VI.BE

Biography of Hadewig Kras and KRaS!

Hadewig Kras is the Dutch singer and bassist behind the dynamic rock-chanson band KRaS!, renowned for its powerful live performances. Her musical journey began in Amsterdam, where she left drama school to pursue her dreams in Antwerp. There, she met her life and music partner, actor and guitarist Jan Bijvoet, which led to the founding of KRaS!.

With a sound that balances energetic rock and poetic chansons, KRaS! carved out a unique place in the music world.

Their debut album, recorded in Berlin under the guidance of legendary producer Blixa Bargeld (Einstürzende Neubauten, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds), laid the foundation for their further path. The subsequent EP “Berlin Recordings” won 2 Independent Music Awards in the USA.

Second album of KRaS! Is a duo recording with Mario Goossens of Triggerfinger, only bass, drums and vocals, called ‘Blood’

Her live recorded album with again Jan Bijvoet and Tom Meeuws and now joined by Tim Pensaert of Meltheads, called “KRaS!@RockstarRecordings”, presented at De Balie in Amsterdam delivered 5 singles after the first single ‘That is All that I Need, of which all 6 they received great reviews for:

'This band formed by Hadewig Kras – noticed by Blixa Bargeld, by the way – has been a hit with us for a while now. Just think of how the soundtrack to Cabaret – yes, that film with Liza Minelli – would sound if Steve Albini had been involved.'

https://luminousdash.be/nieuws/spotify/de-laatste-luminous-belge-van-het-jaar/?

‘Hadewig Kras is not your average singer. She stands up for women's rights and also makes her voice heard on other issues. And what a voice!' (...) ‘On latest single She's Your Dog! KRaS! chooses for a fat, heavy rock sound while the foursome sounds like a mix of early Nina Hagen and Janis Joplin'

https://damusic.be/dossier/kras-shes-your-dog-5330.html

'.. but words fall short. Once again: Belgian single of the year.We wait respectfully, cap in hand and bowing, for more.'

https://luminousdash.be/singles/kras-that-is-all-that-i-need/

'...therefore, once again: damn it, this is good. Damn it.'

https://luminousdash.be/singles/kras-shes-your-dog/

SOME LIVE FRAGMENTS

40" Live KRaS! Support M.Iskariot Tielt

https://youtu.b/ywfb4JnTM50?si=c2DbJl3LfzEiAHpi

50" excerpt BarPaniek Antwerp

https://youtu.be/_4uyFTfDeSo?si=G2BWkPEr_5hYFZfX

3'19" Live KRaS! Mash-up deBalie Amsterdam

https://youtu.be/qYAgoH2Kqw?si=Q_YtMzX09RnX8nNe

Some CLIPTOKS, BANDCAMP & Extra info

KRaS!WebSite

https://www.krasmusic.net/

KRaS!YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@kraspunk

SOME CONCERTS

previous

BEURSSCHOUWBURG Brussels Support Valerie Solanas (B)

VOORUIT Ghent Support Crime & the City Solution featuring David Eugene Edwards (B)

TRIX Antwerp Album Release (B)

PARADISO Club Amsterdam Women in Paradise Festival (NL)

POPPODIUM VOLT Sittard – Support RHEA (NL)

Nachtwacht Tielt- support Maria Iskariot

RUBIROCK II in Rubigny (FR)

...

to come

21/03/26 Moby Dick in Antwerp

29/03/26 Misterioso in Ghent

04/04/26 Chapeau in Merksplas

16/4/26 Beursschouwburg in Brussels Support THE HICKEY UNDERWORLD

28/5/26 ChatLeRoi in Antwerp

07/06/2026 Het Lokaal Antwerp

19/06/2026 De Kroon Antwerp

(more to come)

Beyond her work with KRaS!, Hadewig Kras has collaborated with icons such as Ramses Shaffy, composed music for theatrical productions, and worked with Blixa Bargeld again as the artistic director for the stage adaptation of J.M. Coetzee’s “Waiting For The Barbarians” at the Salzburger Festspiele. She also performed at the prestigious Women in Paradise Festival in Amsterdam’s Paradiso.

The Band KRaS!

KRaS! is more than a band; it’s a collective of unique personalities that create explosive energy on stage:

• Jan Bijvoet, known for films like Borgman and Peaky Blinders, brings his passion for guitar into every note. Alongside his impressive acting career, music remains his first love.

• Tom Meeuws, drummer and politician, combines his mission to combat poverty with his love for music. His rhythms are the powerful engine behind KRaS!.

• Tim Pensaert, a young musical talent who finds success with the band Meltheads, adds virtuosity and fresh energy to the group. He plays bass like Hadewig, so they have a very un-orthodox lineup with 2 basses!

With a mix of raw energy, thoughtful lyrics, and an irresistible stage presence, Hadewig Kras remains an inspiring force in the modern music scene. Don’t miss her, because KRaS! is a band you need to experience live to fully understand the magic.