"A Lot, Not Too Much": douniah On Transgenerational Pain and the Banality of Language

What is the worth of a good recording studio? After a meet-up with its founder in his luminous oasis of “The Famous Gold Watch” some weeks back, these standards might have to be set anew. Follow editor Andreas around, as he reconstructs the origins and visions of a real Berlin underground tale.

The alternative singer Laura Carbone is a NBHAP regular and back now with another release. The gloomy "Tuesday" is the latest single and it embodies a transformative experience of letting out female rage. In this guest article, Laura writes about the creation of the song from the first drone guitar sounds recorded in her bedroom to screaming her heart out in the studio.

McKinley Dixon released his fourth full-length record "Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?" in June of 2023. The album is named after the (unofficial) Beloved-trilogy by US-American author Toni Morrison and, similarly to the themes of the novels, explores feelings of love, loss, and pain found in the Black experience. NBHAP editor Felicia had the chance to sit down with the New York-based rapper to talk about family, the Harlem Renaissance, and remembrance.

The Swiss-Tamil singer Priya Ragu brings back Raguwavy with her sophomore album “SANTHOSAM”. On it, she reconnects with family and celebrates her roots. We spoke to the singer about her musical journey, the role of spirituality, and music as resistance to societal pressure and discrimination.

The Chicago-based singer and poet Jamila Woods released her third LP "Water Made Us". Jamila Woods examines love and surrender documenting her process of learning and unlearning, musically and lyrically. Inspired by spirituality and backed by the legacy of Black artists, the new album is the most intimate so far.

On her search for hope in times of despair, Peruvian artist Sofia Kourtesis found it in the work of a famous neurosurgeon and her Berlin community. Her first full-length album "Madres" tells the story of her mother's recovery, of finding and nurturing family, and of fighting against homophobia. Norman Fleischer met with Sofia to discuss some of these topics.

Hailing from Rotterdam, the Berlin-based singer-songwriter is finally here with her charged sophomore record that will further establish the gifted artist in the Berlin folk scene. NBHAP editor Andreas sat down with the musician to talk about the creative underground, influences and about taking one’s seat at the table.

The Berliner institution Musicboard Berlin funds a broad range of musical residency programs each year. The Co-Creation Residency encourages creative exchange, collaboration and community building by pairing two artists from different cities. We spoke to project manager Maureen Noe about the structures of the program as well as four artists who participated this year.