Dive into Three Decades of Belgian Electronic Music with an Emotionally Charged Tour de Force

Belgium’s electronic music scene has thrived over the past three decades, solidifying its position as one of the world’s finest. In the newly released book, “Smos & Baby Bee: Party Flyers And More. Reminiscences Of A Unique Era In Belgian Nightlife Culture (1993–2010),” author Koen Galle delves into the remarkable history of the country’s nightlife, woven together through the narrative of the pioneering DJ duo, Smos & Baby Bee.

Smos & Baby Bee, a formidable force in Belgium’s nightlife, dominated dancefloors until Smos’s untimely passing. Galle, with the assistance of an extensive archive provided by Bee, including photographs, flyers, and more, constructs the foundation of this book. An exclusive interview with Bee forms the backbone of the publication, offering a glimpse into their extraordinary journey.

Describing the duo as “obsessed by music,” Galle acknowledges their role as trailblazers who embraced the emerging electronic music genre when it was gaining momentum in clubs and record stores. Renowned for their impeccable understanding of dancefloor dynamics and their marathon record-playing sessions, Smos & Baby Bee played a crucial part in shaping the scene.

Though Smos’s passing three years ago prevented a public memorial service, this book serves as a means to keep their legacy alive. For Baby Bee, Galle acknowledges that the process was intense, as she spent considerable time reflecting on her relationship with Smos during the book’s creation.

Galle states, “The book might help to enable some closure for her and engage her into breathing new life into old relationships. She has shared everything about their life and career during our extensive conversations, both the highs and the lows. She has shown vulnerability and opened her heart to me. Unlike today’s prominent figures in the scene, whose lives and creativity are meticulously recorded on the internet, for individuals of her generation, reconstructing an identity in retrospect becomes an emotionally demanding journey. I am immensely grateful that she chose to share this with me.”

The book features interviews with DJs and friends of Smos & Baby Bee, including D’Julz, Jack De Marseille, Frie Verhelst of USA Import, DJ Pierre of Fuse, Geoffroy Mugwump (Red D), and more. Dance music legend Mr. G contributes a heartfelt testimonial, reminiscing about his initial meeting with Smos and Baby Bee at Café d’Anvers and expressing his deep affection for them.

“I miss them both, to be fair,” Mr. G reflects, acknowledging their shared passion for music and the lasting impact they had on his life.