In this interview, I talk to the incredibly talented Austrian guitarist, Raphael Käfer, to dive deep into his journey as a musician and educator. Raphael’s career is marked by a passion for exploration and a commitment to musical excellence. After solid classical and jazz training, he has developed a unique style, blending genres and pushing the boundaries of guitar music. Since 2020, Raphael has been working as a freelance musician, engaging in a wide range of musical projects. He has a deep appreciation for the challenge of exploring different genres, from classical and jazz to contemporary styles. This versatility is evident in his compositions and performances, where he seamlessly moves between genres, creating a sound that is uniquely his own. In 2021, Raphael released his debut album, Retrospection, under the Austrian label ATS Records—a project that highlights his broad musical interests and showcases his skills as both a performer and composer. The album was well-received, reflecting his ability to merge traditional and modern elements in his music. That same year, Raphael became part of the faculty for Guitar at the Vienna Music Institute (VMI), where he shares his expertise and passion with the next generation of musicians. Join us as we explore Raphael’s rich musical journey, his creative process, and his vision for the future of guitar music. Whether you're a music enthusiast, guitarist, or aspiring musician, this interview is sure to inspire! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more interviews with talented musicians! https://raphaelkaefer.com/about/

In this interview, I talk with the talented Isabelle Georges, the acclaimed French singer, actress, and cabaret performer known for her unique blend of Broadway, jazz, and French chanson. Isabelle shares her journey from the vibrant stages of Paris to international acclaim, discussing her influences, favorite musical roles, and what it takes to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and theatrical storytelling. Get an inside look at how she crafts her mesmerizing cabaret performances, what inspires her to reinvent classic songs, and how she brings her personal stories to life on stage. This conversation dives deep into her passion for musical theater, the emotional connection she creates with her audience, and her thoughts on the timeless appeal of French chanson and jazz standards. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with one of France's most dynamic performers, where she opens up about her creative process, her love for iconic performers like Judy Garland and Edith Piaf, and what’s next in her career. Tune in to hear about the magic of live performance from a true cabaret star! https://www.isabellegeorges.com/en/

In a recent interview, Juanita Oosthuizen, a talented paper artist and former occupational therapist, shared her creative journey from product designer to full-time artist. With a background in designing packaging for the wine and cosmetic industries, her artistic path took a pivotal turn about ten years ago after a visit to the Tate Modern in London. There, a small artwork of a tiny figure sweeping a pile of sand in a vast space inspired her to embrace her love for miniatures and storytelling. Juanita’s intricate, 3D paper creations use tiny figurines to convey unique narratives, allowing viewers to interpret the stories in their own way. Her art is known for its incredible detail, which makes it challenging to capture in photos—truly best experienced in person. Her fascination with chairs has been a major theme over the past five years, beginning with an ambitious paper weave of a chair reflecting in water. She has since experimented with a wide range of chairs, from large to miniature, crafted from diverse materials. This obsession led to a series of meticulously hand-cut paper chairs, and her iconic Vitra designer chair collection even won the prestigious Hermanus FynArts competition. Juanita often uses a monochromatic palette—favoring black, white, and shades of grey, sometimes adding a pop of red. Recently, she ventured into color, drawing inspiration from Blue Delft porcelain for a series of paper weaves, which have become highly sought-after. Her creative process is fueled by late-night inspiration, where she conceptualizes her next projects. Juanita’s work speaks to the timelessness of design, the storytelling power of art, and her dedication to crafting each piece with precision and heart. While her art has a strong online presence, she firmly believes in the importance of experiencing it firsthand. #paperart #miniatureart #artistjourney #creativeprocess

In this interview, I talk with EJ Michels, a singer songwriter, and performer known for his honest and heartfelt storytelling. Hailing from Northern Utah, EJ has captivated audiences with his raw, unfiltered approach to music. His latest project, "Evergreen," released in 2024, is a testament to his ability to turn life’s darkest moments into beautiful art. "Evergreen" is EJ's solo album, and it delves deep into his personal journey—unraveling the pain and growth that come with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Each track on the album is a window into his life, drawing from real experiences and the emotional turmoil of past relationships. EJ doesn’t shy away from vulnerability; instead, he embraces it, making his songwriting feel relatable and powerful. His lyrics are not just words but raw emotions, and he weaves his struggles and triumphs into every melody, creating an album that resonates with listeners on a deep level.

In this interview, Alex Uhlmann opens up about his journey as a musician and his commitment to authenticity in his work. Having lived across major European cities, his experiences have deeply shaped his music, but above all, he stresses the importance of staying true to his voice and vision. For Alex, music isn’t just about creating melodies or rhythms; it’s a powerful medium to express his thoughts, emotions, and unique perspective on life. He shares how each song he writes is crafted to convey exactly what he feels, whether it's reflecting on his roots, his personal experiences, or the lessons he’s learned along the way. Rather than conforming to trends or compromising his style, Alex focuses on making music that resonates with his core beliefs and tells his story. He believes that only by being authentic can his music genuinely connect with listeners and leave a lasting impact. In this conversation, he discusses how he pours his heart into every lyric and melody, aiming to create songs that are as honest as they are impactful. This interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who values integrity in his music, giving fans a deeper understanding of his journey and the message he hopes to share through his art.

In this interview, I talk to Khulile "Seun" Ngobese, a talented young South African artist driven by passion, resilience, and a deep love for his craft. Known affectionately as "Seun," a name his grandmother gave him, Khulile is entirely self-taught, having developed his skills without any formal art education. From a young age, Seun started drawing and painting, honing his talent through self-practice and drawing inspiration from the world around him and mentors who encouraged his growth. Seun discusses the importance of art in self-expression, particularly for young people in his community. He strongly believes that introducing art education in schools would provide children with a powerful outlet to express themselves, foster creativity, and help them find purpose. By giving children a chance to pursue art, Seun envisions a brighter future where they have positive ambitions, keep off the streets, and stay motivated to learn and grow. In this interview, Seun shares his dreams of showcasing his artwork internationally and connecting with global audiences. He speaks passionately about his journey, his inspirations, and his vision for art as a tool for positive change. Watch to hear Seun’s inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of art, as he encourages future generations to pursue their own creative passions.

Join me for an in-depth interview with Owen Morris, a talented ballet dancer from Cornwall, UK, who has made a mark on the international dance scene. Owen’s journey began in the South West, where he trained under renowned mentors Nicola Brice and Terence Etheridge at the Totnes School of Dance in Devon. His early career blossomed through performances with prestigious groups such as the National Youth Ballet, Duchy Ballet, and the Cornwall Youth Dance Company. In pursuit of his dreams, Owen completed his formal ballet training in Scotland, where he joined Ballet West’s professional touring company, working closely with choreographer Daniel Job. Throughout his career, Owen has showcased his versatility, from feature films and performing dance roles in Operas at iconic venues like the Royal Opera House and Royal Albert Hall to engaging in a regional tour across the UK. His international career includes dancing with ballet companies in Bulgaria and South Africa, as well as performing in Belgium and the Middle East. This interview delves into Owen's journey, including the unique challenges and experiences he faced while living and dancing abroad. During the pandemic, Owen took refuge on the Isles of Scilly, where he spent 10 months writing a series of short stories, reflecting on his artistic journey and life in dance. Don’t miss this inspiring interview with Owen Morris, where he shares his insights on the art of ballet, the dedication required for a career in dance, and the experiences that shaped him along the way. https://www.owen-morris.com/

In this interview, Greek actress Ino Matsou shares her inspiring journey from Greece to the vibrant city of Vienna, where she now thrives in the European acting scene. Known for her performances in the acclaimed crime series Tatort Wien, directed by the renowned Sabine Derflinger, Ino brings her unique Mediterranean charm to every role, performing fluently in German, English, and Greek. Her versatility and distinct accent add a memorable flavor to her characters, making her a standout in both film and theater. Ino Matsou’s career began in Greece, where she laid a strong foundation in acting before earning her state-awarded acting diploma in Austria. Passionate about portraying powerful female characters, Ino is drawn to diverse genres, including political thrillers, historical films, intense dramas, and comedies. This interview explores her artistic journey, from her early days as a dentist in Greece and Vienna’s University dental clinic to her captivating work on screen and stage. Whether you’re interested in acting tips, international theater, or the journey of a multilingual actress, Ino Matsou’s story offers a rich perspective on the performing arts. https://inomatsou.com/about-me/

In this interview, I talk with Anna Cebular, an Austrian multidisciplinary artist and designer whose unique sculptures are crafted from porcelain, stoneware, and metal, pushing the boundaries of traditional art and design. Anna’s art deeply explores human interference with the natural environment, examining how we impose boundaries and control over nature. Her research sheds light on humanity’s attempt to contain and reshape nature into artificial spaces. Through her creative process, she sculpts forms that mimic natural organisms—resembling the beauty of moss and roots—but constrains them within defined, rigid shapes. Her work serves as a powerful commentary on how human "ownership" over nature has weakened it, stripping it of its own agency. Join us as we dive into Anna’s inspiration, technique, and her message on the fragile relationship between humans and the environment. https://anna.cebular.at/

In this interview, I delve into the inspiring story of Daisy Hearts, a rising Jazz and Chanson française singer with a timeless 1940s style. Daisy's love for music began at a young age, as she would often sing in her room, dreaming of one day becoming a professional singer. Growing up in France with both French and English roots, she was always drawn to the rich musical traditions of both cultures. However, it wasn’t until a deeply personal moment in her life—following the passing of her mother just a year ago—that Daisy realized the importance of pursuing her dream. That life-changing realization gave her the courage to step out of her comfort zone and share her voice with the world. Daisy’s breakthrough came at an open mic night in Vienna, where she performed publicly for the first time. This moment marked the start of her journey toward becoming a full-fledged singer. Since then, she has been exploring and refining her voice, embracing both the elegance of classic Jazz and the soulful storytelling of Chanson française. Singing in both French and English allows her to express her diverse cultural heritage, while her vintage, 1940s-inspired look enhances the charm of her performances. What makes Daisy’s story truly remarkable is how she found confidence and connection through street performances in Vienna. Singing in public spaces allowed her to reach a wide audience and build a loyal following, interacting with people she may have never encountered otherwise. These experiences helped her grow as an artist and strengthen her belief in the power of music to bring people together. Daisy’s journey is not only about her passion for music but also about perseverance, courage, and the determination to follow your dreams, even in the face of loss. Her heartfelt performances and her unique blend of Jazz and Chanson have already touched many lives, and she continues to inspire others with her story of resilience and artistic discovery. Join us in this interview as Daisy Hearts shares her emotional journey, her love for music, and how she transformed a childhood dream into a promising career. Whether you’re a fan of Jazz, Chanson française, or simply a lover of inspiring stories, Daisy’s path to success will leave you moved and uplifted. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear her incredible story!