K's Choice
Encyclopedia
K's Choice is a Belgian
rock band from Antwerp, formed in the mid-1990s. The band's core members are siblings Sarah Bettens
(lead vocals, guitar) and Gert Bettens
(guitar, keyboard, vocals). They are joined by Eric Grossman
(bass), Thomas Vanelslander (lead guitar), Reinout Swinnen (keys) and Koen Liekens (drums). The band has produced gold and platinum albums.
, "Why Don't You Try Me", (originally by Ry Cooder
) for the movie Ad Fundum. She was offered a contract and formed a band with her brother Gert. The band was named The Choice and in 1994 they recorded their debut album The Great Subconscious Club
.
In 1993 the band had five more or less permanent members: Sarah and Gert Bettens, Jan van Sichem, Jr. (guitar), Koen Lieckens (drums) and Erik Verheyden (bass). These five toured Germany and the United States in support of the Indigo Girls
. When they learned of another group in the U.S. named The Choice, they changed their name in order to avoid legal problems; they decided upon "K's Choice" by going through the alphabet to see which letter would sound best in front of the word choice. Since they thought they needed a story behind the new name, they used to tell that the K referred to Joseph K. from Kafka's the Trial
, but later the band revealed the arbitrariness of choosing the "K".
In 1996 they recorded Paradise in Me
. "Not an Addict", the first single taken from this album, was very successful and brought international fame. It can be argued that this single was their most popular hit, and even 10 years later in 2006 receives fairly good airplay in major markets. It was at this point that their drummer Bart van der Zeeuw had been replaced by Koen Liekens, and bass players continually changed. For the next year (1996–1997) they toured supporting Alanis Morissette
, who heard the band playing on a European festival and handpicked them as her support band. In 1998 Cocoon Crash
, their third album was done. Meanwhile American Eric Grossman
had become the permanent bass player. In 1999 the band appeared on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the episode "Doppelgängland
" performing their song "Virgin State Of Mind". The song appeared on the soundtrack 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Album
'. In 2000 their last studio album Almost Happy
was finished and Koen Liekens returned as drummer. In 2001 Live (a 2-CD collection of live recordings) was in stores, and in 2003 Ten (a collection of ten years of singles and songs that didn't appear on their albums, plus the brand new single "Losing You") was released, accompanied by a DVD bearing the same name.
In 2003 the band decided to go on a sabbatical. Gert and Sarah both wanted to try out some solo work. Gert produced an album for a Belgian band, Venus in Flames, and Sarah recorded a solo mini-CD Go and appeared on several movie soundtracks with songs of her own ("All of This Past" for Underworld
and "Someone to Say Hi To" for Zus and Zo).
In addition to four full albums, a live album, and a best-of, they also produced four limited edition and fan club CDs: Extra Cocoon, 2000 Seconds Live, Home and Running Backwards.
In 2005 Sarah released her solo album Scream
in both Europe and the U.S. Sarah has been performing tour dates in both hemispheres. Gert, having flirted for a while with the band name Moon Brigade, has announced that his new band's name is "Woodface" (which is also the name of one of his favorite albums from Crowded House
). Woodface released its first album Good Morning Hope on 19 September 2005. Sarah released another solo album called Shine
in 2007.
In an October 7, 2008 interview with Austin Sound Check, Sarah confirmed plans for a new album in 2009. The band's official website stated in June, 2009 that the new album should be released early 2010. Gert and his band Woodface opened at several of Sarah's shows in 2007 and 2008. During Sarah's encore, they performed several well-known K's Choice songs. On June 8, 2009, six years after K's Choice announced their indefinite hiatus, the band's official website announced they will perform at the 35th edition of Folk Dranouter
on August 7, 2009. In 2009, to celebrate the return of K's Choice on the international level, Sony Music released the compilation album The Essential K's Choice.
K's Choice recorded their fifth studio album Echo Mountain
in the Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina
. On February 22, 2010, they confirmed on their website that the new album will be released on March 26, 2010. "When I Lay Beside You" and "Come Live The Life" were released as singles.
rock
or folk-rock. It ranges from very delicate and intimate singer-songwriter songs to songs that are stronger, more active and louder. Sarah's smoky, enigmatic voice is the band's best known characteristic. In the seven years between The Great Subconscious Club and Almost Happy the music changed from raw and guitar-based to a more subtle and delicate sound. Sarah and Gert write most of the music and lyrics. Most of it is written separately. Sarah mainly tries to express ideas in her songs, and has a hand in writing silly and tongue-in-cheek songs. Gert has one big theme: losing the one you love. While most of the songs are easily accessible and open, some others are strange and incomprehensible. This led Sarah to comment: Listening to the lyrics for the first time, you may find it hard to understand their meaning. When you listen to them a second time you may sense a basic truth in these cryptic words. If you do so, please let me know. regarding their song 'Virgin State of Mind'.
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
rock band from Antwerp, formed in the mid-1990s. The band's core members are siblings Sarah Bettens
Sarah Bettens
Sarah Bettens is the lead singer of the Belgian band K's Choice. Sarah and her brother Gert Bettens are the two popular faces of the band. She is known for her enigmatic, smoky voice. The band is popular in Belgium, the Netherlands and France, and had toured in the U.S...
(lead vocals, guitar) and Gert Bettens
Gert Bettens
Gert Bettens is the lead guitarist of the Belgian band K's Choice. He, with his sister Sarah Bettens, is the face of the band....
(guitar, keyboard, vocals). They are joined by Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is an American musician, best known for playing bass and recording gold and platinum albums with the European band K's Choice.-Biography:...
(bass), Thomas Vanelslander (lead guitar), Reinout Swinnen (keys) and Koen Liekens (drums). The band has produced gold and platinum albums.
Band history
In the early 1990s, Sarah and Gert played in an amateur band, The Basement Plugs. This led to the discovery of Sarah, who was offered a chance by a label; mainly because of her smoky, enigmatic voice. Under a more English name, Sarah Beth, she appeared on several movie soundtracks with covers including "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" (originally by Hank Williams) for the movie Vrouwen Willen Trouwen (Women Want To Marry) and a duet with Frankie MillerFrankie Miller
Frankie Miller is a Scottish rock singer-songwriter, who had his biggest success in the 1970s. Miller was raised at Colvend Street, Glasgow with his parents, Cathy and Frank, and elder sisters Letty and Anne. Miller attended Sacred Heart Primary school. He was an altar boy in Sacred Heart Chapel...
, "Why Don't You Try Me", (originally by Ry Cooder
Ry Cooder
Ryland Peter "Ry" Cooder is an American guitarist, singer and composer. He is known for his slide guitar work, his interest in roots music from the United States, and, more recently, his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries.His solo work has been eclectic, encompassing...
) for the movie Ad Fundum. She was offered a contract and formed a band with her brother Gert. The band was named The Choice and in 1994 they recorded their debut album The Great Subconscious Club
The Great Subconscious Club
The Great Subconscious Club is the debut album of the Belgian band K's Choice recorded in 1994. It was originally produced under the name The Choice, but the band changed names. "Me Happy", "Breakfast", "I Smoke a Lot" and "The Ballad of Lea & Paul" were released as singles. The name of the album...
.
In 1993 the band had five more or less permanent members: Sarah and Gert Bettens, Jan van Sichem, Jr. (guitar), Koen Lieckens (drums) and Erik Verheyden (bass). These five toured Germany and the United States in support of the Indigo Girls
Indigo Girls
The Indigo Girls are an American folk rock music duo, consisting of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. They met in elementary school and began performing together as high school students in Decatur, Georgia, part of the Atlanta metropolitan area...
. When they learned of another group in the U.S. named The Choice, they changed their name in order to avoid legal problems; they decided upon "K's Choice" by going through the alphabet to see which letter would sound best in front of the word choice. Since they thought they needed a story behind the new name, they used to tell that the K referred to Joseph K. from Kafka's the Trial
The Trial
The Trial is a novel by Franz Kafka, first published in 1925. One of Kafka's best-known works, it tells the story of a man arrested and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority, with the nature of his crime revealed neither to him nor the reader.Like Kafka's other novels, The Trial was never...
, but later the band revealed the arbitrariness of choosing the "K".
