Edition #116
Today, we recommend the new songs by Evelinn Trouble, Arthur Hnatek, A Certain Someone, Tuys, and Sensu.
Evelinn Trouble – Dark Times (To Those Born After)
Referencing the same-titled poem by German writer Bertolt Brecht, Dark Times (To Those Born After) is a haunting anti-war anthem by Swiss-Swedish artist Evelinn Trouble without answers to the despairs and cruelty humanity continues to bring upon itself again and again.
Arthur Hnatek – Chando
Arthur Hnatek is synonymous with exhilarating, constantly evolving electronic compositions. Chando, the Swiss artist's latest urging experiment, brings together filigree synthesizer work, expanding waves, and subtle percussion to create a sonic hallucinogen.
A Certain Someone – Time Is On My Side
With his 2023 debut single, Pathetic Fallacy, René Arbeithuber has already convinced us with his 80s-flavoured, sombre sound. Time Is On My Side again pays hommage to the darker tones of the decade, leaning more into the synth-pop of Depeche Mode and New Order. A song for sad dancers.
Sensu – Freeze
After her stunning EP, AM___PM, Swiss electronica posterchild Sensu returns. Her new single, Freeze, follows an undeniable flow, pushed by the contrasting staccato beats and stuttering vocals to the brink of escalation. A must-listen for fans of garage and post-D&B.
Tuys – The Dream You Never Had
The Dream You Never Had does not rush its build-up. The Luxemburg-born band Tuys explore each facet of the song, its art-rock attitude and its subtle psychedelic twists, with patience. The song draws one in slowly, but ultimately, you will be submerged in its lush, velvet dress.
You can listen to today's curation on selected streaming services:
Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube Music • Bandcamp
Analogue Snapshots of Clobber
Our photographer Evelyn Kutschera attended Clobber's concert at the «Underworld» in London—and brought home some analogue photos.
The UK hardcore punk band Clobber debuted in 2022 with their EP Tribal Rites of the New Friday Night. «From a style standpoint, the dudes in Clobber lean heavier into the punk side of their attack, keeping the tempos thrusting forward at a quick pace, while delivering the kind of dance-baiting parts that will tear open a pit in seconds,» Carlos Ramirez wrote about the release.
Since then, the band—fronted by barber Charlie Longman—has been on the way up while remaining truly angry. Yet, despite their aggressive, unfiltered, and uncompromising hardcore sound, they can also be unexpectedly catchy, as in their latest single, Council Estate of Mind.
Signed with Gallow's Laurent Barnard label Venn Records, Clobber will join Violent Way and Sick Of It All on tour.
On April 27, Clobber played a show at the «Underworld» in London, and Negative White's Evelyn Kutschera joined the crowd with her analogue cameras. The result: Snapshots which capture the rawness of Clobber's sound and remain true to punk's aesthetic.
If you want to know Clobber a bit better, we highly recommend this interview:
Finding Nemo: Switzerland’s Ignorance of Non-binary People
Nemo’s victory at the Eurovision Song Contest with «The Code» highlights Switzerland’s lagging progress in acknowledging non-binary people.
On May 12, shortly after midnight, Swiss musician Nemo won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. The winning performance, achieved with the song The Code, was Switzerland’s third win after a long drought since 1988.
Nemo Mettler (24) gained mainstream success in 2017 as a rapper with Swiss-German lyrics. The song Du gained platinum status—there was no way around the up-and-coming artist.
One can question Eurovision’s artistic value. It is mainly an entertaining spectacle, but Nemo’s The Code was one of the few truly interesting songs performed.
But Nemo’s triumph—thanks to overwhelming success with the juries and the public vote—is not the centre of this story. Nemo also represents a premiere for Eurovision: It is the first time a non-binary person has won. And it puts Switzerland politically in an awkward position.
Switzerland’s Federal Council Against A Third Gender
Change
Negative White shifts its approach significantly today—a detailed look at the changes and their reasons.
Today marks a significant change in the way Negative White operates. In this post, I will provide details of the changes and how they might affect you. Moreover, I explain the reasons behind the changes.
