Summer in Sint-Amands with Kaat Van Stralen

Kaat Van Stralen Kaat Van Stralen does not just let itself be put in a box. What started as an original solo project grew into a genre-transcending punk band, supplemented with Melvin Slabbinck (drums), Anton Robberechts (guitar), and Faust De Vogelaere (bass). Kaat herself takes care of the vocals. Strict but fair, Kaat calls all genres to account. From punk and psychedelia to alternative spoken word. Expect heated linguistic noise, cracking beats, biting guitar riffs, and pompous bass. Kaat Van Stralen took the victory during Sound Track Vlaams-Brabant 2023, the stage and opportunity course organized by VI.BE and Het Depot. They were picked up by Het Depot as artist in residence. At the beginning of 2025, Kaat Van Stralen released their debut single ‘Stop Met Wenen’, a punk rock anthem for all women, outsiders, and feelers. With this, they won De Nieuwe Lichting van Studio Brussel. In November 2025, their debut EP ‘Vieze Vlinder’ was released. With influences such as Amyl & The Sniffers, Wet Leg, and Fiona Apple - but then in idiosyncratic Flemish translation - Kaat put herself on the map in one fell swoop. 'Stop Met Wenen' meant the big breakthrough: Kaat was a guest on De Afspraak on VRT1 in one month, became hotshot on Studio Brussel, stood at #1 for three weeks in De Afrekening, graced the cover of Focus Knack together with Uwase and Alice Mae, and was extensively covered in the Popcast van Studio Brussel. The impact did not go unnoticed. Humo called ‘Stop Met Wenen’ “the most important Belgian song in a long time”, De Standaard saw how the song went viral on TikTok, where young women appeared who lip-synced the song while looking defiantly into the lens. Kaat Van Stralen played more than 25 shows last summer and made notable appearances at, among others, Pukkelpop, Lokerse Feesten, Best Kept Secret, BOOMTOWN, and Crammerock. In addition to their own set at Pukkelpop, they also played ‘Stop Met Wenen’ with The Atomic Orchestra. In the autumn of 2026, Kaat Vanstraelen conquered the screen in De Slimste Mens ter Wereld on PLAY. The crowning glory of their year followed during the Week of the Belgische Muziek when they were allowed to receive their first MIA in the ‘Alternative’ category.