Belgium is responsible for giving us lots of things that we like. We can thank them for their waffle scoffing, boutique beer brewing ways and creating Tintin. However, there are things that come out of Belgium that aren’t related to opulent excess or curious comic book characters. One of them is Gaëtan Vandewoude, the lead singer of the Isbells.

The four-piece recorded their debut album in a stable in the Belgian woodlands, infusing the record with a soft twang and the scent of pine needles. There is a tougher edge to some songs, perhaps coming from Vandewoude’s past days as a guitarist for an emocore band. We’re not quite sure how he made the jump, but we’re very thankful for it.

Isbells’ self-titled debut album will be released in Australia on October 8th on Rogue Records through Inertia. If you can’t wait until then, you can grab a free download of  ‘As Long As It Takes’ here.

It's no secret that we love love love everything about Etsy and the way that they support independent artists and designers, so we thought we'd bring you a little bit of sunshine to brighten your day. My Sweet Prints is an Etsy store with some lovely prints by Janette Baker. The new mum keeps herself busy with bub as well as specialising in creating original art, kid's prints and interior loveliness. A sure way to chirp up any room and any mumma.

One of our lovely friends, Sally Shand is having a little show opening tomorrow night in Wellington with fellow artist, Rose Mckie. If you can make it along, the girls would love to see some friendly faces and we're pretty sure you would love to see some beautiful pieces of art. Expect water colours, pastels and childhood dreaming, Fly Away and Ming Fling will be on show at Thistle Hall on Cuba Street until September 5.

Stop swinging on your chair, young lady! Did I hear someone whispering? Stop that! Now turn to page 65. I do not allow gum in my classroom. What a filthy habit. Tuck in your shirt. And for god's sake, stop chewing on that pen! Well, no more biro chewing for us, we have something even better, a pen-pendant (hehe) made of sterling silver by the very talented people at Chewed By Tuesday. Nice nice nice and a little bit cheeky. Now behave yourselves and don't go smoking behind the boys toilet, now...

There's nothing like some pastel sweetness to get us through the week. Illustrator, Bindi Booth has just launched her new website, we highly recommend you check it out, it's chock-a-block with eye-candy and drawings so sweet, it'll have you wanting to pay a visit to the candy store.

Yay, free music and good times are coming to Brissie this month! We couldn't be more excited about this year's Valley Fietsa and all the great things that come along with it. Musical niceties include Courage, Dan Parsons, Seja, Dead Shades, Parades, Polaroid Fame, The John Steel Singers and Yacht Club DJs to name a few. Also, we're super excited for the Ann Street Party, where one of the most iconic streets in The Valley has shops like Blonde Venus and The Outpost turned into a canvas for art, film, exhibitions, fashion, performances and music. There's also a little Nine Lives Gallery collaboration and an after party at Club Fiesta.