Aäron Koch is the band around the eponymous frontman and singer-songwriter. Besides being a regular with Calicos for many years, Koch now chooses his own musical path. His music exudes melancholy and raw intensity, with a voice that touches deeply and songs that balance between introspection and power.
For this, he brings together an extraordinary group of musicians: Evert Vanheertum (Television Programs), Quinten Vermaelen (Calicos), Simen Wouters (Tin Fingers) and Simon Raman (Uma Chine). Together, they forge a sound that feels both timeless and urgent, rooted in indie rock and americana. Think The Veils, My Morning Jacket and Strand of Oaks.
Aäron had always been a musician, but never a songwriter or frontman. This was a disorienting process for him; he had to truly learn how to write songs. He always thought he would sound like Queens Of The Stone Age and Millionaire, but the result turned out to be alternative pop songs. Writing lyrics was not easy in the beginning, especially due to his dyslexia. Expressing emotions was also difficult at first. He worked on this album for a very long time, and now, he also feels some apprehension about the process of making a second album.
This is what Aäron has to say about his music: ‘It’s about weaknesses and vulnerability. Autobiographical actually, something I only realized myself once the record took shape.’
It quickly became clear that Aäron Koch is an artist to keep an eye on. After barely a handful of gigs with his full band, he made it to the final of Humo's Rock Rally in 2024, which brought him nothing but praise. Not much later, he was the support act for Belle & Sebastian in a sold-out Ancienne Belgique.
Koch is currently working on his debut album, to be released in the autumn of 2025 on Unday Records. Expect an album that will linger and stay. As a preview, the first single, ‘Tired’, will be released on 7 March, a song that immediately gives a glimpse of the quality and layering of his first full-length.
‘The three songs could easily be thirteen, as Koch can effortlessly handle a full-length performance. We are happy to buy a ticket.’ – HUMO after their Rock Rally finale.
