The Love Substitutes
5 Questions to Craig Ward - Antwerp Special

Antwerp is a wonderful city. And Belgium (even if for many it only brings to mind seafood, clouds, and French jokes) is an extraordinary country. Especially musically. That is why this tribute was born, this "Antwerp Special". Since the early '90s, around (but also parallel to) dEUS, a music scene of incredible creativity and quality has developed in and around Antwerp. This series of interviews is dedicated to the main figures of that scene...

Craig Ward has ghosts in his mind that have the nasty habit of depressing him. He gave a decisive imprint to the sound of dEUS, and then moved away because the ghosts told him to. Now, he plays with the Love Substitutes in small venues with just a few dozen people. And he seems... I wouldn't say happier, but more at peace with himself - even if he stares into space, outside the Leuven's De Libertad, and is certainly not expansive in his answers.

You are Scottish, but now an adopted "Antwerpian". How did you first come into contact with this music scene?
Pure chance... mutual friends. Stef Kamil and I had some friends in common, and that's how I met the guys. And then... (silence)

You seemed to have a lot of fun on stage tonight. What's the difference between playing in a small band like the Love Substitutes and being part of a more established group like dEUS?
You said it, the fun. "Fun" is the right word. It's all much more fun, spontaneous... above all, nobody cares.

If you could assemble a supergroup with your favorite musicians, who would be in it?
(Thinks silently for a bit) ...These. The Love Substitutes.

Is there any music you've listened to recently that impressed you? And what are your future plans?
I've been listening a lot to White Noise, a psychedelic-experimental band from the '80s. Very good. Future plans... who knows. The Love Substitutes. Mauro will start touring with dEUS in September, so he'll be away for a while. But... The Love Substitutes.

Allow me a somewhat silly question. You play in the "Love" Substitutes: what is love?
Love? Who knows... (Stares at the empty chairs in front of him for a long time). "Love... is good. Yes. Love is good."