Based in Berlin, the Haifa-raised singer and songwriter Rasha Nahas releases her first album in her native tongue, Arabic. Written during the pandemic, "Amrat امرات" is an exploration and celebration of her Palestinian identity and a touching album grown out of spaces in between cities, identities, and cultures. We spoke to the singer and are premiering the video to "Habbetek حبيتك" in this week's Introducing Feature.
For two days in late November, the music-discursive event Territory Disrupt gathered various artists and researchers at SOMA Art Space Berlin. The concerts and discussion rounds focussed on the topic of cultural imperialism and artistic work in times of war. Music and cultural production are ways of fighting oppression and inspire solidarity and resistance. Anna Grubauer entered this space for exchange and discourse and shares impressions from the artistic interventions and discussion rounds.
The term Pop is slippery like water. Its wide range exceeds definition yet it is used ubiquitous. Shaped by a hegemonic discourse, what is considered pop often moves within a narrow realm. Berlin's alternative pop festival, Pop Kultur, questions the definition of pop and the tastemakers by curating an inclusive, diverse, and critical line up of artists and speakers at their eighth edition earlier this year.
Rants about Spotify and their questionable practices as the top dog of the streaming industry have become an established tradition of pop-cultural criticism, but rarely do comments lead to action. Following up on the Joe Rogan conflict with the Swedish company, NBHAP co-head Andreas caught up with musician and activist Joel Jerome from the "Union Of Musicians And Allied Workers" to find out more on the organisation and how to get involved.
Estonia borders Russia as well as Ukraine sharing close cultural ties with both countries - until the Russian invasion. Now, the music festival is at a cross-roads in the most literal sense. In resistance to the Russian aggression, Tallinn Music Week teamed up with Narva, the city that is connected to Russia by a bridge. Writer Dan Cole attended TMW and shares his impressions of a festival that aims to support and show solidarity through music, art, and exchange.
More than a month after the beginning of the Russian invasion in Ukraine on February 24th, the strikes of the aggressor continue to devastate the country. To raise awareness and continue to support the country - financially and culturally - we update our "With Ukraine" playlist in collaboration with local artists. This time with folk duo Tember Blanche.
More than a month after the beginning of the Russian war on Ukraine on February 24th, the strikes of the aggressor continue to devastate the country. To raise awareness and continue to support the country - financially and culturally, we updated our playlist in collaboration with the Lesik Omodada, drummer and producer of the band Tik Tu.
In the light of the current developments we are looking to support Ukraine in every way we can. As a music medium, we can provide a platform for musicians from the country under attack. "With Ukraine" uplifts the voices of artists from the region in hope to raise awareness and support.