Hiya Ana April, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
When I was younger, music was one of the most important languages I had for expressing my feelings. Like many teenagers, I was trying to process my thoughts and emotions in a creative way. I chose songwriting as my language of expression. Even though it might be less impulsive and self-centred today, I have kept this form of expression with me ever since.
What’s the live music scene like in Winterthur and Zurich right now?
The region has a very lively music scene, especially when it comes to smaller live shows and festivals. During the summer months, there are countless events – from concerts in public spaces to small neighbourhood festivals where local acts get the chance to perform live. The Winterthur Music Festival Weeks are coming up again soon – they are a personal highlight for me every year. I really enjoy the mix of international artists and discovering exciting new acts.
Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Off the top of my head, I would say I really like Andrina Bollinger’s recently released album at the moment. I also love the catchy cello sounds of Lakiko.
Do you think its easy to become a victim of of our surrounds sometimes?
This question comes quite abruptly, and I’m not entirely sure how you mean it in this context… Of course, we are always connected to our surroundings and influenced by them. I try not to be either a victim or a perpetrator, but rather to take responsibility for my own actions and for the community around me. I probably don’t always get it right, but I think it’s something worth trying to do again and again. I also think it’s a shame when competitiveness gets in the way of collaboration.
What are your ambitions for your music?
I would like to rearrange my songs for a small ensemble, experiment with them, play around and see where this journey takes us. At the moment, I’m especially interested in developing the songs further through live performances.
Whats your favourite social media platform to use and why?
Uff… I’m honestly not very good at social media. I mainly use Instagram and Facebook, but I’m not very consistent with it.
I know how important it is to have a presence, to share your work and to build a community.
But to be honest, I much prefer going for a walk in the woods.
We believe its essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to all the different types of audiences out there, what’s your thoughts on that?
Yes, of course it’s important – especially to reach new audiences. Maybe you’re right, and having a strong social media presence is simply part of growing as an artist today. At the same time, I feel that we are so overwhelmed with content these days that many people barely remember what they have actually seen once they put their phones down.
When everything gets faster and faster and there is less real connection, there is a risk of feeling like you constantly have to produce more and more. And eventually, we all turn into empty zombies…haha.. who knows
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
It offers incredible opportunities because artists can take many things into their own hands today. At the same time, competition is bigger than ever and attention spans have become shorter. That’s why I think it’s important not to constantly compare yourself through numbers, but to stay focused on the music and consciously choose your own path.
Whats your thoughts on AI generated music?
I feel like this topic is currently getting a little out of control – and not just in music, but across many creative fields. I’m not fundamentally against using AI in the creative process. As a tool to help find solutions faster or explore ideas, it can be useful. But for me, it should never replace the actual creative process and human expression behind it.
I think the best way to counterbalance this development is to keep playing live and keep going to live concerts. There is something happening there that AI can never replace.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
How important the balance is between solid craftsmanship and artistic freedom
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
Right now I’m really into Potcasts…..
Honestly, I don’t listen to music that much as background noise. When I listen to music, I usually really listen, and I’m always curious to discover new artists. At the moment, I’ve been listening to Jacob Alon, who will be playing at a festival here soon. And then there are those timeless favourites that always find their way back into my playlists – Nick Drake, for example, as well as Kate Bush, David Bowie , Daughter and many other classics and newer artists.
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
Luckily, nothing truly dramatic has happened so far. When I was younger and touring with a choir, I completely forgot that I was standing on a platform and ended up falling behind the stage. I tried not to show it, but my back was hurting badly and my face was bright red.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes, finally Revolution is out now! It was a long process, and I’m really happy that the song is out now.
With a touch of creative self-irony, I explore in the song how we create entire worlds inside our own heads. The track combines a playful depth with a light and energetic feel. Musically, it is built around subtle rhythmic changes, an experimental arrangement and a production full of small details. I think it’s a lot of fun to listen to.
What was the recording process like?
I actually produced the song twice. The first version sounded completely different: the drums were less playful and the guitars were much cleaner. Somehow, I struggled to sing over it and to give the song my own signature.
After trying many different things and experimenting with additional instruments, I eventually accepted somebody’s help, what brought fresh energy into the process. Sometimes you simply need another pair of ears.
Looking back now, the whole process was quite an odyssey.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Not right now. Maybe tomorrow.
I always try to do the best possible version of something at the moment it is created. Maybe in a year I would approach certain things differently – but that’s the beauty of it: we are constantly changing and evolving.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Enjoy music, enjoy each other.
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