Hooverphonic (Release Me)
Hooverphonic
Nationality:
Belgium
Founded:
1995-10
Founded Place:
Sint-Niklaas
Members:
Esther Lybeert ; Frank Duchêne ; Alex Callier ; Raymond Geerts ; Liesje Sadonius ; Kyoko Baertsoen ; Eric Bosteels ; Geike Arnaert ; Mario Goossens ; David Poltrock ; Steven Van Havere ; Noémie Wolfs ; Arnout Hellofs ; Luka Cruysberghs ; Remko Kühne
Music Genre:
downtempo, electronica, trip hop
Hooverphonic is a Belgian electronic band that was formed in October 1995. Though originally categorized as a trip hop group, they quickly expanded their sound to the point where it could no longer be described as a belonging to a single genre, but rather as encompassing alternative, electronica, electropop, rock, and a mixture of others. The band was originally named Hoover, but was later renamed Hooverphonic to avoid confusion with bands already using the Hoover name, and a possible legal copyright problem with the vacuum cleaner company. Since their formation, Hooverphonic's lineup consisted of bassist Alex Callier, guitarist Raymond Geerts, and various lead singers. Prominent ones included Liesje Sadonius (1996–1997), Geike Arnaert (1997–2008, 2020–present), Noémie Wolfs (2010–2015), and Luka Cruysberghs (2018–2020). The band were set to represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam with their song "Release Me". However, on March 18, 2020, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They instead represented Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song "The Wrong Place".