Novastar

Novastar is a Belgian band. It is led by Dutch-born singer-songwriter and guitarist/pianist Joost Zweegers. The band Novastar is known for its deep, emotional ballads, and the pure, high voice of Zweegers. Joost Zweegers has also adopted the name Novastar as his stage name for his solo materials.

Members

Biography

Novastar

Novastar was the winner of Humo's Rock Rally in 1996. The self-titled debut album Novastar was not released until four years later, in 2000, but with success. The album, produced by Wouter Van Belle and Marc Bonne, was released by Warner Music, reached #1 of the Ultratop Chart in Flanders and Novastar was awarded a platinum record. Singles "Wrong", "The Best Is Yet to Come", "Caramia" and "Lost and Blown Away" received much airplay. Novastar was honored as best album at both the Zamu Music Awards and the TMF Awards. Neil Young heard Novastar's music, and was impressed. He invited Joost and his band to open up for his Neil Young & Crazy Horse live show on several European tour dates.

Novation Companies

Novation Companies, Inc. (formerly Novastar Financial, Inc.) owns and operates early-stage businesses in the technology-enabled services industry. It trades under the symbol NOVC.

History

Novation Companies, Inc., (NOVC) was founded as NovaStar Financial, Inc., a Kansas City-based residential mortgage company, in 1996. Through its subsidiaries, NovaStar Mortgage, Inc., and NovaStar Home Mortgage, Inc., it originated, securitized and serviced residential loans.

During a 10-year period, NovaStar Mortgage originated more than $40 billion in mortgage loans and NovaStar Home had more than 400 branches located nationwide. The fast and significant success took the company to nearly 5,000 employees at one point. The company went public a mere 10 months after opening its doors.

From 2003 to 2006, the total number of subprime loans issued in the U.S. increased by 17 percent. However, NovaStar’s business model proved unsustainable for the long term as more and more people defaulted on loans. NovaStar's business model is considered one of the primary factors that led to the credit crisis of 2008.