-rock, psych, experimental electronica, free-jazz, new folk, improdrones,... We organise small 'lab-evenings', bigger presentation moments and creation possibilities. With a monthly mini-magazine we also try to support the experimental scene with documentation and promotion. Therefor we could be called a new style music organisation that tries to work within a variety of niches and tries to support those niches and their artists as good as possible. KRAAK and adventure are a synonymic. We want to surprise, present new stuff, or approach music from alternative direction. The most important arguments for our artistic choices are how captivating or innovative the bands are.

Our history

KRAAK was founded from the ashes of the Flemish underground tapelabel Toothpick. KRAAK wanted to be an eccentric international label and, because of that, founded friendships with alike-minded micro-organisations quite easily. Within a climate of sharing information and experience, KRAAK started doing distribution and and promotion for other labels in the Benelux. This double activity became financially too heavy and in the spring of 2002 KRAAK continued as a label and concert organisation only. With a minimal budget KRAAK gained an excellent reputation and popularity in our home country and abroad. The Flemish gouvernement noticed this and agreed to support the organisation. The support was more than welcome and led to a new boost. After ten years of experience KRAAK tries -more than ever- to be a trademark for an open, innovative music culture.