Ruben Machtelinckx is an active member of the Belgian and European scene for improvised and experimental music both as a guitarist and composer.

Since the very start of his artistic course he has focused on his own personal projects. His catalogue of releases exceeds ten records as a bandleader, with collaborators such as Arve Henriksen, Ingar Zach, Nils Økland, Hilmar Jensson, Joachim Badenhorst, Frederik Leroux, Toma Gouband, Øyvind Skarbø, Fredrik Rasten and Thomas Jillings.

Machtelinckx’ music has evolved from gentle melodies and folk influences to a sound world where friction and a hidden discomfort reside, without letting go of the power of songs and strains.

In extension of his musicianship he runs Aspen Edities, an independent record label for contemporary music that issues both improvised music and compositions, often combined in a peculiar interplay.

Machtelinckx won the 2020 award for Best Belgian Jazz release with his album Porous Structures.

As a sideman he played in bands like Veder, Ifa y Xango and Book of Air. As freelance musician he played with Peter Evans, Iva Bittova, Jakob Bro, Christian Wallumrød, Dré Pallemaerts and many others.