Hantrax is the alias of Antwerp-based composer, performer, and pianist Han Swolfs (1984). Renowned for their live electronic performances and imaginative piano stage productions, their shows are kinetic, atmospheric, hypnotic, and cinematic. A multi-faceted musician who is both enigmatic and kind, Hantrax traverses music categories with whimsical ease from classical to jazz to edgy electronic music.
As a composer, their music in spirit is experimental, taking seemingly incompatible influences and mixing them into their self-invented musical language. They break the rules of genres, cross-pollinating styles at will into their oeuvre of dark ‘undanceable’ dance music. Their ingeniously crafted compositions reimagine standard forms. Old and new technology is an integral part of their process, exploring the possibilities of analogue and digital systems, music machines, and recording systems. Dubbed the illustrious prince of the Antwerp underground, Hantrax creates transformative music championed by connoisseurs and barbarians alike.
Their collection, which includes their piano compositions and their edgy electronic tracks, is available on Palermo Records, Ekster Label, Roulette Records, Jack Playmobile, and Jheri Tracks. In October 2019, Hantrax released their new double LP Paroxysm with Palermo Records. Off stage, Hantrax can be found hosting a modernist music program called Klankmeanders with their father, Hendrik Van Geel, on Radio Central and can be heard on their radio show titled Headroom on The Word Radio, which exposes cool, innovative music of all categories.
Working at the intersection of the arts, Hantrax has been involved in numerous creative collaborations and productions. Highlights include work with visual artists Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, Pieterjan Ginckels, and artist duo Arocha-Schraenen, as well as performances for the theater company Abattoir Fermé and for the classical orchestra of Michiel De Malsche as a soloist.
Hantrax realized from a young age that they wanted to pursue a life of music above all else. They began their music journey studying the cello at the age of 9 and then quickly gravitated towards the piano, beginning formal studies at the age of 12. They followed intensive classical piano training with Dorothea Haers and jazz piano with Christoph Erbstösser. Along with private instruction, they attended the prestigious Antwerp Jazz Studio. In parallel, during their volatile adolescent years, they were captivated by electronic synths, hip-hop, anarcho-punk, and new wave, fine-tuning their own style, figuring out how to command the stage, performing in bars, concert halls, and festivals. Light years since, they continue to build a music sphere of relentless experimentation that constantly defies boundaries and pushes the parameters of sound and performance.
