We are delighted to reopen BRDCST with a first glimpse of the guest curators who will be making their mark on the upcoming edition. The genre-fluid high mass for musical adventurers will take place in 2026 from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April.

The festival will unfold in and around AB, including concerts in the Vanhaerents Art Collection and arthouse Cinema Palace. A limited number of Early Bird combi tickets will be available from Monday 15 December at 11am.

Curated by Ichiko Aoba, Keeley Forsyth and Stephen O'Malley

BRDCST consistently invites engaging guest curators who enrich the line-up with their unique artistic vision. The list has gotten quite impressive: Tirzah, Sleaford Mods, Nadah El Shazly, Forest Swords or impressive (underground) labels like Consouling Sounds and Nyege Nyege Tapes. During the previous edition, Colin Stetson, Backxwash and Anna von Hausswolff were the ones calling the shots.

In 2026, we are excited to pass the torch to three exceptional artists: Ichiko Aoba, Keeley Forsyth and Stephen O’Malley. All these curators have one thing in common: their signature sound that disrupts algorithms and distinguishes them from AI-generated music.

Keeley Forsyth

It was curator Colin Stetson who, during the previous edition of BRDCST, brought to our attention British actress and performer Keeley Forsyth (UK). In Spite Magazine compared her impressive performance to David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway. Forsyth is also referred to as the female Scott Walker, and The Line Of Best Fit labelled her “one of the UK's most consistently interesting and creatively absorbing performers.” This is Forsyth’s first-ever curatorship. She graciously accepted the offer after her stunning show during BRDCST 2025.

Ichiko Aoba

Curator Ichiko Aoba (JP) was a guest at BRDCST 2023 and has created her very own, somewhat nostalgic universe since her debut Kamisori Otome (2010). Aoba enchants time and time again with an (ethereal) mix of folk, ambient and experimental sounds, often inspired by her dreams, nature and art. Pitchfork: “It’s easy to be swept up by the sublime beauty of an Ichiko Aoba song: her crystalline voice and classical guitar are arresting.” She enthusiastically accepted our invitation backstage after a stunning performance at De Roma in Borgerhout. For Aoba too, this is her first time curating.

Stephen O'Malley

Lastly, Stephen O’Malley (US/FR) pushed the boundaries of (black) metal in the direction of avant-garde with his drone band Sunn O))). He has collaborated with the likes of Jóhann Jóhannsson and Attila Csihar. Orb Magazine: “In the realm of avant-garde music, O’Malley stands as a tireless visionary, deeply dedicated to his craft as a musician and composer.” As well as being a guitarist and producer, O’Malley is also a respected graphic designer. Exactly fifteen years ago he established his Ideologic Organ label, which focuses on avant-garde, drone and contemporary compositions. He said yes to our invitation at a coffee bar during the Le Guess Who? Festival in Utrecht.

BRDCST aftershow with Einstürzende Neubauten

Occasionally, we add a stand-alone show with an act that fits perfectly within the BRDCST DNA. Think of Autechre or Oneohtrix Point Never. This year, Einstürzende Neubauten - will bring the festival to a thrilling close with their “alien pop music,” which has been setting the tone for more than four decades. Frontman Blixa Bargeld: “We make music for minorities, outsiders, and extraterrestrials.”

Important: the aftershow requires a separate ticket.

Kurt Overbergh, BRDCST festival curator