Biography
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Years Active
1996 – present (28 years)
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Founded In
Antwerp, Antwerpen, Flanders, Belgium
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Members
- Joost Zweegers
- Karel De Backer (1996 – 2005)
- Lars Van Bambost (2000 – 2002)
- Rodrigo Fuentealba (2000 – 2005)
Novastar is Dutch/Belgian singer-songwriter Joost Zweegers. He was born in Sittard, The Netherlands, but raised in the Flemish town Neerpelt. Novastar won Humo's Rock Rally in 1996. In 2000, Novastar debuts with the release of the eponymous album Novastar.
The songwriter quickly becomes a national icon in Belgium, staying at the top of the national album charts for seven weeks. The album easily reaches the platinum status in Belgium and is backed by shows on big music festivals like Werchter, Pinkpop and a sold out club tour. Joost moves to New York to live and work on his second album. In 2004, Another Lonely Soul sees daylight. With Never back down receiving major airplay in Italy, Spain and Portugal, this time the ‘new star’ is rising in other parts of Europe as well.
In 2005 tragedy strikes. During a show in the biggest concert hall of Brussels he stumbles off stage and crushes his heel bone. Total rehabilitation will take two years. Joost struggling with his physical and mental health takes off to Bangor, an isle near the French coast of Brittany. The trip has a healing effect on him and Novastar’s third album Almost Bangor is born. The first singles of the album are Mars needs woman (in Belgium) and Because (in The Netherlands). Since the release of Almost Bangor in 2008, the album achieved a platinum status in Belgium and golden status in The Netherlands.
Joost’s voice has matured beautifully with the years, solid and fragile when needed, taking you by the hand and the heart, floating on clever and inventive arrangements - prominently present but always serving the song. The result is a truly personal sound.
Joost Zweegers is currently working on the next Novastar album.
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