Berlin

The Berlin-based artist Lie Ning has long been a name in the local RnB and pop circles. Now they finally released their debut "Utopia". NBHAP author Anna Grubauer met the singer for a chat about concepts of utopia, mainstream pop and calling out the exclusivity of the white male-dominated German music landscape.

On their new record "World Wide We", OY take their journey to Earth. The band examines political and structural problems and injustices as well as intimate emotions. Moving feet and minds, OY make music full of hope. This week we are introducing their new record and asked them a few questions about it.

With determination and musical confidence, Jennifer Touch has already made waves in the Berlin underground scene but that was just the beginning. On her second studio album, the German artist breaks free from her past while emerging in a fascinating new form. Lovers of sinister wave pop shouldn’t miss this record so that’s one reason why we decided to ask her a few questions.

In its familiar format CTM, the well-established festival for club culture returned this year. Some of Berlin's finest sound systems, including the ones at Berghain, RSO, and HAU2, have once again been selected to host electronic and experimental music acts from around the world. Anna Grubauer reflects on a week of inspiration, surprises, and lack of sleep.

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.

There’s a new up and coming star in the skies of Berlin’s DIY underground scene. On “Just Fantasy” Lover Buffet reflects on emotional breakdowns and hope in times of despair with an old Yamaha synth playing a crucial part in all of this. Get to know them right here.

There is a new voice coming from the depth of Berlin’s indie circles. The New Delhi-born and Berlin-based singer Naari releases her self-titled debut earlier this month. This week we are introducing Naari and spoke to the singer about moving to Berlin, community, and love.

Kit Sebastian is the creative union of singer Merve Erdem and guitarist Kit Martin. Together, the duo explore their cultural and musical roots and incorporate the rich past of Anatolian music into their psychedelic rock albums. Between past and present, their music as well as visuals are coined by cultural heritage and love for vintage feels.