Introducing: Could Care Less

'Creating a maximum of energy with minimal resources,' this is the motto of Antwerp based power-trio Could Care Less.
Having just signed a contract with The Art Department, label of local legends Toute Rancune, these three youngsters are ready to take on the world on their very own terms.


fltr: Ruben Timmermans, Kathri Verhelst & Jochem Broeck

Good afternoon. I heard you have signed with the label of Christophe Deckers. This is quite a surprise, since I was under the assumption that The Art Department was only going to distribute his own band.
Kathri Verhelst (vocals & bass) Well, everyone's free to change their mind, I guess. We're not complaining. When someone as legendary as Chris wants to work with you, that's already one dream coming true.
Ruben Timmermans (guitar) Even though we have a completely different approach, we all pretty much grew up with their albums. They have definitely been an inspiration when it comes to finding our own identity.

So, What's your story. How did you guys meet up.
KV Ruben and Jochem (Broeck (drums)) have been playing in the local Hardcore-scene since high school. We met about a year ago at Thorn In My Side (a local punk festival organised by local youth house Kavka). When my girlfriend was organising a housewarming party, we decided to form a band just for the occasion.
RT Turned out it was too much fun. We just kept playing after that.
KV In her living room (laughs). Thank god she likes our music.

I'm quite surprised with your setup. It's not what I would expect at all for this kind of music.
RT Oh really? And what kind of music would that be?

Well, I can definitely hear that you guys have a background in Hardcore Punk. It's the minimalist approach that is surprising. Kathri, I've read in your bio that you play a two stringed bass. I don't know if you've ever heard of the band Morphine?
KV You talking about Mark Sandman? Never heard of him (laughs). Obviously yes. I even play with a bottleneck.
RT It's amazing what these kind of limitations can do when it comes to creativity. I mean, look at Jack White for instance. An amazing guitar player, but his best work was with The White Stripes. And even though the way Kathri plays her bass has a clear origin, I think the last thing you can say is that we sound like Morphine.

I've also read that you have been confirmed to play at the new Hellhole Fest. That's quite a lineup so far.
RT You have to look at that in the right perspective. We're signed up as the opening act. That means we have to start playing the moment the doors are opening. You basically start playing for an empty venue.
KV But we're not going to let that drag us down. Besides, after that we can just lean back and enjoy everyone else.

So, what can we expect from you in the near future?
KV We're ready to hit the studio. Chris is going to produce our album, which I think is great.

You sure, he has quite the reputation. Have you seen the Beasts-interview he just had?
RT No way man, he's super cool. He's known as a producer to give his bands total freedom. It's just that, when it comes to Toute Rancune, he can be very protective.
KV I actually admire him for that attitude. I thinks it's Punk with a capital P.

Edited by user 10 May 2026 20:00:36(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Christophe Deckers I have a lot of nicknames, Christophe, Chris, Christ, Stoffel, Krikke, Mister Deckers,...
Now get out of my studio and let us work, unless you're planning to do some guest vocals!

Kathri Verhelst Is that a possibility?

Christophe Deckers Depends, are you willing to pay for the possible damages?

Edited by user 12 May 2026 23:19:12(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified