In a special edition of B:jazz, I'm really happy to be able to present part 2 of an interview from Jazzwoche 2023 with Michaël Attias. We discuss finding the mystery within the fundamentals, keeping humble intentions, urgency, commitment and purpose through performance, plus how socialisation affects the approaches of musicians based in Europe versus New York. We also talk about the possibilities and drive created by artistic resources and archives alongside the desire and focus to experience it personally, extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation, branding and pressure on younger generations, how communication happens with audiences, growth through self-promotion via publication, and the difference between making political music and making music politically and locally.

In episode 26 of B:jazz, I am discussing visibility in the context of music journalism with journalist, musician, curator and moderator Sophie Emilie Beha. We discuss the importance of open minded listening and the responsibilities of moderating, curating and programming, actual visible change versus tokenism and diversity washing, discovering our own blind spots and leaning into discomfort. We also talk about balancing entertainment and information mediums by telling stories, institutional attitudes to visibility and diversity, and the effectiveness of EDI panel discussions.

In episode 25 of B:jazz, I talk to Camille Buscot, manager of the Deutsche Jazzunion, about the relevance and importance of unions. How do unions act as the contact point between the scene, institutions and politicans? What are some of the previous successes and upcoming challenges of the unions, and how do they work to represent the interests and lives of their members? We discuss how conflict can be a catalyst for action, the importance of diversity of experience, and the balance of individual ethics with community action.