Novastar is a Belgian rock group led by Dutch singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joost Zweegers, who has also released solo material under that name. The band also consists of guitarist Lars van Bambost, bassist Jang Coenen, and drummers Karel De Backer, and Cathy-Ann van Volsem. The group first formed in Belgium in 1996, quickly winning that year’s Humo Rock Rally band competition. Novastar worked for the following four years to record their debut album, the self-titled Novastar, in the year 2000. Produced by Wouter Van Belle and released by Warner Brothers, the album was a smash success, spawning various radio singles and earning the group a platinum record certification. In collaboration with the Belgian musician and producer Ozark Henry, Novastar followed their debut album with 2004’s Another Lonely Soul. Much like their debut, the album was a huge success, topping the Ultratop album chart, earning a platinum record, and winning the TMF Award for best album. This album also saw the band expand their international fanbase, with much touring to follow. Over the next few years, the band worked with producer Wim De Wilde on what would become the third Novastar album, Almost Bangor (2008), a more eclectic album that continued the band’s winning streak throughout Europe. This was followed by their first live DVD, Almost Bangor Live, in 2009. In 2014, the group released Inside Outside, which hit the Belgian album charts at Number 1. This was followed by In the Cold Light of Monday (2018), which peaked at Number 2 on the Belgian chart. In 2021, Novastar released their sixth album Holler and Shout, which was preceded by the single “Velvet Blue Sky.”
