Within the high regions of pop, rock, folk and indie, songwriters often sit alone at the writing table. Bright Lights Sessions brings them together in a vessel full of cross-pollination and musical magic. After a day of inspiring jams, the stage of fun follows in the evening.
In this ecstatic free haven, different musicians bring their songs every edition. Together with the backing band, new, sultry versions of their songs quickly grow. For our 20th anniversary, this edition we present no less than 20 songwriters on stage!
Line-up
Gaetan Vandewoude of Isbells
Paulien Rondou of Catbug
Emma Hessels of Emma Hessels
Nele De Gussem of Uma Chine
Laura Cortese of The Dance Cards
The fabulous backing band
Maarten Moesen - drums
Jasper Hautekiet - bas
Cleo Janse - toetsen
Alban Sarens - synth & sax
A little more about the lineup
Gaëtan Vandewoude is the frontman of Isbells, a fixture in Belgian indie folk for more than 15 years. Their warm, melancholic sound, full of fragile voices, acoustic guitars and subtle electronics, is now unmistakable. In December they will present their sixth album "and the noise settles" here on stage, with band member and close friend Chantal Acda as producer.
Nele De Gussem has appeared on the Ha-Stage several times as the frontwoman of Uma Chine. In February 2025, she released her solo debut "The Loom of Longing", which focuses on her sensual voice and unique blend of electronic and analog instruments. A fascinating universe of mystical pop, psychedelic atmospheres and pulsating electronics.
Paulien Rondou a.k.a. Catbug makes intimate small art. From the tranquility of the countryside, she writes honest, acoustic musings on the life around her. Her latest album 'Musjemeesje' is a collection of idyllic neofolk gems that reads like a book of poetry and feels like a soft carpet to lie down on.
Emma Hessels explores the great themes of love, loneliness and doubt in her songs. Her soulful voice brings these inner searches to life. In 2023 she won Sound Track, the music competition for new talent. A captivating performer who sings straight to the heart.
HelenaCasella is a Belgian-Brazilian composer and singer who creates her own sound by combining influences from R&B, hip-hop, modern jazz and Brazilian rhythms. Her songs contain personal but recognisable stories, interweaving her soft but intense voice with organic rhythms and sounds. The result is a musical narrative that balances between the intimate and the ethereal. In March, she released her debut album Pit of Impressions on W.E.R.F. Records.
Laura Cortese is an American songwriter and violinist who settled in Ghent a few years ago and immersed herself in the local music scene. In 2019 she founded Bright Lights Sessions together with Cleo Janse. Her own music is a unique blend of indie, folk and roots. Together with her band The Dance Cards, she tours extensively in the USA and Europe.
