Petra Sittig

Petra Sittig
Petra Sittig

I am talking to artists from around the world about their form of art, upcoming projects, concerts and performances. I believe that by hearing what artists have to tell, will inspire and motivate people and the importance of art in our lives will be better understood.

  1. The Vibrant Soul of Jazz - Passion, Performance, and Pure Magic

    1 DAY AGO

    The Vibrant Soul of Jazz - Passion, Performance, and Pure Magic

    In this interview with Swedish jazz sensation Gunhild Carling, we explore her incredible musical journey that began at a young age performing alongside her family. Gunhild shares how, even as a child, she developed a deep understanding of connecting with audiences through music and how that connection can transport the audience into the heart of the performance. She explains that when she truly feels and understands the music she’s playing, it allows the audience to experience the same emotions. As a multi-instrumentalist, Gunhild discusses how she uses a variety of instruments – including trumpet, trombone, harmonica, oboe, harp, flute, recorder, and even the jazz bagpipe – to express different facets of her musical vision. She also reveals her passion for tap dancing, which she sees as an essential rhythmic element that adds another layer of expression to her performances. Gunhild is not only an accomplished performer, but also a composer, and she takes us through the basics of her composing process, including how she blends different jazz influences into her music. With her heart and soul deeply rooted in jazz, Gunhild also reflects on the welcoming atmosphere of the American jazz scene, which encourages artists to bring their unique voices to the table. Known for her dynamic performances, Gunhild has also made waves on international television, competing in "Let’s Dance 2014" and appearing on shows like "Sweden’s Got Talent" and "America’s Got Talent." Her work with her "Carling Big Band" includes memorable performances, such as a stunning concert at the Royal Palace in Stockholm celebrating King Carl XVI Gustaf’s Ruby Jubilee. Whether she's playing multiple instruments at once or tapping her feet in rhythm, Gunhild Carling’s captivating performances continue to enchant audiences worldwide. https://carlingjazz.com/about/

    46 min
  2. How Our Identity Shapes Trust

    4 DAYS AGO

    How Our Identity Shapes Trust

    In this interview with John Vlismas, a South African comedian turned corporate consultant, we explore the profound role of comedy in society. John opens up about how comedy serves as a mirror to society, often highlighting uncomfortable truths, challenging norms, and allowing us to laugh through the most difficult topics. But beyond just making people laugh, John explores how comedy can be a tool for healing and growth, both for individuals and communities. John also shares his personal journey, revealing how his battle with addiction and eating disorders, coupled with the pressures of his comedy career, led him to a realization: being a comedian, while fulfilling in some ways, was not enough to bring true fulfillment. This pivotal moment pushed him to make a dramatic life shift. He transitioned from the comedy stage to studying diversity in South Africa's corporate world, focusing on understanding what diversity truly means in a country with such complex social dynamics. With his background in engaging and connecting with audiences, John developed a unique perspective on what it takes to build meaningful relationships in the workplace. He realized that true connection goes beyond surface-level interactions and that fostering an environment of authenticity is key to creating real bonds between colleagues. Now working with his partners at OGO Creative, John is on a mission to help businesses understand the real value of authenticity and identity in the workplace. He believes that when employees can show up as their true selves, not only does individual well-being improve, but team performance and overall company culture thrive. Through his work, John is empowering organizations to recognize the importance of emotional intelligence, open communication, and mutual respect in creating a work environment where everyone can thrive. This conversation is a powerful exploration of personal transformation, the evolution of a comedian’s career, and the deep impact of authenticity and connection in professional settings. Tune in to hear John Vlismas' inspiring story and valuable insights on how we can all build stronger, more inclusive, and connected workplaces. https://ogocreative.co.za/

