DALE BERNING SAWA
Journalist, writer, editor
The Nigerian-American photographer Mikael Owunna once told me about an outdoor shoot he did for his series Limitless Africans, during a New York blizzard. The magic happened in between the shots, when he and his four models hurried back inside, snowflakes on eyelashes, and danced in the kitchen. What were they vibing to? “I distinctly remember,” he said. It was Mr Eazi. The Guardian
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Ballaké Sissoko: picking up the pieces after US customs broke his kora The Guardian
In February 2020, Sissoko’s historic instrument was disassembled on a flight home to Paris. Bolstered by a new kora, his latest album revives their borderless journey. Read here
Why Tarek Atoui's new collection of musical instruments is striking an unfamiliar chord The Guardian
It’s an instrument - but how do you play it and what does it sound like? The discovery of a stash of obscure instruments has inspired a performance artwork at Tate Modern – Dale Berning Sawa took part. Read here
Listening To The Listeners: Low Interviewed The Quietus
Dale Berning Sawa talks to Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker about their career - both quiet and loud. Read here
We Have Come To Liven Up The Town: Amadou And Mariam Interviewed The Quietus
Dale Berning Sawa talks to the Malian musicians about the making of their latest album, Folila, and how each collaboration teaches them something new. Read here
Talismanic And Thirty: The Strange World Of... Yo La Tengo The Quietus
Three decades of music-making hasn’t dulled the Hoboken group’s ability to stop their listeners in their tracks. Dale Berning Sawa gives the casual listener a guide to the high points of their career. Read here
Even when listeners don’t understand Ami Faku's lyrics, they respond to the melody, which she qualifies as “very church”, and to the emotion. It’s because the writing comes from a true place, she says.
Faku grew up singing in church. Her father, like mine, is a pastor. He and her mother have beautiful, low voices.The Guardian
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‘Kawaiiii!’ Chai, the Japanese girl band reclaiming cuteness The Guardian
The indie pop quartet might not be overtly political, but their new album – ‘an amusement park for insecurities’ – has a radically positive vision. Read here
'When we play, everyone dances!' Benin girl group Star Feminine Band The Guardian
In the west African country, not everyone likes girls to play instruments – but this group of seven ultra-cool musicians are ripping up those expectations. Read more here
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Fused: Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto Interviewed The Quietus
Dale Berning Sawa caught up with Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto in anticipation of their London performance to talk about what makes a collaboration of this calibre possible, and necessary, and the sounds they treasure most.. Read here
Nothing But Heart: Alan Sparhawk of Low's Favourite Albums The Quietus
Low and Retribution Gospel Choir play in the UK next week. In advance of a full interview on the Quietus next week, frontman Alan Sparhawk spoke to Dale Berning Sawa about his thirteen favourite album. Read here
Home Bass: How Music Helps Us Work & Create Through Lockdown The Quietus
During the Covid pandemic many of us have had to start working from home. But how does the music we listen to affect our labours? And what impact can it have on creativity? Read here
Until One Of Us Dies: An Interview With Maher Shalal Hash Baz The Quietus
"I'm like a prodigal son," says Tori Kudo; partner Reiko prefers to stay home with her cats. They tell Dale Berning Sawa about life in Maher Shalal Hash Baz. Read here
We Need Horses On Stage... And Lassos: Santigold Interviewed The Quietus
Dale Berning Sawa talks to Santi White about the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, obsessive listening and post punk. Read here
Keep The Wheel Spinning: Yo La Tengo Interviewed The Quietus
Dale Berning Sawa talks to Yo La Tengo about their Spin the Wheel tour, the element of surprise and Spongebob Squarepants. Read here