Totenhagen | Release-Konzert "Raw"

Since 2020, the practice of vocalist Totenhagen has undergone a radical transformation. Previously dedicated to contemporary jazz, Totenhagen can now be found in free improvising formats with musicians such as Farida Amadou, Eve Risser, with her performative program with solo voice or with her a cappella formation "Of Cabbages And Kings". Four years ago, the Cologne-based musician embarked on a confrontational exploration of her previous work in an unconventional way. NICA artist development was able to provide support here. Totenhagen has been part of the musician development programme since 2020, which has accompanied her on her path to individualization and further professionalization: this leads to emancipated expression, free vocal improvisation, conceptual work and the constant exploration of her stage presence. In her a cappella performances, as well as her work with various effects pedals, Totenhagen strives for liberation from conventional musical rules and patriarchal shackles. She explores the possibilities of her multi-faceted voice authentically, with a love of detail, humor and a need for directness.

This year, Totenhagen has captured her tireless exploration of the forms and facets of her voice in five sessions with musicians DoYeon Kim, Lucy Liebe, Sara Schoenbeck, Nick Dunston and Anton Kaun. Excerpts from each session can be heard on a compilation, which will be released at Stadtgarten Köln on this evening. In the following year, the individual sessions will be released digitally as full-length albums/EPs. Totenhagen has invited two musicians for her "Raw" release evening: DoYeon Kim from New York and Lucy Liebe from Berlin.

DoYeon Kim is a traditionally trained Korean artist who plays the gayageum, a traditional Korean stringed instrument, and has developed a uniquely wide-ranging musical approach that includes Korean music, jazz and improvisation. Kim has introduced the gayageum to improvised music worldwide.

Lucy Liebe and Totenhagen met musically for the first time as part of the "NICA live" concert series. Undoubtedly a match and the intensification of their collaboration can be eagerly awaited. More about multi-instrumentalist and producer Lucy Liebe? "Looong ep" from November 2023 is well worth a listen.