Even voorstellen - Frontier People - Thomas Decock & Artan Buleshkaj
‘Land Of The Unfree’, single (digital)
W.E.R.F. Records / N.E.W.S. Distribution
Release: 6th November 2026
Land Of The Unfree - song and lyrics by Thomas Decock, Artan Buleshkaj | Spotify
With ‘Land of The Unfree’, guitarists Thomas Decock and Artan Buleshkaj introduce their new project Frontier People. Following their duo album 'Plain Songs', which explored existing repertoire, they now bring a full band and original compositions to the crossroads of American folk and jazz.

The first single unfolds like a wide-open landscape in 3/4 time. Open-tuned guitar and pedal steel in the background lend the music space and depth. The guitars lie at the heart of a sound rooted in Americana and open to the freedom of jazz.

That freedom finds a bitter counterpoint in the title. ‘Land of The Unfree’ alludes to the erosion of freedom in contemporary America, casting a critical eye on the country whose musical traditions inspire the project.

"Following the critical reception of our duo debut 'Plain Songs' (Knack Magazine Top 10 Jazz Releases in Belgium), Frontier People expands our sound into a dynamic, guitar-driven quintet that bridges contemporary jazz, atmospheric rock, and roots-based Americana. Rooted in a shared love for Americana, we expanded our sound by enlisting the seasoned, highly interactive rhythm section of Yannick Peeters (double bass) and Lionel Beuvens (drums). Rising saxophonist Werend Van Den Bossche completes the quintet, infusing Appalachian fiddle phrasing onto the alto saxophone. The project keeps the intimate atmosphere of our duo debut Plain Songs, elevated by punchier rock influences and a richer, produced sonic landscape. Our self-titled album will be released on January 22, 2027 via Belgium’s venerable imprint W.E.R.F. Records." - Artan Buleshkaj &  Thomas Decock

Credits:
Thomas Decock: guitar & composition
Artan Buleshkaj: guitar
Werend Van Den Bossche: saxophone
Yannick Peeters: double bass
Lionel Beuvens: drums
Bart Vervaeck: pedal steel
Koen Gisen: recording & mix
Karel De Backer: mastering

Live:

06 februari, Nona, mechelen

18 februari, Rataplan, Antwerpen

28 februari, Kaap, Oostende

04 maart, CC Het Perron, Ieper

05 maart, CC De Werf, Aalst

06 maart, CC De Warande, Turnhout

12 maart, CC Coloma, Sint Pieters Leeuw

13 maart, CC 't Getouw, Mol

19 maart, CC Ververij, Ronse

25 maart, Wilde Westen, Kortrijk

26 maart, CC Muze, Heusden Zolder

09 april, Ha! Concerts, Gent (Frontier People XL, met guests)

11 april, De Casino, Sint-Niklaas