    52 min
  3. Joanna Gemma Auguri on Her Album Hiraeth

    6 DAYS AGO

    Joanna Gemma Auguri on Her Album Hiraeth

    In this interview, I talk with Joanna Gemma Auguri, musician, songwriter, and actress, about her latest album Hiraeth. Her music blends influences from folk, ambient, and avant-garde sounds, offering a unique and deeply personal musical journey. Joanna talks about the concept of Hiraeth, a Welsh word that captures a feeling of longing for a home, place, or time that no longer exists—or never existed at all. It’s a type of nostalgia that touches on the past, lost connections, and even parts of yourself that are gone. Her album explores these feelings and the complexity of longing for something unreachable, making it an incredibly emotional experience for listeners. We also talk about Joanna's approach to songwriting, which is grounded in authenticity and personal experience. She shares how her music is a reflection of her own life and emotions, and how she hopes her songs resonate with people who have gone through similar struggles or feelings. Her songwriting is raw and honest, inviting her audience into her world in a way that feels real and relatable. Joanna also discusses the visual aspects of her music, especially how she brings her songs to life through stunning music videos. Her visuals are as much a part of her creative expression as the music itself, often blending surreal, thought-provoking imagery with the emotional depth of her songs. The visuals aren’t just an add-on, they help deepen the connection to the themes in her music and create a more immersive experience. To hear more about Joanna’s creative process, the making of Hiraeth, and the inspirations behind her work, make sure to check out the full interview. You’ll get an inside look at her music, her journey as an artist, and how she connects with her audience through both sound and visuals. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more interviews with incredible artists and creative minds! https://joannagemmaauguri.bandcamp.com/album/hiraeth

    43 min
  4. Elena Fedorenko: Exploring the Inner World Through Music

    13 JAN

    Elena Fedorenko: Exploring the Inner World Through Music

    In this interview, I talk with Elena Fedorenko, a Ukrainian-born pianist and composer whose music speaks directly to the soul. Elena’s journey with the piano started in Ukraine, where she grew up, and led her to classical training that would shape her into the artist she is today. In 2018, she moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of Professor Andrew West, a life-changing decision that expanded her artistic horizon. In our conversation, Elena opens up about the challenges and growth she experienced in making this bold move, and how sometimes it’s the difficult changes that push us to discover more about ourselves and our art. We talked about the idea of "rerouting" yourself—how shifting directions in life can be unsettling, but also necessary for creative and personal evolution. Elena shares the moment she began composing and what continues to inspire her to create music that feels deeply personal, yet universal. As Ellen F, she’s released a series of albums—“Monologue,” “Hug The Sadness,” “Memories of Our Future,” “1+1,” “tEARs,” and “Aphorism No.157”—that blur the lines between classical, contemporary, and experimental music. Elena’s compositions are rich with emotional depth, exploring the delicate balance between sorrow and hope, loneliness and longing. Her sound is both introspective and expansive, using the piano as a medium to explore the complexities of the human condition—grief, nostalgia, and the constant search for meaning. Her music is a journey into the inner world, one that reflects not just personal experience, but a shared exploration of our most vulnerable emotions. If you’re curious about the creative process of an artist who’s unafraid to embrace both darkness and light, this conversation with Elena will give you a raw, honest look into what drives her music and her ever-evolving artistic vision. https://ellenfmusic.com/about

    34 min
  5. Luke Potter on Songwriting, Family Legacy, and the Power of Collaboration

    10 JAN

    Luke Potter on Songwriting, Family Legacy, and the Power of Collaboration

    In this interview, UK singer-songwriter Luke Potter reflects on the unique path that led him to become a passionate and authentic artist. Growing up in a musical household, Luke was surrounded by the sounds of the industry from an early age, as his father was a member of the band “The Affair,” which was signed by none other than Simon Cowell. With such an influential figure in his life, it’s no surprise that Luke was drawn to music early on, although it wasn’t until he was 17 that he first picked up a guitar—and from that moment, he never looked back. Luke talks about how his upbringing in a musical family helped shape his love for songwriting, while also providing insight into the emotional side of his music. He explains how writing lyrics has been more than just a creative outlet for him, it’s been a crucial way to cope with personal struggles and emotions. His songs are deeply personal, often reflecting the raw emotions he’s going through, which makes his music relatable and impactful for listeners. Another aspect of Luke’s creative process that he values is collaboration. He loves working with other singers and songwriters, believing that co-writing is almost like a form of therapy. For Luke, the exchange of ideas and emotions with fellow artists during the songwriting process allows him to explore different perspectives and unlock new layers of creativity. He describes it as a deeply therapeutic and healing experience for everyone involved, and it’s something that fuels his passion for making music. This interview offers an intimate look at Luke’s journey as an artist and his unique approach to songwriting. Tune in to hear more about how his family background, personal experiences, and collaborations have shaped him into the artist he is today—someone who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, connect with others, and use music as a tool for healing. https://www.youtube.com/user/LukePotterMusic https://soundcloud.com/lukepotter

    28 min
  6. Embracing Nature's Elements

    9 JAN

    Embracing Nature's Elements

    In this interview the Irish composer Gav Moran, talks about his creative process and the inspirations behind his music. Gav shares how the weather in Ireland, with its constant rain and cold, shapes the melancholic tone of his compositions, which he describes as the perfect soundtrack for walking in the rain and embracing the darkness. He explains how he channels these elements of nature into his music, seeing them as a source of inspiration rather than something to avoid. Gav also discusses his passion for combining music with visuals, enjoying the process of creating videos that complement his sound. He highlights how social media has become a great platform for him to explore and share this fusion of audio and visual art. Reflecting on his journey, Gav reveals how he first realized the true power of music when watching a film. He was struck by how the music could change and influence the mood of a scene, sparking his desire to explore composition more deeply. From his roots as a DJ to his current focus on composing, Gav explains how his musical journey evolved and how he developed his minimalist approach to composition. He talks about his love for simplicity in his work and how it has become his signature style. Additionally, Gav opens up about his piano-playing beginnings and how they laid the foundation for his current musical expression. This insightful conversation offers a fascinating look at the mind of a composer who embraces the beauty of simplicity, nature, and creativity. https://www.instagram.com/gavmoranmusic/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCtpiVvodQ_YWxeSjY-4ACog https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100089145008249

    54 min
  7. How Tobias Meinhart Found His Unique Voice in Jazz:

    6 JAN

    How Tobias Meinhart Found His Unique Voice in Jazz:

    In this interview with renowned saxophonist Tobias Meinhart, we dive deep into his fascinating journey from Germany to the heart of the jazz world in New York City. Tobias shares how his grandfather played a pivotal role in nurturing his love for jazz, which ultimately inspired him to pick up the saxophone. Growing up in Germany, far from jazz’s origins, Tobias’s early exposure to the genre through his grandfather sparked a lifelong passion for music. He talks about how this early connection to jazz laid the foundation for his musical journey, leading him to New York to immerse himself in the city's vibrant and diverse jazz scene. Tobias also sheds light on the challenges he faced when trying to break into the competitive New York jazz scene. He shares his experience of navigating the city's complex music community, building connections, and establishing himself as a respected artist. Through hard work and persistence, Tobias not only found his place but also contributed significantly to the evolving landscape of jazz. Throughout our conversation, we explore the theme of roots—how an artist's heritage, upbringing, and personal history can influence their artistic development and path to self-discovery. Tobias emphasizes how understanding and embracing one’s roots can help shape a more authentic and powerful artistic voice. Finally, I ask Tobias about what he misses most from Germany, and his answer brings a personal and nostalgic touch to the interview. He fondly recalls the comforting flavors of his mother’s home-cooked meals, particularly her traditional German Knödel—a dish that holds a special place in his heart. This conversation with Tobias Meinhart offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of culture, identity, and artistry, and how an artist can find their true voice, even in the most diverse and challenging environments.

    51 min

About

I am talking to artists from around the world about their form of art, upcoming projects, concerts and performances. I believe that by hearing what artists have to tell, will inspire and motivate people and the importance of art in our lives will be better understood.

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