Joost Zweegers has masterminded Novastar's inspiring, intelligent indie rock since the late ‘90s. Their self-titled debut went platinum, like many of their subsequent albums, and even caught the ear of Neil Young, who invited them to support him in Europe. Often piano-led, the band's carefully crafted ballads deliver emotional impact and melodic nuance, painting pictures of lost love, fragile relationships and hopeful resilience. Zweegers' keening falsetto and stirring lyricism give the songs real intimacy; every subtle hook is another gentle invitation into his compelling world of sound.