Liv Toerkell

Beloved Berlin-based musician Laura Carbone got the chance to curate and organize a small festival at Festsaal Kreuzberg. From poetry readings to indie rock, Cosmic Dreaming rounds up a circle of local artists playing together for the first time. NBHAP author Liv Toerkell spoke to the musician before the show about the experience of organizing an event and returning to the stage.

Durand Jones & the Indications make the paradox of contemporary retro soul work. On their third album "Private Space" the band reveals more of their musical style and spreads messages of love. We spoke to Durand Jones and Aaron Frazer about growing from a college band into full-time musicians, the meaning of privacy, and love.

The Berlin-based artist Lucy Kruger put together a collection of songs for the road. This is not a mixtape for the next roadtrip but one to gaze out of the window of a moving car, caught in motion but still. That melancholia of the in-between is the emotion that the artist's recent LP "Transit Tapes" evokes as well.

Magic Island is the moniker of the producer and artist Emma Czerny. The Canadian made Berlin her hometown ten years ago but the confinement of the pandemic made her rediscover her neighborhood. Working off the theme of questioning what you think you already know, her new album "So Wrong" is a collection of songs influenced by her life in Neukölln. NBHAP author Liv Toerkell went for a walk with Emma in the city streets that she calls home.

The Brooklyn-based musician and writer Michelle Zauner, aka Japanese Breakfast, explores themes of joy on her latest record. Following the release of her memoir and two records dealing with loss and grieving, the singer is moving onto new things. NBHAP author Liv Toerkell met the artist for a video chat to talk about working through grief and finding optimism and hope.

Five months into 2021 and we caught up with one of our artists to watch this year. The Berlin-based singer Mulay released her anticipated debut "ANTRACYTE". Somewhere between alternative RnB and contemporary pop, she continues to shape her own musical niche. We caught up with the artist to talk about the release and where else 2021 might take her.

Les Enfants Sauvages are wild kids at heart and maintain child-like curiosity and amazement in their musical output. The three musicians come from various musical backgrounds and merge their influences on the debut LP "LES". NBHAP author Liv caught up with lead singer and songwriter Lena Schmidt to find out what drives the band.

Noga Erez is not "Off the Radar" anymore. Following her 2017 debut record with the follow-up "KIDS", the singer and rapper from Tel Aviv establishes herself as a distinct musical voice. Punchy pop songs, fierce rap lines, and layered electronic arrangements single "KIDS" out as a powerful sophomore record. NBHAP author Liv spoke to the singer about the prevailing theme of generations, musical inheritance, and the limitations of technology.

Singer and songwriter Claud went from making indie pop songs in their bedroom to recording their debut LP "Super Monster" at the iconic Electric Lady Studio. Exploring themes of love, isolation, and coming-of-age, the record communicates a wide range of emotions through lyrics and instrumental arrangements. We caught up with the musician to explore the background of their music making.

Bridging the past of soul music into a bright new future is the London-based singer Celeste Waite. She just released her highly anticipated debut "Not Your Muse" spanning from catchy pop choruses to soulful depth. NBHAP author Liv spoke to the musician about what moves her and the pressure of putting out a record in the public eye.