Musicians in Conversation

In this episode, award-winning host  Natalia Anderson  speaks with household names such as  Laura Schuler (aka Kate Birch) ,  Rebecca Solari (aka Fulmine & singer of Crème Solaire) , and  Loussona Ground  on the new Forum stage. They discuss how FINTA* people use the platform to connect, present their work, and actively shape the Swiss music scene.   Listen now  to learn more about the platfor...

In this episode Natalia speaks with harpist and composer, Kety Fusco backstage at one of her gigs and after her sold out concert in London’s Royal Albert Hall. We discuss changing the reputation of the harp, Kety shares her thoughts on music conservatories and making the harp more accessible to young people. About Kety Fusco Kety Fusco, graduate in Classical Harp at the Conservatorio della Svizzer...

In this episode Natalia speaks with Anya Della Croce who is the Executive manager of the french speaking office of Petzi, and a production and tour manager. We discuss the difference between the roles of a production manager and tour manager, the importance of grass-root venues for the music industry and what we can do to support them. We also talk about the subject of ticketing systems causing ex...

In this episode Natalia speaks with Jackie Brutsche (aka Jack Torera) who is a musician, filmmaker, visual artist and performer.  Her band The Jackets also provide the music for this season’s podcast!  We discuss the loss of her mother during childhood and how that inspired the personal documentary film, ‘Las Toreras’, the importance of creativity in her life and her experiences as a fully indepen...

In this episode Natalia speaks with Aline Bianchi who is the founder and Product Manager of Norma Music! We talk about royalties, copyright, licensing and synchronisation and Aline also gives advice to artists planning a release. We talk about setting up her company Norma Music and discuss some of the unique challenges of working in the Swiss Music Industry. About Aline Bianchi Aline is one of the...

In this episode Natalia speaks with Helvetiarockt beatmaking coach, Cégiu. She is a musician, producer and composer and also managing director of Music Box Entertainment, co-manager of Other Music Lucerne and board member of SONART.  We discuss capturing insect sounds in field recordings, starting your own company as a musician and the importance of social security. Cégiu also gives advice for peo...

In this episode Natalia speaks with Agent, Artist Manager and Artistic Director of Le Port Franc in Sion, Nadia Mitic.  We discuss how the skills she learned as a teacher, helps in her music career today, the importance of building relationships and networking in the music industry.  Nadia also gives practical advice to people wanting to work in the music industry and to artists and bands, when it...

In this episode Natalia speaks with Evita Koné who is a Singer, Rapper, Songwriter and Teacher.  We discuss how to find your unique voice and sound as an artist, the importance of collectives and communities to your growth, and the reason why she performs.  Stay tuned to hear Evita teaching Nat how to freestyle with a fun back to back! About Evita Koné She won SwissLiveTalents best “urban hip-hop...

In this episode Natalia speaks with CEO at Irascible Music & Irascible Records, Fabienne Schmuki.  We discuss the relationship between artist and label, when to invest in physical copies of your music and Fabienne shares how she was able to overcome self doubt to take on the role of CEO of Irascible. We also discuss why labels might see less FINTA folk in leadership roles and we ask what can b...

In this episode Natalia talks with Jennifer Jans who is an Arts Manager, Promoter and Musician.  We discuss the difference between programming and booking, how to develop the skill of programming bands/artists and learning from failure.  We also get into the perspective of artists by talking about how and when to contact bookers. About Jennifer Jans Jennifer Jans is firmly rooted in the national a...

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. A...

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 independen...

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 Pal...

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...

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. About La Nefera La Nefera is a Swiss musician with Dominican roots. As frontwoman and a member of various band for...

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...

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 wi...

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 i...

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 h...

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 g...

In this episode Natalia talks with Ka(ra)mi, the multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ. We talk about how Ka(ra)mi learned to compose and arrange music from a young age, her unique experience spending a year in Cuba studying music and dealing with feelings of not being good enough when starting her DJ career. She is also a coach for the Helvetiarockt Music Lab beatmaking workshops. About Ka(ra)mi...

In this episode Natalia talks with Billie Bird. She is a guitarist, singer songwriter, composer, performer and coach at the Helvetiarockt Songwriting Camp.  We discuss the benefits of trying out lots of instruments, why music is such a vital form of expression for her and why impatience is the worst for artists. About Billie Bird After studying singing, guitar and music theory at the ETM in Geneva...

In this episode Natalia talks with Martina Berther, the incredibly talented and versatile bassist and multi-instrumentalist.  We discuss what it takes to be a good bass player, Martina shares tips on becoming a session musician and we also ask how we can encourage more women, intersex, non binary and trans musicians to study jazz. About Martina Berther Born and raised in Chur and now living in Zur...

In this episode Natalia talks with Evelinn Trouble, winner of the Swiss Music Prize 2018, guitarist, singer songwriter, all round creative and Helvetiarockt Bandworkshop Coach. We discuss the importance of communication and honesty in band relationships, managing yourself vs having a manager, and saying what you want as a musician.   About Evelinn Trouble Born in Zurich as the daughter of a Swedis...

In this episode Natalia talks with Anna Aaron, who is a coach at the Music Lab Song Sketches Workshop.  She is an award winning singer and producer and has her own label, called Bambient Records.  We discuss feeling like an outsider after returning to Switzerland as a child, using digital platforms when releasing your music, and making meaningful connections in the music industry. About Anna Cécil...