“It reminded me my early days with Sonic Youth when we where open to anything. We always say “there’s no wrong notes” and in this group that’s more true than in any other ensemble ” Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth)
“While Sébastien harangues the crowd in Walloon-French, his accomplice Nathan, wearing a fantastic glittery cap, addresses the audience in English. He emphasises the importance of friendship and love, and reminds them that even with a disability, you can still make your own choices. After each announcement, he electrifies the room by shouting in a thunderous voice: ‘Are you ready? Are you ready? LET’S GO!’ When he swaps his glittery cap for a werewolf mask for the second song, the dam bursts and the audience screams at the top of their lungs with the band.”
‘3voor12Friesland’, 25 November 2025
The Wild Classical Music Ensemble is a highly effective distillation of Belgian rock, reminiscent of the wild, generous and sensitive energy of singer Arno in his TC Matic days.
These guys aren’t Belgian for nothing. Sébastien Faidherbe (DIY bass, vocals), Johan Geenens (DIY digital flute, vocals), Nathan Copienne (synth, vocals), Nathan Ysebaert (guitar, vocals) and band leader Damien Magnette (drums, vocals) create a unique sound combining punk/rock riffs, fanatical rhythms, incendiary flute and melting synths.
On top of that, multiple multilingual voices grate harshly while providing comfort, which makes them absolutely irresistible.
Formed in 2007 at Wit.h in Kortrijk under the inspired leadership of sound artist Damien Magnette, the band quickly began performing throughout Europe. They released their first album on Subrosa in 2008, then signed with Born Bad Records in 2015 and released several albums. A highlight of their incredible journey was their collaboration with Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) in 2019 (Hell Gate – La Belle Brute).
In the words of lead singer Nathan Copienne, the band’s primary goal is to ‘include people without disabilities’ in the unique adventure that each of their concerts represents.
Beyond simply creating music that contains all their vital energy, the intention is to show that collaboration between talented disabled and non-disabled people is in no way a limitation, but brings something different that makes the music totally unique. And, without a doubt, very close to the heart.
Their journey, punctuated by numerous musical encounters (Fabrice Gilbert-frustration, Ava Carrère-SCDS, Wim Opbrouck, Shht, Arthur Satàn, Nathan Roche and Julien ZLDR on their latest album ‘Confined’), continues today with their new fusion project with musicians from Réunion Island. This new album is to be released in 2027 on Born Bad Records and Bongo Joe Records.
THE CREW
Nathan Copienne has been playing the synthesiser since childhood and makes covers that he films and posts on social media (Corsican songs, traditional songs, pop, etc.). He invents riffs and explosive lyrics for WCME, sharing his unique world and concerns with us. In concert, he brilliantly connects with the audience. He communicates with irresistible spontaneity, amplified by his extraordinary linguistic abilities and his inexhaustible desire to meet people. Nathan has also been blind since birth.
Damien Magnette is a sound artist and self-taught drummer. He is the drummer and artistic director of WCME. He has long been involved in various social music projects (Murmuziek, Fracasse, Zica-N). Damien is also a musician in various bands on the Brussels alternative scene: Zoft, Facteur Cheval, Why the Eye. In parallel with his musical projects, he is developing work in the field of sound and radio creation and musical composition for live performances. In recent years, Damien has also been working as a producer for his bands' albums and supporting other artists.
An outstanding rhythmist, Sébastien Faidherbe plays a DIY two-string bass specially designed for him. His melodic and rhythmic ideas and suggestions often form the basis for new songs. His singing is soulful, powerful and unique; his crooner's voice leaves no one indifferent and is often reminiscent of the late Arno; his lyrics are simple and direct, delivering his raw emotions without filter. Sébastien sets the stage alight with his unique, warm, sensitive and profound presence that leaves no one indifferent. Sébastien is also visually impaired and has an intellectual disability.
Nathan Ysebaert is a trained guitarist. He teaches guitar at an academy and plays in numerous musical projects (Shht, Vito, Dressed like boys, Blue Gene, Gaea).
A talented guitarist, he brought a breath of fresh air to WCME from the moment he joined, thanks to his playing skills, his inventiveness and his sensitive ability to put himself at the service of the project. He also brings a new, joyful and valuable energy to the band's life, simply through his enjoyment of spending time with the other members.
Primarily a painter, Johan Geenens plays music as he paints. We don't know why he chooses to put a particular touch of colour in a particular place, but it is always just right and sensitive. He plays with silence in a way that few musicians know how to do. His musical playing is defined as much by emptiness as by fullness, as in his paintings. His presence is both mysterious and disconcertingly simple. Johan also has Down's syndrome.
Evita Werbrouck is the guardian angel of the WCME. She accompanies the group during its various activities and welcomes it for rehearsals at her venue in Wevelgem, De Spatie. De Spatie is an open and unifying space that provides a setting conducive to encounters, collaboration, silence, calm and wonder, with discussion groups, workshops, reflection days, conferences, exhibitions, shows, yoga, meditation, neighbourhood meetings and more. Initiatives with a positive impact. Evita is a trained speech therapist and an active citizen, and now manages De Spatie full-time.
Michael Wolteche is the band's manager, whom he has welcomed since 2023 to enthusiast music, his management company. Michael also acts as tour manager, working alongside Evita, during the band's concerts.
Jacques-Yves Ledocte joined Enthusiast Music in October 2024. He is responsible for grant applications and seeking additional funding. He provides support throughout all stages of production, as well as for certain tours.
wildclassical.com 