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.
Awaiting its anticipated full capacity return, the prestigious XJAZZ! Festival is about to unleash its most promising edition so far, showcasing the boundless exciting international jazz landscape from May 4 to 8. NBHAP co-head Andreas spoke with founder and artistic director Sebastian Studnitzky about the beginning and the future of the festival.
The Tallinn Music Week is taking place for the 14th time from May 4th to 8th. But this year is different than before. In February, Estonia's neighbour Russia invaded Ukraine. In a gesture of resistance TMW 2022 splits its focus between Tallinn and the eastern city Narva. We spoke to the co-curator Ingrid Kohtla to learn more about the hopes and struggles of the festival.
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.
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.
Following a public ultimatum which challenged the co-presence of disputed podcaster Joe Rogan on the Spotify platform, folk legend Neil Young has left the streaming service, along with a notable solidarity fraction, among them Joni Mitchell and others. While this may seem like a pure moral gesture, the dispute actually reveals more about the defects of the streaming business at large. Time for a personal reflection by NBHAP editor Andreas.
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.
After ten years in the scene we take a closer look at the label that managed to add new shades of sound to the techno music territory. NBHAP head Norman caught up with label founder Paul Kadow to talk about the past decade and the company's philosophy.