Annett Bonkowski

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.

The tender "Washing With Water" is opening this week's newcomer selection of our Spotify playlist. Also part of the list are new songs from Ex Olympic, Albertine Sarges, Chloe Foy, Slothrust and more.

The day is coming to a close. The remaining daylight will swallow whatever is in front of us, little by little dragging this valuable present moment into the past. No matter how much we are trying to hold on to it. And with it, some thoughts and hopes will eventually fade away, too. Laying bare, an increased feeling of melancholy. A sensation so profound, Kevin Morby's new album 'Sundowner' takes us on a journey through those fleeting twilight hours full of magic and tristesse. A spirit of the times hovering above it all.

Time itself is a peculiar construct. There is a first time for most things in life and, therefore, it is often these moments that hold a uniqueness and most likely a special sentiment that you then carry with you for the months and years to come, if you are lucky. Discovering an artist and fully embracing their work for the first time has always been, to this date, an exceptionally thrilling experience for me. In 2010, Villagers' magnificent debut album 'Becoming A Jackal' ended up leaving a lasting impression on me.

The world would be a much duller place without rock’n’roll music in it. In fact, without Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in it. A powerful, raw guitar sound that shakes you thoroughly and resonates a feeling of uproar and , if needed, a certain will to strive against the stream will always remain valid. The boldness and drive that come along with rock music in its purest form have never disappeared, despite the genre being declared dead multiple times over the past decades.

The past few years have not exactly been easy for Caribou’s Dan Snaith. Despite piling up hundreds of song ideas and working tirelessly on his new album 'Suddenly', personal challenges and unexpected turns shaped the musical outcome to a large degree. An album that has been inspired by a very personal view on life more than anything forcing Snaith to step out of his own fears and taking on new roles. NBHAP editor Annett Bonkowski caught up with the acclaimed artist.

Pulling off a whole album circling around the theme of motherhood coming from a male artist is - quite frankly speaking - exactly what we need in 2019. Devendra Banhart may be one of the few contemporary male artists who are able do that with a great deal of sensitivity, warmth and openness. His latest work 'Ma' combines all of these characteristics beautifully while approaching the topic in its full spectrum.

Putting on a festival in 2019 comes along with a great deal of responsibilities. Lollapalooza Berlin, which celebrated its fifth edition this year, was back for a second consecutive round of music, art, fun and more at the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Park and approximately 85,000 visitors each day. Quite a large number of guests that were ready to be entertained in all possible ways.

In recent years, it would have been easy for Kindness to push themselves to the fore. With as many talents in their pockets as Adam Bainbridge and a long list of musical activities, high profile collaborations and various spectra covered such as writing, producing, djing or having their own radio programme, the limelight was right there. However, Kindness chose to let their work speak for itself mostly from a position in the half-shade . And it did. Rather soft-spoken in general, but always determined, profound and open-minded.

Before the summer is slowly fading away, we are blessed with "Forever Turned Around" - Whitney’s gorgeous follow up to 2016’s magnificent debut "Light Upon The Lake" that saw Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek become indie folk’s newest darlings with a very busy schedule of touring the world together afterwards. Working hard and following your passion is always best when you can share the experience with someone else which is very much the case here for the two longterm friends Max and Julien who have been making music together since the tender age of 18.