Here are the two most important things you have to know right now:
- Negative White moves to a newsletter approach. Every post we publish will also be sent as a newsletter, as we already do with «Weekly5».
- Our current newsletters, «Weekly5» and «Rewind,» will be merged into the «Negative White Newsletter», which will have a dedicated publishing schedule.
The Publishing Schedule
Nobody likes too much uncertainty or being bombarded by emails. Therefore, I have put a strict publishing schedule for the newsletter in place so you always know when to expect something from us in your inbox.
- Tuesday – Slot for premium-exclusive content
- Thursday – Slot for member-exclusive content
- Sunday – Weekly5
As you can see, there are two content slots aside from Weekly5. These slots are optional, as we won’t use them every week.
The Posts You Can Expect
Weekly5 remains unchanged: You will receive a handcrafted selection of five newly released songs that we think are worth your attention. Weekly5 remains free and for everyone.
As a member, you now also receive our member-exclusive stories on Thursdays. These stories dive deeper into a specific topic: an artist, a new release, or provide perspective on developments around music. Sometimes, they also might include a stunning gallery from our talented photographers.
As a premium member supporting Negative White financially, you will receive our most exclusive posts, such as interviews, portraits, and deep analysis pieces. You will receive at least one of these monthly posts on a Tuesday. Additionally, you will get a monthly update on our premium playlists.
Why Are These Changes Coming?
Running Negative White requires much effort, as I have previously made transparent here. It was one of the primary considerations when I relaunched the platform a year ago. It also means that the effort should be focused on the things that matter.
However, since the relaunch, Negative White has crept back to its roots: a very traditional approach to music journalism. As the music industry is changing rapidly, so too has the reporting.
While there might be room for a classical magazine approach, it is not the right fit for a largely one-person operation. As a result, the current state of Negative White is a bit of everything and nothing properly.
The new approach forces me to focus on less but with higher quality, on stories you won’t read elsewhere, on unique perspectives.
The fusion of the two newsletters further simplifies the production process, lifting a bit of the burden and giving me more time for research and writing.
Alongside what you could describe as the new content concept comes a change to the website—a new design that reflects these changes and directs the attention to single posts rather than a traditional overview.
As with any significant change, I might have overlooked something. However, I see change as not being a single moment but a constant process. With today’s announcement, this process starts more than it is finished, so there might be things that still need polishing.
But for now, I leave you with a heartfelt thank you for your curiosity and support so far in Negative White’s journey. And I hope you will stick around a bit longer for the ride.
Edition #115
Today, we recommend the new songs by Duschpalatset, Backwards Charm, KOKOKO!, Andrea Bignasca, and Binary Sunset.
Duschpalatset – Öronbarn
Sweden's indie-rock up-and-comers Duschpalatset return with Öronbarn, the first single after their sophomore record, Baby, in 2021. This addictive track, propelled by its relentless beat, executes the contrast between smooth rock vibes and Alva Nylander's angelic voice to perfection. Exceptionally good.
Backwards Charm – Stain
Taken from their new EP, A Dream About Being A Person, Austrian band Backwards Charm's Stain is a collaboration with two metal bands, Karg and Harakiri for the Sky. However, the track remains deeply in melancholic post-punk and post-rock territory with beautiful guitar melodies. A dark dream.
Andrea Bignasca – Undo Me
One of Switzerland's most captivating voices, Andrea Bignasca, returns with Undo Me. The organs underline the song's pleading notion—it's a prayer for renewal, a longing for finding oneself and motivation. In its best form, Bignasca's song brings together classic rock, gospel, blues, and soul in an emotional crescendo.
KOKOKO! – Bazo Banga
«They are scared» is the translation of «bazo banga». KOKOKO!, pioneers of Kinishasa's electronic sound explosion, share Bazo Banga as another teaser for their anticipated second album, BUTU. Bringing native rhythms together with a vast range of electronic experimentation, Bazo Banga demands attention.
Binary Sunset – Maillot de bain
The sassy attitude is undeniable in Maillot de bain by Switzerland's Binary Sunset. Fast-paced, drawing from surf rock aesthetic and DIY attitude, the track propels itself to a frantic rush, shooting out rays of excitement and sunny vibes alike. A summer hit for the indie-rock aficionado.
