Exploring Antwerp with Youniss: “This place gave me the energy to write my album”
Antwerp doesn’t show itself all at once. It reveals itself slowly — through daily routines, familiar streets, the places you return to without thinking. For Youniss, those movements sit at the centre of Good Effort! — his forthcoming album shaped by growing up on the city’s outskirts. The sound pulls from jazz, post-punk and hip-hop, but its real texture comes from people, proximity and time spent paying attention. So instead of talking about the record directly, we asked Youniss to show us the places that feed into it — where he eats, where he spends time, and where the energy comes from.
Cornichon
My studio is in my apartment, so every morning I get ready and leave — even if it’s just for 15 minutes to simulate a trip to work. It helps break up the day and stops me feeling cooped up. One of the places I walk to is Cornichon, for a morning coffee and a quick chat. I like being local somewhere — and judging by my bank statements, that’s definitely the case here. Great coffee and food, and really friendly staff.
Himalaya Wok
My neighbours own a small restaurant tucked away on the shopping street near my house called Himalaya Wok. At one point I was eating here at least once a week. The food is incredible and the vibe is unmatched — proper Tibetan food, made by the loveliest people. I genuinely believe this place played a part in giving me the energy to write my album.
Atelier Solarshop
Atelier Solarshop is a space where objects, jewellery and clothing all share a connection to craftsmanship and the natural world. It’s home to the work of designer Jan-Jan Van Essche and sits right in my neighbourhood in 2060 Antwerp. It’s a really unique space — calm, intentional, and full of care — the kind of place that makes you slow down and pay attention.
Stuivenbergsite
One of the newer places I’ve been spending time in is Stuivenbergsite — the old hospital in Antwerp that’s now home to artist studios, socio-cultural organisations, a bar, a community garden and more. I’ve rehearsed here a few times while preparing for my support tour with Amenra, and it’s genuinely a great space to be in. I think cities need more projects like this — old buildings being repurposed in ways that actually serve the people around them.
Coming Soon Space
Coming Soon is a pop-up community space under the tracks of Antwerp Central station. It’s a place for experimentation, performance and radio, run by the same people who used to operate my other favourite space, Onder Stroom (RIP). It’s a proper hangout, and I can’t stress enough how important community-led spaces like this are. As space in cities becomes more scarce, places like Coming Soon need to be protected and cherished.
Who are you spotlighting today?
Porcelain id is my favourite artist in Antwerp - maybe even outside of that. Raw and unfiltered but with so much honesty. I am so proud to call them my friend. Genuinely one of those few artists that can blow you away by just being themselves. I look forward as a fan to see their journey over the next few years and how they develop themselves as an artist. Because one thing is for sure, you never know what they will do next and I love that.