Wired: Portrait XO On The Intersections Of Artificial Intelligence And Creativity

While we were pretty blown away by Squid's magnificent "Bright Green Field" during the spring of 2021, the UK rock sensation already had the follow-up in mind. Now the adventurous group returns with the fruits of lockdown labour, resulting in an even bolder and more emotional record. "O Monolith" is not an easy record - but these aren't easy times anyway. NBHAP author Norman took a closer look at it.

Debuting with a fascinating genre-bending record, Anglo-Irish musician Hugh Sheehan takes the listener by their hand and guides them through the exploration of queerness in all its nuances. NBHAP author Giulia Leonarduzzi had an in-depth talk about the debut album.

Every end of the month we publish reviews of some of the brand new records that moved us. These are the personal takes on hand-curated gems our team dug up (and the occasional chart topper), this time with Ana Lua Caiano, 7ebra, Cloth, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Mandy Indiana and Arlo Parks. Have you discovered something new? What was your favourite album this month?

One of Germany's most essential showcase of upcoming acts and buzzing industry topics, the c/o pop celebrated a wild anniversary this year around the corners of Cologne Ehrenfeld. NBHAP author Anna Stich, a city local herself, roamed the festival spots to get an impression.

The Berlin-based artist Lie Ning has long been a name in the local RnB and pop circles. Now they finally released their debut "Utopia". NBHAP author Anna Grubauer met the singer for a chat about concepts of utopia, mainstream pop and calling out the exclusivity of the white male-dominated German music landscape.

Hailing from Orange County and just releasing her long-awaited debut record, the US-American singer-songwriter has stepped out from a dark place into spaces of healing and progress. NBHAP editor Andreas chatted up the artist around the release of “Defamator” and talked about the origins of the songs, cathartic relief and the sweetness of revenge.

One of Britain’s rising jazz musicians, the acclaimed London act delivered one of the most brimming shows at this year’s XJAZZ! edition in Berlin. We caught up for a quick chat with the artist after the show to talk about the British scene and what it means to honour the legacy of jazz music.

On his new release "Variables", Alfa Mist explores themes of identity inspecting its creation by means of reflection and retrospection. NBHAP editor Felicia met with the Newham jazz and hip-hop producer to talk about perspectives of positive pessimism as well as his understanding and appreciation for life and the joy of missing out.