Scala: The Belgian Choir Redefining Rock and Pop

Scala is a Belgian musical collective known for their haunting choral interpretations of rock and alternative songs. Formed as a choir and orchestra, the group has carved a unique niche by transforming guitar-driven anthems into atmospheric, vocal-led soundscapes. Their breakthrough album, "Scala & Kolacny Brothers," achieved platinum status in several European countries, cementing their reputation as a distinctive force in music.

Early career

Scala was formed in 1996 by pianist and arranger Steven Kolacny and his brother, conductor Stijn Kolacny, in Flanders, Belgium. The ensemble began as a girls' choir, performing classical and folk music with a focus on intricate vocal harmonies. Their early work was primarily local, but their unique artistic vision of applying choral techniques to contemporary music soon set them on a new path.

Breakthrough

The group's international breakthrough arrived in the early 2000s with their cover of Radiohead's "Creep." This stark, emotive rendition gained significant traction online and was later featured in major film trailers and television shows, notably for the film "The Social Network." This exposure led to the 2002 release of their pivotal album "Scala & Kolacny Brothers," which went platinum in Belgium and Germany, introducing their sound to a global audience.

Key tracks

Creep — This Radiohead cover served as Scala's global calling card, utilized in high-profile media and showcasing their transformative approach.

Nothing Else Matters — Their version of the Metallica ballad demonstrated their ability to reinterpret heavy metal with profound choral delicacy.

With or Without You — The U2 classic reimagined by Scala became a staple in their live performances, highlighting their expansive vocal dynamics.

Smells Like Teen Spirit — This Nirvana cover underlined the dramatic contrast between grunge's raw energy and Scala's controlled, ethereal power.

The success of their early albums led to extensive touring and further recognition. Scala has released over a dozen studio albums, including "One-Winged Angel" and "Circle," and has collaborated with artists like Apocalyptica. Their music continues to be licensed for film, television, and advertising, underlining its enduring cinematic and emotional appeal. The ensemble, while seeing changes in membership over the years, remains led by the Kolacny brothers, maintaining its core identity. For fans of Scala's blend of choral elegance and alternative rock, similar artists include Apocalyptica who also bridge classical instrumentation with rock music. Gregorian shares the approach of applying choral techniques to modern pop and rock songs. The Piano Guys create similarly orchestral and cinematic covers of popular songs. Within Temptation incorporates symphonic and choral elements into their brand of Dutch rock music.

Scala's distinctive catalog receives regular airplay on a variety of radio formats, including classical crossover stations, alternative rock radio stations seeking unique covers, and online radio streams dedicated to cinematic and atmospheric music. Their recognizable sound makes them a frequent choice for thematic programming and listener requests across independent music radio stations.

The music of Scala, the innovative Belgian choir, can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or listen to Scala's transformative choral rock through the diverse radio stations available on onairium.com.