Raman. (BE) releases his new single "Mantra" and announces the release date of his long-awaited debut album, set for January 9, 2026.

With ‘Mantra’, RAMAN. once again proves why his name is increasingly prominent in the Belgian music scene. Currently touring with Hooverphonic as the replacement for founding guitarist Raymond Geerts, he is gaining valuable exposure that underscores the momentum behind his own work.

‘Mantra’ is a manifesto for living fully every day, exploring growth, navigating chaos and embracing the emergence of a new reality. ‘Mantra’ acts as a call to surrender to the beauty of everyday life.

The song is distinguished by a hypnotic, repetitive drum groove that lays a solid foundation beneath a catchy, immersive guitar riff. Towards the end, it opens up into intense, melancholic vocals, evoking the passion of Jeff Buckley and the experimental melancholy of Talk Talk and Radiohead. The track is not only a powerful statement on its own but also a first glimpse of the intensity that will define his debut album.

Alongside the release of his new single ‘Mantra’, which previews the sound of his upcoming debut album, RAMAN. presents an intriguing, cinematic music video. Its filmic quality evokes arthouse classics such as ‘Paris, Texas’ (Wim Wenders) and ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me’ (David Lynch). Full of mystery and symbolism, the video amplifies the track’s idiosyncratic intensity.

The enchanting visuals play with parallel realities: the protagonist receives a talisman from his own reflection, a visual metaphor for the themes of ‘Mantra: transformation, surrender and embracing a new reality.

The video was shot and edited by Brian Van Es (Triggerfinger, The Radar Station, Lady Linn, PEER) and features a striking floral costume designed by Ruth Vieren.

ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM

RAMAN. heralds his debut album with three first singles: ‘When Loneliness Succeeds’ (December 2024), ‘Boat’ (June 2025) and ‘Mantra’ (september 2025).

The road to the record began years ago. After his first EP “Birth of Joy” in 2019, RAMAN. steadily grew as an artist. His live shows earned a strong reputation, with concerts in iconic venues such as Paradiso Amsterdam, 013 Tilburg, Ancienne Belgique and festivals like Gent Jazz and Boomtown. He shared stages with renowned acts including Arno, Trixie Whitley and Kaiser Chiefs, winning over a broad and loyal audience.

The pandemic forced a temporary pause but also sparked an intense search for his own style and sound. RAMAN. worked with top musicians and producers such as Staf Verbeeck, Pascal Deweze and Koen Gisen. Under their guidance, the songs were refined and gained the depth and intensity that define RAMAN.’s music. Together with bassist Kris Auman (Endlingr, Strand of Oaks) and drummer Sylvester Vanborm (Wallace Vanborn, Endlingr), RAMAN. delivers a dynamic, versatile album that blends intimate acoustic pieces with grand, high‐energy band tracks.

RAMAN.’s music is rooted in blues and traditional genres yet connects effortlessly with modern influences. Echoes of Chris Whitley, Jeff Buckley, and Jimmy Page resonate in his sound, while the experimental edge of Beck, Talk Talk and Blake Mills also inspires his work. The result is a unique mix of raw emotion, melancholic instrumental interludes, and a no‐nonsense guitar tone that comes alive in both studio recordings and live performances.

This album is not only a major milestone in RAMAN.’s artistic journey, but also a tribute to his mentor Tiny Legs Tim (RIP), who inspired and guided him along the way. The record reflects RAMAN.’s quest for authenticity and connection.

‘When Loneliness Succeeds’, ‘Boat’ and ‘Mantra’ offer a taste of what’s to come: a magical album that seamlessly weaves tradition and innovation. Step into RAMAN.’s world, where vulnerability is strength and music a bridge to meaningful bonds.

RAMAN. - Boat

LIVE

• 02.10.2025 - Magazini Generali, Milaan (IT) *
• 05.10.2025 - Paradiso, Amsterdam (NL) *
• 06.10.2025 oktober - Gloria, Cologne (DE) *
• 09.10.2025 - Islington Assembly, London (UK) *
• 23.10.2025 - Kasteelconcert, Schoten (try-out)
• 05.11.2025 - Café de Loge, Gent

(* = support-act Hooverphonic)