In 1996 they recorded Paradise in Me
Paradise in Me
Paradise in Me is the second album of the Belgian band K's Choice. It was their international breakthrough. Its singles, especially "Not an Addict" were rather successful in Europe, the US, and Australia. The other single was "Mr. Freeze"...
. "Not an Addict", the first single taken from this album, was very successful and brought international fame. It can be argued that this single was their most popular hit, and even 10 years later in 2006 receives fairly good airplay in major markets. It was at this point that their drummer Bart van der Zeeuw had been replaced by Koen Liekens, and bass players continually changed. For the next year (1996–1997) they toured supporting Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette
Alanis Nadine Morissette is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and actress. She has won 16 Juno Awards and seven Grammy Awards, was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and also shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination...
, who heard the band playing on a European festival and handpicked them as her support band. In 1998 Cocoon Crash
Cocoon Crash
- Personnel :* Sarah Bettens – vocals, guitar* Gert Bettens – guitar, keyboards, vocals* Jan Van Sichem Jr. – guitar on "Cocoon Crash"* Eric Grossman – bass* Bart Van Der Zeeuw – drums, percussion- Additional personnel :Luis Jardin – percussion...
, their third album was done. Meanwhile American Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is an American musician, best known for playing bass and recording gold and platinum albums with the European band K's Choice.-Biography:...
had become the permanent bass player. In 1999 the band appeared on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the episode "Doppelgängland
Doppelgängland (Buffy episode)
"Doppelgangland" is the sixteenth episode of the third season of the fantasy television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer . It was written and directed by the show's creator, Joss Whedon, and originally aired on The WB Television Network in the United States on February 23, 1999...
" performing their song "Virgin State Of Mind". The song appeared on the soundtrack 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Album
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Album
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Album is a soundtrack album featuring music from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series.The album is made up mostly of tracks by little-known artists, though some better known ones, such as Garbage and Alison Krauss, are also featured. A small part of the television...
'. In 2000 their last studio album Almost Happy
Almost Happy
- Personnel :Musicians:* Sarah Bettens - vocals, guitar* Gert Bettens - guitar, vocals* Koen Lieckens - drums* Jan van Sichem Jr. - guitar* Eric Grossman - bassGuest musicians:* Marshall Bird - keyboardsMixed by Tchad Blake...
was finished and Koen Liekens returned as drummer. In 2001 Live (a 2-CD collection of live recordings) was in stores, and in 2003 Ten (a collection of ten years of singles and songs that didn't appear on their albums, plus the brand new single "Losing You") was released, accompanied by a DVD bearing the same name.
In 2003 the band decided to go on a sabbatical. Gert and Sarah both wanted to try out some solo work. Gert produced an album for a Belgian band, Venus in Flames, and Sarah recorded a solo mini-CD Go and appeared on several movie soundtracks with songs of her own ("All of This Past" for Underworld
Underworld (2003 film)
Underworld is a 2003 action-horror film about the secret history of Vampires and Lycans . It is the first installment in the Underworld series. The main plot revolves around Selene , a vampire who is a Death Dealer hunting Lycans...
and "Someone to Say Hi To" for Zus and Zo).
In addition to four full albums, a live album, and a best-of, they also produced four limited edition and fan club CDs: Extra Cocoon, 2000 Seconds Live, Home and Running Backwards.
In 2005 Sarah released her solo album Scream
Scream (Sarah Bettens)
Scream is the first full-length solo album from Belgian rock musician Sarah Bettens. In 2004, Sarah released a five-track EP called Go. Four of the songs from Go were included on Scream; only "Grey" did not make the cut....
in both Europe and the U.S. Sarah has been performing tour dates in both hemispheres. Gert, having flirted for a while with the band name Moon Brigade, has announced that his new band's name is "Woodface" (which is also the name of one of his favorite albums from Crowded House
Crowded House
Crowded House are a rock band, formed in Melbourne, Australia and led by New Zealand singer-songwriter Neil Finn. Finn is the primary songwriter and creative director of the band, having led it through several incarnations, drawing members from New Zealand , Australia and the United States...
). Woodface released its first album Good Morning Hope on 19 September 2005. Sarah released another solo album called Shine
Shine (Sarah Bettens album)
Shine is the follow-up album from Belgian musician Sarah Bettens. It was released in Europe and North America on November 23, 2007 by Universal Music Group/Cocoon Records.- Track listing :#I Can't Get Out...
in 2007.
