Musicians in Conversation

In this episode Natalia speaks with Live Sound Engineer, Lena Brechbühl. We discuss the positives and negatives of the profession. The relationship between live sound engineer and artist and the importance of vocabulary to express how you want your sound to be.  We also talk about the emotional labour when opposing sexism and sexual harassment in the industry and what more can done to combat it.

Lena Brechbühl is a live sound engineer and has worked with artists such as BrandãoFaberHunger, caruso+avila, Faber, Film2, Gina Été, Jonas Albrecht, Odd Beholder to name but a few. She has mixed sound at clubs and festivals all over Switzerland. She is responsible for the technical management and training young sound engineers at Treibhaus in Lucerne. Lena also plays guitar, has an incredibly powerful voice and studies music.

In-ears - In-ear monitors are devices used by musicians, audio engineers and audiophiles to listen to music or to hear a personal mix of vocals and stage instrumentation for live performance or recording studio mixing.

Wedges - Performer-facing loudspeakers called monitor speakers, stage monitors, floor monitors, wedges, or foldbacks on stage during live music performances. The monitor system allows musicians to hear themselves and fellow band members clearly.

Stereo - Stereophonic sound, or more commonly stereo, is a method of sound reproduction that recreates a multi-directional, 3-dimensional audible perspective.

Mono - Monaural or monophonic sound reproduction (often shortened to mono) is sound intended to be heard as if it were emanating from one position. This contrasts with stereophonic sound or stereo, which uses two separate audio channels to reproduce sound from two microphones on the right and left side, which is reproduced with two separate loudspeakers to give a sense of the direction of sound sources.

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on insta!

In this episode Natalia talks with Belia Winnewisser who is a singer, composer, sound artist and DJ.  She is also a coach for Helvetiarockt Music Lab workshops. 

We discuss finding the ideal music course to study, the decision to put music first and then build work around that.  She also tells us about not feeling ready to start a solo career until recently, spurred on by the desire for independence and to stop hiding behind others.

The music of Zurich-based artist Belia Winnewisser is an enthralling full-body experience. Her sound oscillates between soft noisescapes and brutal salvos, equal parts pop, sound art, and club music, appealing as much to the heart as the head and the gut. Winnewisser started working with sound synthesis and live electronics during her Bachelor degree in Sound Arts. She received her Master of Contemporary Arts Practice from the Bern University of the Arts in 2018.

Winnewisser has been active as a singer, composer, and keyboard player for various band projects, like the dissolved goth unit Evje, indie super group Silver Firs, or pop duo α=f/ m. In the last few years, Winnewisser has been prioritizing her own music production, solo concerts, and DJ gigs. She also composes music for audio books, stage theatre, and leads workshops in songwriting and producing.

Winnewisser’s first album Radikale Akzpetanz was released on the Lucerne-based label Präsens Editionen in 2018. Following her debut, the EP A Comet Blazing In the Empyrean came out on the Cologne-based label SPA Recordings in 2020. Back in June of this year, she released her second album SODA, again on Präsens Editionen.

Arturia MicroFreak Synthesizer

Motu UltraLIte - A ‘hybrid’ audio interface that connects to your computer and connect all your studio gear, including microphones, synths, keyboards, guitars etc.

Track 1: ‘So Real’ written and produced by Belia Winnewisser

Track 2: ‘Boreal’ written and produced by Belia Winnewisser

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on insta!

In this episode Natalia talks to Jasmin Albash, who is a singer, songwriter and vocal coach. She is also the Helvetiarockt Regional Manager for Northern Switzerland and coaches the Beatmaking Workshop!

We discuss Jasmin’s experience teaching the, ‘Complete Vocal Technique’ and she provides tips to singers to maintain a healthy approach when using their voice.  We also talk about her journey to Palestine, connecting her Arabic and Swiss identities and the healing that came from that process.

Jasmin shares with us two of her songs from her album, ‘Gold’ and she answers and audience question.

Jasmin Albash is a singer, songwriter and vocal coach. As a professionally trained singer with knowledge of jazz, soul and pop music, she has worked on several musical projects, such as Jasmin Albash, Kallemi, Sijada Sessions, The RK, Pullup Orchestra, Songgoing and Molashka.

As a solo artist, she play's under her own name and released her solo album "Gold". The album met with a great response on Swiss radio. (SRF 3, Rete Uno, RTS, Radio Fribourg) Various airplays and interviews followed and in December Albash was part of "SRF - Zämä stah" and was selected as one of 50 artists to give a 15-minute live concert on television. In 2021 she won the cultural advancement award from the canton of Thurgau.

