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Roots

Stories from the soil, the roots and traditions of sounds.

“Cherish The Natural World”: How Erland Cooper Turns Environment Into Sound

On his recent record “Folded Landscapes”, Scottish composer Erland Cooper moves through time, climate change and human existence by means of vast, orchestral landscapes, created under extreme circumstances. We took the chance to chat up the musician to discuss his aesthetic principles and the conditions that governed the musical creations.
Singer Ray Lozano is standing in a convenience store. Taken from behind the counter, we see the singer from the waist up. She is looking directly at the camera wearing a black bomber jacket, a white t-shirt, and her hair tied into a high ponytail.

A Big Sister: Ray Lozano Writes About Belonging and the Influence of Jill Scott

The German-Filipino singer and musician Ray Lozano just released her debut album "Pairing Mode". It is a collection of polaroids, or short stories, about being alone, longing, and belonging. Raised in Cologne between two cultural identities, Ray found a home in the music of Jill Scott. In her guest article, she writes about the influence of the RnB singer on her younger self, and how it continues to shape her until today.

Companion with 88 Keys: The Personal Reflections of Eleven Pianists

On the 88th day of the year, Piano Day, LEITER release the second compilation featuring pianists from different musical backgrounds. The record represents the diverse stories and emotions the piano can invoke. With artists like Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Yann Tiersen, and Meredi, the compilation celebrates the sound of the unique instrument.

“Keeping The Faith In Life And In Love”: About The Retro-Tinged Folk Of Signe Marie Rustad

In a matter of reviving a classic songwriter spirit, Norwegian folk artist Signe Marie Rustad’s recent record turns a hopeful spirit into artistic courage and a nostalgic feel. For a new edition of our folk column we took the opportunity to chat her up and let her elaborate on the process, going into the tracks of her new record "Particles Of Faith" in detail. Make sure you also head into the playlist, which she co-curated with us for this occasion.

“Further Away From My Own Life”: On The Art Of Fiction With Andy Shauf

One of the most promising songwriters off the Canadian soil, Andy Shauf returns these days with “Norm”, a meticulously crafted interlay of stories revolving around the central, eponymous figure. NBHAP editor Andreas sat down with the artist to talk about the record, discussing the craft of storytelling as such, and the lack of imagination that characterises present-day folk music.

“A Quartet of Quartets”: Cellist Peter Gregson on Creativity and Classical Music

"Quartets 3+4" is an ode to the beauty of the string quartet. Placed in a contemporary context, Peter Gregson balances electronics with the traditional richness of the quartet. In doing so, he questions how we perceive and compose classical music in the 21st century. Elana Shapiro sits down with Gregson to discuss the Quartets album project, his experience of composing for film and more broadly, the past few years of his career.

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