The singer and pianist from Wuppertal, Maria Basel released her debut record "Bloom", on which she blends classical influences with pop, electronic and RnB. In this week's Introducing feature, she talks about how her classical background shaped her understanding of music and the therapeutic aspect of songwriting. Check out the playlist update with quiet indie folk and pop gems linked below.
The Chicago-based singer and poet Jamila Woods released her third LP "Water Made Us". Jamila Woods examines love and surrender documenting her process of learning and unlearning, musically and lyrically. Inspired by spirituality and backed by the legacy of Black artists, the new album is the most intimate so far.
On her search for hope in times of despair, Peruvian artist Sofia Kourtesis found it in the work of a famous neurosurgeon and her Berlin community. Her first full-length album "Madres" tells the story of her mother's recovery, of finding and nurturing family, and of fighting against homophobia. Norman Fleischer met with Sofia to discuss some of these topics.
Pat Burgener started snowboarding at the age of 5, on the slopes of Crans-Montana. In the years that followed, he was diagnosed with ADHD, cemented his position on the Swiss national team, earning high finishes at Olympic events, and launched a music career. NBHAP author, Elana Shapiro sits down with him to discuss how he found ways to create his own structures through music and sport, and how the two are intrinsically interlinked within his world.
Following their global stardom, the three members of The xx started venturing into exciting solo activities in the early 2020s. Romy Madley-Croft's journey is a truly personal story of biographic emancipation told in musical form – including massive trance pads, pumping beats and the familiar sensitive songwriting. In the new edition of “Electronic Empathy” Norman Fleischer discusses these themes with the artist.
The Edinburgh-based singer Becky Sikasa follows her debut "Twelve Wooden Boxes" with the new single "Work of Love". In conversation with Anna Grubauer, she talks about complex emotions and her artistic journey from growing up in Bavaria to exploring creative communities in Scotland's capital. Keep reading and tune into our Introducing playlist to get to know Becky Sikasa and her sound.
"A Little Lost, A Little Found" uses the wide reach of pop music to start important and necessary conversations. Finally having found herself again after a time of struggle, British singer and songwriter Grace Carter took NBHAP by the hand and walked us through the growing pains of a young woman of Colour, using music as a weapon in the battle against social injustice.
After years of honing their sound, Lucas Cheung and Charise Aragoza, also known as Mother Tongues, come through with their complex debut “Love In A Vicious Way”. NBHAP editor Andreas caught up with the duo prior to the release and went deep into the intricate entanglements the record burrows through.