In Autumn 2018, she co-founded the band Kallemi, which emerged from the Kaserne Basel's exchange project between Basel and Ramallah. In 2019, the band toured Palestine, Israel, Germany, Switzerland and Canada.  Musical and social engagement is an important part of Albash's work as a musician.

In 2019, she launched a YouTube channel called "Sijada Session" where she invites female or non-binary musicians to collaborate for a song. The channel creates visibility for the musical work of professional musicians and serves as a networking platform.  

‘In-Ears’ - In-ear monitors (IEMs) are devices used by musicians, audio engineers, and audiophiles to listen to music or to hear a personal mix of vocals and stage instrumentation for live performance or recording studio mixing.

Track 1: Going Out To See You I Composer & Lyricist: Jasmin Albash, Producer: Aaron Ahrends.

Track 2: Sink I Composer & Lyricist: Jasmin Albash, Producer: Aaron Ahrends.

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on insta!

In this episode Natalia talks with Jessiquoi, who is a producer, composer and performer.  She is also a coach at the Helvetiarockt Music Lab beatmaking workshop. Not only that, her song, ‘The Addict’ has been used as the theme music throughout season 2 of this podcast!

We discuss learning to collaborate after working alone for years. Jess’ experience writing music for TV and the role of streaming platforms when it comes to artists’ creativity.

‘That chick serving up fresh beats from a neon food stand.’ Jessiquoi is not exactly what you’d expect to emerge out of Switzerland’s underground. An Australian / Swiss producer, composer and performer, her live set looks and sounds like it belongs in futuristic Shanghai ca. 2048. Combining raw, physical energy and dance-driven beats colliding with audacious rap and resonant vocals, Jessiquoi won Demo of Year and Best Electronic at M4Music Festival, Zürich 2018. After well received performances at Gurten Festival and Zürich Openair, she progressed to international showcases in New York and mainland Europe and released her first album in October 2019, which included the award winning single The Sentry.

In 2021 she returned with a new collection of songs, which she began working on while in pre-pandemic China. Each song is meticulously pieced together with detail and unexpected direction, which, alongside her electrifying live shows will leave you with the same buzz you might feel from ‘visiting the robot restaurant in Tokyo after drinking 5 Red Bulls.’ (RCKSTR Magazine). Although it might be easy to get caught up in the flashing lights and rhythm, those who listen closely will find depth to her lyrical constructs and ideas. ‘What we synthesise is what we are bringing into reality.’ With a holistic approach to both audio and visual world building, she explores and blurs the boundaries between inner worlds and reality, creating electronic soundscapes which reflect on our current time from 30 years in the future. ‘Jessiquoi celebrates artificiality as art and shapes it with her originality. The way she impressed everyone in a small dark club could just have easily impressed a huge crowd anywhere on the planet.’ (Neue Zürcher Zeitung)

Track 1: Popstar – Written and produced by Jessiquoi

Track 2: Superpower – Written and produced by Jessiquoi

Orbit: Wireless midi controller

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on instagram!

In this episode Natalia talks to La Nefera. She is a multifaceted musician, artist and rapper.

We discuss the challenges of moving to Switzerland from Dominican Republic as a child, using her music to speak for those without a voice and the healing that comes from being able to party.

La Nefera is a Swiss musician with Dominican roots. As frontwoman and a member of various band formations (LA NEFERA, KALLEMI & ERROR 404), she has performed on national and international stages. She was awarded the 2020 music promotion award from Canton Baselland. In addition to her music, La Nefera is strongly committed to social issues, especially networking and the empowerment of women and she is a qualified and experienced social worker.

TRACK 1: No Se I Lyricist: Jennifer Perez I Composer: Victor Hege, Manuel Tröhler, Alberto Garcia

TRACK 2: Cuerpo y Alma I Lyricist: Jennifer Perez I Composer: Victor Hege, Manuel Tröhler, Alberto Garcia

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on instagram!

In this episode Natalia talks to Muriel Rhyner, who is the bass guitarist and lead singer of the band Delilahs. She is an intrinsic part of the Helvetiarockt team, organising songwriting workshops, band workshops and producing weekends.

Muriel has many years’ experience in the music industry from being signed at 16 years old to touring around the world with her band the Delilahs.  She shares with us what she’s learned over the years, including how to say no and standing up for yourself and rebuilding the reputation of her band after the early hype.

She shares with us two songs from Delilahs, ‘Queen’ and ‘Wheels’.

Once you have fallen in love with Punk, you won’t be able to leave easily… 

Let’s go back to 2004, the year zero of Delilah’s, when Isabella Darling (formerly Eder) and Muriel Rhyner first met. They shared a passion for punk rock. In 2008 Daniel Fischer and Philipp Rhyner completed the bands formation, they brought more love for loud guitars and speedy drums, inspired by the 1977 punk era England.

The quartet has released four studio albums and an EP and has played around 650 live shows. From small to large venues all over Switzerland and Europe, they are nested somewhere between mainstream and subculture.

In 2013 Delilah’s formed the live side-project DELILAHS’77, where they celebrate their favorite punk rock songs, including classics from The Clash, The Skids, X-Ray Spex, The Undertones, Ramones and many many more. Whenever the itch for excessive volume and Czech beer arises DELILAHS’77 pack their gear and hit the road from here to Prague to Berlin and back, playing some of the oldest and most iconic underground clubs. In 2021 they released an EP with 4 Cover-Songs including „Wheels“, where they also cover one of their own tracks „wheels“.

TRACK 1: QUEEN – Written by Muriel Rhyner & Delilahs. Taken from Album PAST TRUE LUST // 2014.

TRACK 2: WHEELS – Written by Muriel Rhyner. Taken from the EP DELILAHS vs DELILAHS’77 // 2021. ISRC: CH6542109614

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on instagram!

In this episode Natalia speaks to Melisa Su who is a Club DJ, Producer and co-founder of the record label, ‘Mirror Records’.  She is also a coach and the Helvetiarockt Music Lab DJ Workshop.

We discuss the feelings of anxiety and nervousness when DJing, moving to Bern from her native Ankara, Turkey and the effect that had on her career.  She also talks about her Game Theatre projects and shares with us her latest track, ‘Altels’.

Melisa Su was born in 1992, Ankara. She discovered electronic music In her college years. Her interest in electronic music – and especially in Techno – grew very fast and she improved her DJing skills. Since 2011, she played at different venues and festivals in İstanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. She was also resident DJ and music coordinator at various venues in Ankara and played before some World-famous DJs like Oliver Koletzki, Charlotte De Witte, Sezer Uysal.

Since 2017 she is based in Bern and continues to DJ at Swiss Clubs and Festivals. In her sets, she usually plays Techno and Acid Techno. In addition to music, she worked as an actress at the Ankara State Theatre and began her Master’s degree in Expanded Theatre at the Bern University of the Arts in 2017.

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on instagram!

In this episode of Musicians in Conversation, Natalia talks to Odd Beholder who is a singer songwriter, political activist. She is also the co-founder of the Swiss Branch of the international climate protection organisation “Music Declares Emergency”.

We discuss how the act of playing is a great creative resource. Odd Beholder goes on to provide practical tips for musicians when it comes to the issue of climate change. We also talk about the digitisation and atomisation of the music industry and what that means for musicians in general.

In Odd Beholder’s music, Daniela Weinmann precisely and laconically records the oddities, shadows and misunderstandings of our time. Her version of embracing dark pop music, is a way of dealing with unpleasant truths, yet it’s also a way to seek comfort.

While Odd Beholder’s debut album „All Reality Is Virtual“ revolved around digitalisation, Weinmann’s second album „Sunny Bay“ addresses the topic of nature, or rather the romantic notions and existential fears that nature triggers in us all. Before that, Odd Beholder released two impressive EPs, „Lighting“ (2016) and „Atlas“ (2017). In 2018, „Remixes“ was released; a tastefully curated EP to which The/Das, Fejka and Hundreds contributed their work.

Odd Beholder’s music is cinematic. The videos created for the music are always treated as conceptual art. The video clip for the single „Landscape Escape“, shot by Berlin filmmakers Grambow & Kirchknopf in Azerbaijan in cooperation with the Azerbaijan Social & Modern Dance Association, won the jury prize of the „Best Swiss Video Clip“ Awards 2017. The song is also used at a central point in the film „Mario“, which deals with the problematic handling of homosexuality in the world of football.

Odd Beholder has been invited to important festivals such as Great Escape (UK), Eurosonic (NL) and Reeperbahn Festival (DE). She has toured in various formations in China, Italy, Germany and Switzerland and was explicitly asked by the Hamburg-based electro-pop duo Hundreds as well as by Bodi Bill to accompany their respective tours.

Over the course of various lockdowns and temporary border closures in 2020, Weinmann worked with Berlin musician Douglas Greed on the second Odd Beholder album „Sunny Bay“, which was released in Autumn 2021.

TRACK 1: Disaster Movies / Lyricist: Daniela Weinmann / Composer: Daniela Weinmann, Mario Willms, Martin Schenker / ISRC DEAH12100037

TRACK 2: Rental Car / Lyricist: Daniela Weinmann / Composer: Daniela Weinmann, Mario Willms / ISRC DEAH12100039

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on instagram!