You can listen to today's curation on selected streaming services:
Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube Music • Bandcamp
ESC 2024: Non-Binary Artist Nemo Wins for Switzerland with «The Code»
Non-binary artist Nemo (24) won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland.
With his stunning performance of The Code, Switzerland‘s Nemo won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. The non-binary artist convinced both the jury and the public to vote for them.
With his participation, the former rapper Nemo Mettler, who lives in Berlin and started focusing on English lyrics, followed in the footsteps of Luca Hänni (4th place), Gjon's Tears (3rd place), Marius Bear (17th place) and Remo Forrer (20th place) and was fighting for the fifth Swiss ESC final qualification in a row.
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest took place in Malmö from 7 to 11 May 2024, after Loreen won in 2023 in Liverpool with the song Tattoo.
On February 26, the Swiss newspaper «Blick» reported, citing multiple sources, that Nemo (24) will compete for Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. The Swiss public broadcaster SRF did not comment on the report, as the official announcement, including the song's premiere, will be made later that week.
As we now know, the reports were confirmed by the announcement that Nemo will participate in the contest with the song The Code. Watch the video clip here:
According to the initial report, SRF's show director, Yves Schifferle, announced on Instagram that Switzerland would not be represented by a man with a ballad, as was the case for the previous three years.
Last year, Nemo announced that they identify as non-binary—followed by the single release This Body.
On Instagram, Nemo wrote: «I haven’t opened up about it publicly, but some of you already know: I don’t identify as a man or a woman. I’m just Nemo. I love thinking of gender as a galaxy, picturing myself as a little star floating somewhere within. That’s where I feel most like myself.»
From Dialect Rapper To Sensitive Singer-Songwriter
The song own sh¡t, released in May 2022, already signified a path towards quirky pop music, away from Nemo's origin in dialect rap sound.
The artist, born in 1999, showed early talent in music—playing the violin, the piano, and drums. With a celebrated participation at the SRF Bounce Cypher in 2016, only 16 years old, Nemo jumped into public consciousness.
2017, Nemo's single Du reached platin status.
The Pioneers at Gaswerk Winterthur
On Friday, 3rd of May, Reggae legends The Pioneers played at Gaswerk in Winterthur, Switzerland—accompanied by Boss Capone & Patsy, JAR, and Canastron.
Canastron
JAR
Boss Capone & Patsy
The Pioneers
Edition #114
Today, we recommend the new tracks by Overmono, Blaudzun, Lucy Gaffney, NEØV, and Vil.
An updated classic followed by retro vibes. Whispered rawness chased by vastness. In today's Weekly5, we celebrate the refined works from promising singer-songwriters alongside endorphin-inducing beats and hooks.
Overmono x The Streets – Turn The Page
The Streets' 2002 iconic track Turn The Page received an exhillarating update by Overmono covering the exceptional Mike Skinner rap style in a blanket of breakbeat sound. The wobbling bassline, the crackling beats—it's pure perfection.
Blaudzun – Shades
Dutch Blaudzun is known for his distinct blend of indie-rock, pop, coupled with poetic songwriting. Shades features 80s-inspired bass synths, emphasizing the bittersweet nostalgia pumping through the addictive hooks.
Lucy Gaffney – Pitfalls
Belfast's Lucy Gaffney released a new EP—and its title track, Pitfalls, demonstrates the singer-songwriter's potential. Bedroom indie-rock with soft pop touches, whispered yet somehow raw, well-balanced and sophisticated.
NEØV – Feel
Finnish brothers Anssi and Samuli Neuvonen, known as NEØV, build ethereal composition, leaning towards indie-rock and indie-pop. However, as their latest single, Feel, displays, their sound has an infinite vastness to it.
Vil – Graven
Between Denmark and Germany, duo Vil creates a fragile, intimate sound. Beautifully decorated with minute details, Graven is an invitation to unwind, to reflect—a wonderful, meandering composition.
You can listen to today's curation on selected streaming services:
Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube Music • Bandcamp