In an October 7, 2008 interview with Austin Sound Check, Sarah confirmed plans for a new album in 2009. The band's official website stated in June, 2009 that the new album should be released early 2010. Gert and his band Woodface opened at several of Sarah's shows in 2007 and 2008. During Sarah's encore, they performed several well-known K's Choice songs. On June 8, 2009, six years after K's Choice announced their indefinite hiatus, the band's official website announced they will perform at the 35th edition of Folk Dranouter
Folk Dranouter
Folk Dranouter is a yearly folk festival spanning four days at the beginning of August in the Belgian village Dranouter. Since 2005, a second, smaller festival, Dranouter aan zee is organised in De Panne on the beach near the end of April....
on August 7, 2009. In 2009, to celebrate the return of K's Choice on the international level, Sony Music released the compilation album The Essential K's Choice.
K's Choice recorded their fifth studio album Echo Mountain
Echo Mountain (album)
-Album charts:-Single charts:-External links:**...
in the Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a city in and the county seat of Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 11th largest city in North Carolina. The City is home to the United States National Climatic Data Center , which is the world's largest active...
. On February 22, 2010, they confirmed on their website that the new album will be released on March 26, 2010. "When I Lay Beside You" and "Come Live The Life" were released as singles.
Music
Their music can be described as guitar-based singer-songwriterSinger-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
rock
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
or folk-rock. It ranges from very delicate and intimate singer-songwriter songs to songs that are stronger, more active and louder. Sarah's smoky, enigmatic voice is the band's best known characteristic. In the seven years between The Great Subconscious Club and Almost Happy the music changed from raw and guitar-based to a more subtle and delicate sound. Sarah and Gert write most of the music and lyrics. Most of it is written separately. Sarah mainly tries to express ideas in her songs, and has a hand in writing silly and tongue-in-cheek songs. Gert has one big theme: losing the one you love. While most of the songs are easily accessible and open, some others are strange and incomprehensible. This led Sarah to comment: Listening to the lyrics for the first time, you may find it hard to understand their meaning. When you listen to them a second time you may sense a basic truth in these cryptic words. If you do so, please let me know. regarding their song 'Virgin State of Mind'.
Discography
- The Great Subconscious ClubThe Great Subconscious ClubThe Great Subconscious Club is the debut album of the Belgian band K's Choice recorded in 1994. It was originally produced under the name The Choice, but the band changed names. "Me Happy", "Breakfast", "I Smoke a Lot" and "The Ballad of Lea & Paul" were released as singles. The name of the album...
(1993) - Paradise in MeParadise in MeParadise in Me is the second album of the Belgian band K's Choice. It was their international breakthrough. Its singles, especially "Not an Addict" were rather successful in Europe, the US, and Australia. The other single was "Mr. Freeze"...
(1996) - Cocoon CrashCocoon Crash- Personnel :* Sarah Bettens – vocals, guitar* Gert Bettens – guitar, keyboards, vocals* Jan Van Sichem Jr. – guitar on "Cocoon Crash"* Eric Grossman – bass* Bart Van Der Zeeuw – drums, percussion- Additional personnel :Luis Jardin – percussion...
(1998) - Almost HappyAlmost Happy- Personnel :Musicians:* Sarah Bettens - vocals, guitar* Gert Bettens - guitar, vocals* Koen Lieckens - drums* Jan van Sichem Jr. - guitar* Eric Grossman - bassGuest musicians:* Marshall Bird - keyboardsMixed by Tchad Blake...
(2000) - Echo MountainEcho Mountain (album)-Album charts:-Single charts:-External links:**...
(2010)
Compilations and fan club-only CDs
- Extra Cocoon (1998)
- 2000 Seconds Live (1998) (fanclub only)
- Live (2001)
- Home (2001) (fanclub only)
- Running Backwards (2003) (fanclub only)
- 10: 1993-2003 - Ten Years Of10: 1993-2003 - Ten Years Of10: 1993–2003 – Ten Years Of is a compilation album by K's Choice released in 2003. It peaked at position 9 in the Belgian and at 73 in the Dutch album charts.-Track listing:...
(2003) - The Essential K's Choice (2009)