In this episode Natalia talks with Madafi Pierre who is an artist, singer songwriter and all round creative.  She is also a coach at the Helvetiarockt Band workshops! 

We discuss her coming to Switzerland from Miami via New York and the importance of connecting with local talent and community. Madafi encourages us through her experience to put ourselves out there and gives us practical advice on how to deal with rejection.  We also listen to two of her tracks from her group Maddam.

Madafi Pierre is a songwriter, composer, producer and singer. Her career began at the age of 19 in Miami, her hometown. She lived in New York for 13 years where she played with her band in famous clubs such as the Blue Note and Nuyorican Poets‘ Café. One of her first songs „Mr Right“, written at the age of 18, was featured in the French film „Je Reste“ by filmmaker Diane Kurys.

She has worked with the legendary House DJ JUS-Ed, DJ Static of Immortal Technique and the drummer of Sens Unik and Stress, among others Laurent Biollay.

In 2015, Madafi started the electro-funk music duo MADDAM with music producer and actor Roberto „Roccobelly“ Garieri. Their 1st album „Mind Twerking“ was released in 2016. In 2017, there was the amicable departure of Roccobelly, and Dave Lefunk joined Madafi to continue the journey. In fall of 2021, MADDAM released their latest EP « Disrupt The Show ».

Djembe –  A djembe or jembe is a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa.  – Wikipedia

ASCAP – American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on instagram!

In this episode Natalia talks with Anna Murphy, the lead singer of the band Cellar Darling. She is a multi-instrumentalist, a sound engineer, a producer and is also a coach at the Helvetiarockt Bandworkshop.

We discuss what it was like to leave school at 16 years old to pursue a music career and her departure from the band Eluveitie. We also talk about transitioning to Cellar Darling and how she got into sound engineering and producing.

Anna shares the song, „Dance“ from her band Cellar Darling and the track she produced called, ‘stell ab’ from the artist, Second Daughter.

Born in Lucerne in 1989 and raised in an opera family, Anna Murphy came into contact with music at an early age. At the age of 16, she joined the internationally successful band Eluveitie as a hurdy-gurdy player, singer and flautist. At the same time she played in various other bands and realised her own projects (godnr.universe, Lethe, Anna Murphy). During her 10 years with Eluveitie, Anna Murphy released 13 studio albums and played over 1000 concerts worldwide. In 2014 she was awarded a Swiss Music Award for „Best Live Act“ with Eluveitie. After Eluveitie, Anna founded the folk-prog-rock band Cellar Darling in 2016. With Cellar Darling followed two studio albums acclaimed by audience and press and two world tours. In 2019, she was awarded the Progressive Music Award for „Best Video“ for „The Spell“ in London.

Anna learned the profession of sound engineering at Soundfarm Studios Lucerne and has been working as an independent sound engineer and producer since 2017. Among other things, she was responsible for the engineering of two Philipp Fankhauser albums, receiving a Gold Award after the successful release of „Home“.

In addition to her studio work, Anna Murphy passes on her skills as an instrumental and vocal coach and composes songs and music for video productions. Anna is committed to supporting women and non-binary people, who want to gain a foothold in the world of producing and sound engineering.

Hurdy-Gurdy: A string instrument that produces sound by a hand-crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow and single notes played on the instrument sound similar to those of a violin.

Audio Interface: Converts microphone and instrument signals into a format your computer and software recognize. The interface also routes audio from your computer out to your headphones and studio monitors.

Logic: Logic Pro is a digital audio workstation (DAW) and MIDI sequencer software application for the macOS platform.  It is considered the professional counterpart to GarageBand.

MIDI Keyboard: A MIDI keyboard or controller keyboard is typically a piano-style electronic musical keyboard. It often includes other buttons, wheels and sliders, used for sending MIDI signals or commands over a USB or MIDI 5-pin cable to other musical devices or computers. MIDI keyboards lacking an onboard sound module cannot produce sounds themselves, however some models of MIDI keyboards contain both a MIDI controller and sound module, allowing them to operate independently.

SAE: Creative Media Institute offering students access to industry equipment and facilities.

Neve Console: The Neve 8078 was the last of the „80 series“ hand-wired analogue mixing consoles designed and manufactured by Neve Electronics. Neve Electronics was founded in 1961 by the English electronics engineer Rupert Neve, for high-end recording studios during the 1970s. Some were custom built for major studios like CBS Sony.

If you have a question for the musicians in conversation, simply send a DM to Helvetiarockt on instagram!