Artist page
Vastenavondt
News
December 18th, 2024 - live recording of “Would You Come Down” during the Christmas episodes of the Belgian TV-show “Dagelijkse Kost” in Leuven.
The singer-wongwriter
In the course of the past 10 years, Piet released two albums under the artist name of “Pete”. Since then, people have been asking where they could find his music. A namechange was inevitable. Instead of sticking to the English version of his first name, the best option was to proudly move to his family name: Vastenavondt!
Piet Vastenavondt grew up outside the city walls of Leuven (Belgium), just a bit too far to be immersed in the influences of the Leuven scene . "Going to bed with Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles, waking up with Charles Aznavour and Glen Miller," is how he describes his biggest influences from home, where there was always music to be heard or made.
After many wanderings, he released his first solo album "I am Wilson" in 2013 under artist name Pete. In 2020 (he himself calls it "the 7 years itch"), "The Power of Almost Nothing" followed. His third album, “Call Me an Angel”, was released in 2023.
The live band
Piet Vastenavondt (vocals & acoustic guitar) - Charly Verbinnen (electric guitar) - Dirk Lekenne (slide guitar & backing vocals) - Lou Dejaeghere (bass & backing vocals) - Stoy Stoffelen (drums).
Info & Bookings: els@fandangomusic.be
Releases
Album “Call Me an Angel”
November 3rd, 2023
(Pete) Vastenavondt's third solo album, Call Me an Angel, features nine captivating tracks from the hand of the singer-songwriter, who recently adopted the stage name Vastenavondt. True to his artistic spirit, every detail matters: the songs, the musicians, the concept—everything must feel just right.
"I want whoever listens to feel that authenticity. And when you strip away all the embellishments, you should realize that each song stands solid," Vastenavondt shares.
Dirk (Studio Fandango): "For the album, Vastenavondt had us narrow down an initial selection of no less than 30 compositions—a luxury problem you might think. But once you hear the songs, you understand how incredibly difficult it was to choose. The result is an album brimming with emotion and energy, where the musicians have elevated each track with profound respect for his music. And when Vastenavondt performs these songs with just his acoustic guitar and stunning voice, it’s even more evident—you’re experiencing an album of pure integrity from a true singer-songwriter."
The album's artwork was crafted by fellow musician and friend Stijn Vandebril, whose unique style captures raw emotion like no other. His vision translates beautifully into imagery, perfectly complementing the essence of Call Me an Angel.
Tracks: 1. Call Me an Angel - 2. My Love Shines for You - 3. Broken Man - 4. Harmless - 5. The Water’s Gone - 6. Down South to the Bay - 7. Kindaman - 8. We Were Right - 9. The Last Time for Us (Hugo’s Lament)
To the Album on Spotify, on Apple Music, on Deezer
To the single on Spotify, on Apple Music, on Deezer
Single “The Water"‘s Gone”
October 14th, 2023
Following the release of the title track from the album Call Me an Angel, singer-songwriter Vastenavondt - formerly known as Pete - released a second single on October 14th.
The song "The Water's Gone" was chosen. The impact of the inhuman situation in the port city of Marioepol (Ukraine) was translated into human lyrics, carried by an atmospheric composition that sounds both ominous and reassuring. And, of course, by the unlikely voice of Vastenavondt.
To the single on Spotify, on Apple Music, on Deezer
Single “Call Me an Angel”
September 22nd, 2023
Following the release of "The Power of Almost Nothing" in tumultuous 2020, singer-songwriter Pete - henceforth Vastenavondt - is on his third solo album. The first single released on 22 September is also the title track of the album: "Call Me an Angel".
Expect ambiguously layered lyrics, Vastenavondt style. Be prepared for an earworm, chances are you'll find yourself whistling the song. And above all: enjoy that incredible voice that hushes even the largest crowd.
To the album on Spotify, on Apple Music, on Deezer
“The Power of Almost Nothing”
December 2020
After the single “Lonely Train”, the time has come to release the full album called "The Power of Almost Nothing". The album contains 9 songs with a silver lining: hard experiences bring you closer to the essence of life, allowing you to see things in perspective.
Pete: "There is no better time than now to turn the feeling of isolation into something positive. With Laurel Canyon and the sense of community and belonging radiating in the back of my mind, I chose to focus on what we have in common instead of what keeps us apart. This album reflects my search for like-minded and like-souled people. The voices and sounds in my head were asking to be put into music.”
Writing songs is a way for Pete to talk to the people around him - present and past. It’s a way to express what he’s otherwise not able to say. Those hidden messages, scattered throughout the album, represent what life is about to Pete. The simplest things are the most powerful of all. This coincides with the way the album “The Power of Almost Nothing” was made: Pete and Dirk (studio fandango) working closely together.
Tracks: 1. Lonely Train - 2. Slow Down - 3. Home Again - 4. Rider and a King - 5. Come Tomorrow - 6. Allison - 7. Falling - 8. Paradise - 9. I Do
To the album on Spotify, on Apple Music, on Deezer
“I am Wilson”
December 2013
"I am Wilson" is the first solo CD of singer-songwriter Piet Vastenavondt - Pete.
Think of the sincerity and authenticity of Ryan Adams' lyrics, of the power and emotion of Jeff Buckley's voice, of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's harmonies. Combine all of these elements and you come close to singer-songwriter Pete.
Piet has been writing songs for as long as he can remember. For his band and for other people. But for some of his songs, he just knew he had to release them himself.
Piet: "It is sometimes easier to write about things than to talk about them. I also knew I had to sing these songs myself, they were not meant for anyone else. 'I am Wilson' is the album I have always wanted to make, but it had to feel right: the songs, the studio, the concept of the CD, ... I want that when people listen, they feel how real it is. And when they take away all the 'decoration', they realize that each song stands its own ground.”
Dirk (Studio Fandango): "The album is full of emotion and energy, the musicians have taken the songs to the next level and beyond, with the greatest respect for Piet and the songs. But don't be mistaken: when you listen to the extraordinary voice of Piet with just the acoustic guitar, you realize that this is a true album by a singer-songwriter pur sang."
Tracks: 1. Would You Come Down - 2. Close to Home - 3. Answering Machine - 4. She goes - 5. This House - 6. What’s the Matter John - 7. Daddy - 8. Heartaches - 9. You move too Fast - 10. Naturally - 11. Keeper of your Heart
Contact
Info & Bookings: els@fandangomusic.be