It is not hard to imagine French indie pop darlings Phoenix sitting in a room together. Ideas bubbling. Song sketches effortlessly turning into a bigger picture and the four longtime friends and (soul) brothers spending hours getting lost in the joy of playing music together. All while their music is doing the talking and a subconscious understanding kicks in. With their seventh album to date, Phoenix have returned with a refined and charming sound on "Alpha Zulu". A conversation about the value and stimulating effect of art, the privilege of recording inside a museum and the most rewarding moments of making music together after over two decades.
Awaiting its anticipated full capacity return, the prestigious XJAZZ! Festival is about to unleash its most promising edition so far, showcasing the boundless exciting international jazz landscape from May 4 to 8. NBHAP co-head Andreas spoke with founder and artistic director Sebastian Studnitzky about the beginning and the future of the festival.