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.
Based in Japan but with fans and artists from all over, FLAU finds and releases music from artists who craft their own special worlds. NBHAP editor Austin caught up with some of the label's protagonists to shed some light on their work by talking to label boss Yasuhiko Fukuzono as well as artists Rayons, Machinone, Sparrows and Rima Kato.