KCRW Berlin: Amplified

Brisbane-born Michael Brinkworth draws inspiration from Bob Dylan, Neil Young and from the city he now calls home, Berlin, “this weird halfway house that I ended up in.” The 33-year-old traveled the globe before settling down here six years ago.

In the past couple of months, Brinkworth has been releasing tracks from his upcoming album, “Wasted Wonder.” We talk to him about his new music and life in Berlin. (Originally aired July 11, 2020)

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll

We feature indie-rock musician Ian Tilling.

The 35-year-old Brit moved to Berlin in 2016. After joining and leaving a number of bands, he started his solo project Grief Scene a year ago. Next month, Tilling will release his debut album titled "Bad Times." (Originally aired Oct. 17, 2020)

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll

Martha Rose, a U.K.-born, Berlin-based musician, just released her second full-length album titled “Undress & Dive After.”

The 33-year-old multi-instrumentalist talks with us about her songwriting process, what her grandparents have to do with it and what’s behind her intriguing album title. (Originally aired Aug. 8, 2020)

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll

We spoke with Michael Culme-Seymour — aka Marlais — about his love of folk music and his life in Berlin. The 33-year-old musician often blends old folk songs with modern elements. “Meeting Is A Pleasure,” is his latest single released in mid-September, a preview of the album to come. (Originally aired Sept. 28, 2020)

Musician and producer James Chatburn moved to Berlin in 2015. The 29-year-old toured with well-known alternative R&B artists like Jordan Rakei and the L.A. band The Internet. One of his big idols is American soul legend Donny Hathaway. We caught up with the Australian to talk about his debut release "Faible Teil 1."

In this episode of Leitmotifs, host Fredrika Brillembourg talks with pianist and conductor Benjamin Hochman. He has performed in major cities and festivals around the world, both as a soloist and chamber musician. Currently, Hochman is a research associate with Bard College Berlin and concert curator for the American Academy. Fredrika spoke with him about Mozart and Hochman's approach to music.

Jazzfest Berlin has a long tradition in the city. It's been a platform for musicians from around the world since 1964.

This year, the four-day festival is scheduled to kick off on Nov. 5 with a focus on the jazz scenes in Berlin and New York. We spoke with Nadin Deventer, the artistic director of the festival about what to expect from this special pandemic edition of Jazzfest Berlin.

We feature indie-rock musician Ian Tilling.

The 35-year-old Brit moved to Berlin in 2016. After joining and leaving a number of bands, he started his solo project Grief Scene a year ago. Next month, Tilling will release his debut album titled "Bad Times."

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

We spoke with Michael Culme-Seymour — aka Marlais — about his love of folk music and his life in Berlin.

The 33-year-old musician often blends old folk songs with modern elements. "Meeting Is A Pleasure," is his latest single released in mid-September, a preview of the album to come. 

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

Angelica Ranåsen and Jacob Fagerstål are the Swedish pop duo Juno Francis. They teamed up in Berlin a couple of years ago to work on their vision of psychedelic 60s and 80s pop.

We caught up with the singer, Angelica, who is 26, to talk about the duo's upcoming first EP "Oyster Love," and her fascination with all things retro.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll