Malummí's «The Universe Is Black» Awarded with IndieSuisse Album of the Year 2023
The winner of the IndieSuisse Album of the Year award has been announced: «The Universe Is Black» by Malummí convinced the jury.
Switzerland's independent music scene has chosen the «Album of the Year» for the ninth time: This year's music prize, awarded by IndieSuisse, the association of independent Swiss music labels and producers, goes to the album The Universe Is Black by Malummí, which was chosen by a 28-member jury. The award will be presented at the m4music Festival in Zurich.
In November, all IndieSuisse members had the opportunity to nominate two releases from their catalogue of albums released in 2023 for the IndieSuisse Album of the Year and the Futuristic Perspective Award. For the latter, the members had to argue why the album they nominated offers a futuristic perspective.
Out of a total of 19 nominated albums, The Universe Is Black by Malummí was voted into first place by an independent jury of Swiss and European industry specialists. When selecting the jury, attention was paid to a diverse composition.
Following their debut album Blood (2021), Basel-based project Malummí released their second album The Universe Is Black in November 2023. It marks a departure from the quiet and soft electronic-coloured pop of the debut and ventures into a broader alternative rock sound. The familiar elements of intimate folk-pop with the distinctive, expressive vocals remain.
MalummíBandcamp New & Notable Oct 31, 2021
On the new album, Malummí applied new forms of composition and arrangement, breaking away from stylistic conventions. The new album is characterised by a captivating blend of minimalist, experimental indie rock and warm folk-pop, and explores different forms of relationships: to oneself, to other people, to society.
Influenced by personal experiences, it deals with themes such as self-love, mental health, rebirth and the joy of living. The Universe Is Black also takes a critical look at social constructs in a patriarchal, white society.
CLOSED: Win A Signed Vinyl of Moyka's «Movies, Cars & Heartbreak»
We got our hands on a signed vinyl of «Movies, Cars & Heartbreak», the 2023 album by Norwegian electro-pop artist Moyka. You can win it here.
In 2023, Moyka released her second album, Movies, Cars & Heartbreak, filled with ten exceptional electro-driven pop songs. Songs like Already Gone or Rear View blend catchy melodies, addictive and danceable beats, and an intriguing melancholy.
Learn more about Moyka in our review of her first concert in Switzerland:
Negative WhiteJanosch Troehler
In the aftermath of her concert, we have obtained a signed vinly edition of Movies, Cars & Heartbreak that we now give away to one of you. Here is how you can participate:
- You have to be registered (free) with Negative White.
- Fill out the form below until Wednesday, February 21, 8 am.
m4music Festival 2024: New Acts Announced
The m4music Festival takes place from March 22 to March 23 in Zurich. Here are the new acts confirmed to take the stage.
The m4music Festival is one of the most significant events in Switzerland's music industry. During two days, the festival provides a range of panels, discussions, and workshops and a wide variety of up-and-coming artists from around the globe.
New Artists In The Line-up
Today, the m4music announced additional acts which complement the already communicated line-up. Here are the latest announcements:
Friday, March 22nd
- Aime Simone
- Éna Vera
- Leila
- Mount Jacinto
- Natascha Polké
- Polarbæren
Saturday, March 23rd
- Edb
- Nathalie Fröhlich
- Wa22ermann
- Sam Quealy
On November 29, 2023, m4music announced the first round of acts in their line-up. Here are all the acts you can expect alongside our personal recommendations within the line-up:
Friday, March 22nd
- Noemi Beza
- Mary Middlefield [Negative White recommended]
- Berq
- Deadletter [Negative White recommended]
- Siren of Lesbos
- Bipolar Feminin
- Dave Okumu & The Seven Generations
- Benjamin Amaru
- Yunè Pinku
- Fulmine
- Teezo Touchdown
- Sofia Kourtesis live
- UTO
Saturday, March 23rd
- Moonpools [Negative White recommended]
- Obliecht
- Hannah Jadagu [Negative White recommended]
- Ray Laurél
- BARON.E [Negative White recommended]
- EKKSTACY
- Julia Alexa
- Say She She
- Steintor Herrenchor
- Bibiza
- Barry Can't Swim live
- Nnavy
Universal Music Group Pulls Their Music Catalogue From TikTok
The companies failed to come to an agreement as their existing contract ends in January.
The Chinese social media company TikTok published an aggressive-sounding statement: «It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.»
It is the answer to Universal Music Group's (UMG) announcement that they will pull their entire music catalogue from the platform—including artists like Taylor Swift, Elton John, or Billie Eilish. It is the result of an ending contract with no follow-up agreement between UMG and TikTok
UMG also published an open letter to the artist and songwriter community, revealing their position:
With respect to the issue of artist and songwriter compensation, TikTok proposed paying our artists and songwriters at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay.
Today, as an indication of how little TikTok compensates artists and songwriters, despite its massive and growing user base, rapidly rising advertising revenue and increasing reliance on music-based content, TikTok accounts for only about 1% of our total revenue.
Another concern on UMG's part is the rise of AI-generated music on the platform.
UMG also states that TikTok «attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal.» According to the major label, TikTok tried to intimitate them by «selectively removing the music of certain of our developing artists, while keeping on the platform our audience-driving global stars.»
Further, UMG continues: «TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans.»
In response, TikTok argues against what they deem to be «Universal's false narrative and rhetoric» and claim that they have «been able to reach artist-first agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal's self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans.»
The Soft Moon's Luis Vasquez Passed Away
According to the artist's Instagram, Luis Vasquez, the mastermind behind The Soft Moon, has passed away. His body was found alongside two others.
«It is with great sadness that we announce our dear friend, Luis Vasquez, has passed away,» the statement uploaded on January 19 to The Soft Moon's Instagram page reads. As of publications, the details about Vasquez's death are not known.
3 Bodies Were Found
According to a report by CBS News, Vasquez was found in a Los Angeles residence alongside two other dead people. The individuals were identified by the LA County coroner as 46-year-old John «Juan» Mendez, techno DJ and recording artist known as Silent Servant and 43-year-old Simone Ling, who was reportedly Mendez's partner.
Heartbroken Reactions
The message of Vasquez's passing at 44 was met with heartfelt and disbelieving statements by both fans and fellow musicians.
«I'm so extremely sad about this !!! […] This is not fair, it's meaningless… really no words…,» Trentemøller commented. The KVB wrote: «Please no, we can't believe this.» And the LA-based industrial band Health said: «Goddamn it. I'm glad we were lucky enough to make some music with you. This is heartbreaking.»
Luis Vasquez, the child of a Cuban immigrant mother and an absent Mexican father, grew up in Los Angeles, California.
He was the lead vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and sole official member of The Soft Moon, the post-punk and dark wave project he founded in 2009.
With each release, the band gained traction and fans, supporting acts like Interpol and Depeche Mode on their tours. The 2015 album Deeper was especially well-received. T. Cole Rachel wrote for Pitchfork: «Few contemporary artists have managed such a clever reimagining of post-punk and spooky new wave in a way that sounds both familiar and somehow fresh.»
In a review of The Soft Moon's concert at the One Of A Million Festival in 2018, Janosch Troehler wrote for Negative White:
The longer this madness continues, the smaller the chances of rescue. The air glows. Beads of sweat shimmer in the strobe lightning. Bodies synchronise under the mercilessly pounding sound. Words do not do justice to this crazy spectacle; they are a mere shadow of this physical experience. They fade with every blow from Luis Vasquez on the empty oil drum.
Luis Vasquez passed away shortly before The Soft Moon was scheduled to embark on their «Feb 2024 Tour», which would have had them play in several European cities as well as at the Grauzone Festival in The Hague, Netherlands.
The festival's account commented on the post:
Rest In Peace Luis, our dear friend. We are crying writing this, as we knew him almost 15 years. He is one of the reasons why we started Grauzone Festival as he was one of the first to put postpunk back on the map.
His lyrics, his music, his art perfectly fitted us, and that's why we became friends, hung out, and organised many of his shows. Such a kind, funny, talented person.
Only 3 months ago we visited him in LA, and everything seemed well, and he was very very looking forward to his show at Grauzone which would be in a few weeks... we are in total shock. Farewell our dear friend.
«Take me far away. To escape myself. Cos I was born to suffer. It kills my mind. It kills me inside. Take me far away to escape myself»
Shadowdancer: Dark Sounds for Open Minds
Meet «Shadowdancer», our new premium playlist filled with post-punk, wave, and dark electronic sounds.
If you're looking for a playlist that will take you on a journey into a world of introspection and dark sounds, look no further than «Shadowdancer».
This playlist features a collection of post-punk, wave, and dark electronic sounds, blending synth beats and moody guitar riffs to create a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. While some classics might be sprinkled in, «Shadowdancer» focuses on lesser-known artists and finds darkness outside of the traditional goth scene.
Whether you're in the mood for something haunting and ethereal or driving and energetic, «Shadowdancer» has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let this playlist transport you to a world of sonic exploration and emotional depth.
Frequent Updates & Exclusivity
«Shadowdancer» will receive monthly updates, accompanied by a short post showing which tracks left or entered the playlist. So, if you ever wonder which tracks have already been featured or missed to save a specific song, these update posts can help you.
«Shadowdancer» will also be an exclusive offer for our paying members. Join here with a 30-day free trial and enjoy this sinister playlist and much more.
◁◁ rewind: Dive Deeper Into Music
Our bi-weekly newsletter not only rounds up our best stories but dives deeper into the trends shaping music and the industry.
Music constantly evolves, subject to new trends, industry disruption, and societal change. With our bi–weekly newsletter «rewind», we provide you with perspectives, orientation, and opinions on these matters.
The newsletter lands exclusively in your inbox every other Thursday and isn't published on our website.
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2023 Report
With our comprehensive 2023 report, we provide transparency and accountability for our activities during the last year.
As an independent platform, we believe transparency is crucial to good reporting and building trust. It is our obligation to share our successes and failures with you and provide details so you can hold us accountable.
2023 has been a year of transition for this platform, as previously stated in our «letter from the editor». The standalone Weekly5 service was re-integrated into a revamped version of Negative White, the online magazine where the playlist originated.
The transformation was followed by a variety of changes, adjustments, and experiments. However, the goals remained the same: To provide excellent music journalism in harmony with our values and reach financial sustainability.
Weekly5: 47% Female Artists
Setting the ambitious goal of financial sustainability at the end of 2022, Weekly5 started as a paid service in 2023. However, when Negative White relaunched, it returned to a free offer again, providing a platform for upcoming artists.
In 2023, we curated 30 editions featuring 150 songs from 137 artists. While trying to provide as many different artists a platform as possible, one band was featured three times: Swiss indie pop upstart Soft Loft.
Of the 137 artists, 65 were female or female-fronted bands, which amounts to almost a 50:50 ratio or 47% of featured artists.
As Negative White is based in Switzerland, we also try to highlight Swiss artists. 38 artists have their origins in the country.
Using a playlist analysing tool, Weekly5's 2023 playlist shows a moderately diverse genre distribution:
- 28% Rock
- 20% Electronic
- 18% Pop
- 17% Folk/Acoustic
- 6% Metal
- 11% Others like R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, or Blues
The analysis also shows that the playlist mainly features so-called «obscure» songs. It means that the curated tracks are not very popular on Spotify. Therefore, we fulfil the promise of featuring new and upcoming as well as underground artists.
Furthermore, our editor, Janosch Troehler, pledged to buy every featured song if it is available on Bandcamp. The count shows that out of the 150 songs, 72 have been purchased and were directly financially supported.
