In the fourth episode of the podcast series «You Are Here!» trumpeter Paul Hübner meets two sound obsessives: Drummer Etienne Nillesen and electronic musician and spoken word artist Elsa M’bala.

«Ein Klang ist eine Welt an sich, da wird viel zu oft dran vorbeigegangen. Ich finde Klänge müssen wieder respektiert werden.»
Etienne Nillesen

Being in the moment, immersed in sound – music is the most radical form of mindfulness. While Etienne Nillesen relies on the power of reduction – his artistic universe is the snare drum alone – Elsa M’bala has steadily expanded her range of instruments.

The podcast series «You Are Here!» is a musical position statement. Where are we right now? An intentionally ambiguous question. Where are we socially? Artistically? With our minds? How do we (re)connect musically?

With Elsa M’bala, Etienne Nillesen (sound and voice), and Paul Hübner (sound)
Produced and arranged by Hannes Seidl
Editor and interviews: Theresa Beyer
Language: German

A production by Norient.

Paul Hübner has studied trumpet with Malte Burba and Mike Svoboda in Mainz and Basel. As an interpreter, performer, composer, and improvisor he is notably devoted to new and experimental music. Paul gives concerts in Germany and abroad, as a soloist and in different ensemble formations, amongst them the Ensemble Modern, BR Symphony Orchestra, ensemble phoenix as well as his own formations 3® and mam.manufaktur für aktuelle musik. Visit his website.

Elsa M’bala (aka AMET aka Anaba M'bala Elsa Tatiana) lives in both Germany and Cameroon. The complex experience of living as a Black woman between two worlds is a central theme of her artistic activity as author, performer, and musician. In her texts and songs, M’bala takes a poetic and critical approach to investigating her lifeworlds, the conflicts that arise from these worlds, and her desire for change. Follow her on SoundCloud.

Etienne Nillesen is a performer/improviser and composer from the Netherlands, currently based in Cologne, Germany. The snare drum is a core part of Nillesen’s artistic practice. With an instrumental and physical approach, he explores and pushes the limits of the natural acoustics of the snare drum using conventional playing techniques as well as extended techniques and preparations. His work involves elements of conceptual and spontaneous composition, structured improvisation, performance, and sound art. Visit his website.

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