Kristo shares new single "Hopelessly Devoted" (for fans of D'Angelo, Tom Misch & Jordan Rakei)

Belgian artist Kristo returns with his new single “Hopelessly Devoted”, out May 29. The track unfolds as a silky, groove-led R&B cut where a laid-back rhythm locks into warm horn accents and an intimate yet infectious vocal hook. Blending classic songwriting with a modern soul aesthetic, Kristo continues to refine a sound rooted in musicality and artistic integrity.

As a true artist and multi-instrumentalist in every sense, Kristo writes, plays, and co produces his own music, drawing from a wide palette of influences including vintage R&B, funk, soul, jazz, and classic pop. His work reflects a strong focus on craftsmanship and depth, balanced with a contemporary edge.

“Hopelessly Devoted” further expands the sonic world of Kristo’s forthcoming debut album, due in December 2026. Shaped by a deeply musical upbringing: his father a tenor saxophonist and his mother a marimba teacher, his artistry is grounded in a lifelong dedication to music. Influenced by artists such as Prince, David Bowie, and D’Angelo, Kristo has developed a distinct voice and sound of his own. This has already translated into notable live experience, including performances at Gent Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz (Talent Stage), as well as support slots for artists such as Macy Gray and Theo Croker.

With two more singles planned ahead of his debut album, Kristo continues to build momentum as a rising artist in today’s contemporary soul, funk and R&B landscape, with a clear crossover appeal and growing international potential.

His self-released single, “Spinning Around,” released last November, already garnered 136K Spotify streams and received airplay on both Belgian national radio and BBC Radio 2, signaling early international traction.

Kristo - Spinning Around (livesession)

Kristo is the solo project of Belgian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kristiaan Deruytter. Music has always been a huge part of his life: as the son of renowned saxophone player Frank Deruytter and a mother who teaches marimba and percussion, he grew up in an environment where music was ever-present. It quickly became clear that Kristiaan would carve out his own artistic path.

After a classical music education and experience in several youth and teenage bands, he performed from 2017 to 2019 as singer and guitarist of the pop-funk trio Savoir-Vivre, releasing two EPs and multiple singles. He also frequently appeared as a guest with the 16-piece big band OTO Machine, led by his father.

In July 2022 he earned his Bachelor of Music – Pop – Guitar at Codarts University Rotterdam, becoming the first and only student to ever receive the maximum possible score for his guitar major. With that confidence and a solid artistic foundation, he launched his career as an artist and musician.

Under the name Kristo he released his debut EP “Restore” in 2022, followed by the EP “Childhood” in March 2024. The latter received warm reviews, and the single “I Am Not Enough” was supported by Radio 1, receiving airplay and a spot in Spotify’s Belgian New Music Friday.