Annett Bonkowski

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.

Seeking truth in times of disillusionment, Natalie Mering aka Weyes Blood has been navigating through this feeling of pervasive uncertainty in recent years building the cornerstone of her latest album "And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow" by exploring dark and existential themes of human connection. The emotional weight and intimacy that run through the ten new tracks do not seek immediate answers, as our conversation with the L.A. based singer-songwriter reveals.

After 2019’s much-praised 'Remind Me Tomorrow', Sharon Van Etten now returns with her immensely personal new album 'We've Been Going About This All Wrong'. In our in-depth conversation with the American singer-songwriter, Van Etten kindly shares her thoughts with us on juggling motherhood and a successful music career, finding a sense of community in difficult times and the benefits of working on her own terms.

Nine albums into his career, Kurt Vile shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, his most recent work titled (watch my moves) suggests the contrary with a certain cheekiness hovering over the fifteen carefully crafted, nonchalant songs. NBHAP author Annett caught up with the Philadelphia multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer on his recent stop in Berlin. In a conversation revolving around his adult life and occasional moments of zen, Kurt Vile talks about the benefits of having a healthy routine, the comfort of working in a home studio and the bliss of spacing out.

Make yourself comfortable. But not too comfortable, when immersing into Father John Misty’s latest album with the sweeping title "Chloë and the Next 20th Century" which was released earlier this month. Josh Tillman’s fifth studio album under his stage name is an ambitious and intriguing work with a cinematic quality that pushes the door wide open to a space that offers a multi-faceted experience. NBHAP author Annett invites you all to take a closer look at his latest work.

Contemporary folk music would most likely not be the same without José González in it. The iconic Swedish indie folk artist who has brought us a number of subtle, yet eclectic albums and who is now returning with his fourth solo work to date: Local Valley. A sonic landscape José was happy to discuss with NBHAP author Annett Bonkowski in a recent chat.

The dreamy soundscape and abundance of beaming, warm and enriching colours of Villagers’ latest remarkable work "Fever Dreams" might just be the perfect playground to start an extraordinary adventure set in an intermediate world created by Conor J. O’Brien. NBHAP author Annett Bonkowski talked to the renowned Irish songwriter about dreamlike sensations, nuanced discussions and the ties that bind us all.

Sometimes, reality hits you hard. We are facing a new reality on a daily basis and not uncommonly, we struggle to navigate through it all. Looking for guidance. The reality of today can change in an instant. What felt real a moment ago, might only be a glimmer in the distant past seconds later. Change comes along. Inevitably. Therefore, also a new found need for being empathetic and patient with ourselves and the people around us. A detour to happiness? Surrender? Peace of mind as the ultimate goal? Acceptance is the key. Easier said than done, for sure. NBHAP author Annett Bonkowski asked an expert on that field for answers.