Blurring Boundaries: 9OASES on Club Culture, Creativity, and Their New EP
“We always strive to create something that hasn’t been done before,” Cologne-based duo 9OASES tells us about the inspiration behind their creative process. Mourad Kehailia and Sebastian Fischer are storytellers of sound, blending their contrasting musical pasts into a collaborative future.
Über den Fluss und in die Wälder
Ich dachte darüber nach, wie wir eine Post gesucht hatten, um den Brief abzuschicken und sie anrief und mir gratulierte und ich nicht wusste, ob sie ihn schon bekommen hatte und still war, zum ersten mal und zum Zweiten, als sie mich nochmal treffen wollte und ich ihr sagte, dass es jetzt nun vorbei sei und sie nochmal fragte, ob ich mir sicher sei und ich sagte, ja. Natürlich möchte man der, die man lange geliebt hat, gerne helfen, aber mit dem, was sie bräuchte, würde man sich aufgeben.
Claire Brooks on I Will Outlive You: Finding Purpose in the Unknown
“The moment art loses its meaning is the moment the world as we know it ceases to exist.” This words perfectly shows Claire Brooks’ artistic vision—her work is a wonderful mix of sound, emotion, and self-expression. In a world that grows ever faster and more intricate in all its facets, art becomes a refuge—a way to make sense of chaos, to channel emotion, to escape the noise, and to rediscover the quiet truths within ourselves.
The Unseen Hand
When something is truly meant for you, it won’t trigger chaos in your mind or feed your overthinking. Instead, it will feel like a deep breath, like finally finding your footing after wandering for too long. It won’t leave you questioning every move, swaying between certainty one moment and confusion the next.
“Medicine for the Soul:” In Conversation with R E L
R E L’s words, “It’s okay to be imperfect—it’s what makes you human. Fixating so hard on perfection is betraying yourself. The beauty is in showing up with heart and letting people really see you,” really resonated with me. She’s right. Striving for perfection can be self-defeating. The true beauty lies in being authentic, showing up as your genuine self, heart and all. This philosophy is the heartbeat of her music, and the soul of her existence.
Where the River Reflects
“Occasionally, an artist begins to want more from themselves in the work they are producing, because becoming complacent and repetitive in one’s art is one of the scariest places to be. Just because it has worked so far doesn’t mean you should always remain there. So, leading into the summer of 2024 I was having a particular internal struggle about who I was as an artist and, more importantly, what my art made visible and what it unintentionally made invisible.”
Glimpses Behind the Mask: Camille Schmidt’s Latest Chapter with ‘XOXO’
As I listen to the new song by the young artist Camille Schmidt, I am deeply inspired by her reflective words. She speaks many truths, and even though truths are often mutable and open to debate, there is a point where, I feel, one comes close to the essence of understanding. How much freer it feels when we don’t have to pretend, when we can simply be ourselves while still striving to become slightly better people.
Hauntingly Beautiful: KOWARI’s ‘Mori’ is a Reflection on Letting Go
“Doing what we love and being happy to wake up every day to do it!” says Louan Kempenaers, one half of the Belgian duo KOWARI, when reflecting on what drives his creative journey. Alongside Damien Chierici, the other half of the duo, KOWARI weaves together the classical instruments with the energy of modern electronica.
Between Structure and Freedom: Martin Kohlstedt on His Live Album
“The courage to fail”—a mindset Martin Kohlstedt welcomes fully in both his music and life, allowing him to overcome boundaries and create without constraint. Growing up in the small German town of Breternitz, Martin’s journey began with classical piano training, a foundation that would later evolve into a unique fusion of genres. His music blendes classical structures with electronic elements, mixing tender melodies with powerful electronic textures. This interplay of ambivalence—between fragility and intensity—makes his compositions speak to the soul.
“With Honesty and Love, Anything Can Be Said”: Elodie Gervaise on the Power of Communication in Her New Single
“The power of good conversation, honest communication… with love, softness, and the right tone, anything can be said.” These lyrics from the new release by Elodie Gervaise touched me deeply. The track “Communication” feels like it arrived at just the right moment. Good communication is the key to strong friendships, relationships, love, and really everything that connects us as humans.
Premiere: “This album represents a return to myself in a way.” The Quiet Power of Lara Ruggles’ Anchor Me
Listening through Lara Ruggles’ new album Anchor Me, you inevitably hear not only her personal stories but also a bit of where she grew up. Raised 40 miles outside Tucson on a 7-acre property surrounded by cattle ranches, Lara’s songwriting is steeped in the quiet isolation she felt during those formative years.
Sunlight in a Smile
Ilona Cardot’s natural grace is like a breath of fresh air, lifting our spirits and casting a gentle glow over the day. Alongside photographer Steve McKee, she spent an afternoon by the shore; though the sun hid behind clouds, Ilona’s radiant smile became its own quiet sun, illuminating the scene with a warmth all her own.
“Understanding My Relationship with Love and Pleasure”: Ziyad Al-Samman on ”Pleasure Complex”
“I confess My love for you I can’t rest I’m confused by the way that we move.” The debut EP by Ziyad Al-Samman delves into what might be one of life’s most fundamental themes—the unpredictable energy, the beauty and turbulence surrounding love, and the chaotic waves that drive human connections. Pleasure Complex explores these emotions, layered with Ziyad’s distinct mix of indie-disco and psychedelic pop.
Sunlight & Curls
Justine is not a model; she’s a young woman who simply enjoys stepping in front of the camera now and then. Her wild curls catch the light as the sun glances off them, and her vibrant personality shines through in each frame captured by Tim Vansteelandt. Enjoy!