Michelle
I write about the stories and emotions that shape music, culture and conversations. While exploring the impact of media and pop culture, I like to put a particular focus on the voices of women and their evolving place in the industry. I am especially drawn to interviews that go beyond the surface, uncovering the perspectives and personalities behind the work.
Articles by Michelle
Mark Forster in Lübeck: When the Crowd Became the Choir
At a sold-out Kulturwerft Gollan, Mark Forster blurred the line between performer and audience, weaving more than 5,000 voices into a song and turning a spontaneous phone call into part of the encore. Between confetti, late-summer skies, and some of German pop’s most familiar choruses, it was the smaller, unscripted moments that made the night feel entirely its own.
Words: Michelle / August 22nd, 2026
Beyond the Sparkling Leotards: Why Germany’s Gymnasts Deserve More Than One Weekend of Applause
At the German Gymnastics Championships in Hannover, sparkling leotards, close medal battles and emotional comebacks brought women’s artistic gymnastics into the spotlight. Yet once the applause fades, Germany’s gymnasts return to a system that still offers far too little financial security, public visibility and long-term support.
Words: Michelle / July 26th, 2026
Local Band IF17 on Writing Original Music and Finding an Audience
From school rehearsals in Gettorf to headlining at Schleswig swingt, IF17 has gradually developed a sound of its own. Ahead of the show, the local band spoke to THE UNSEEN about writing original songs, preparing for their first releases, and making music work alongside university, jobs, and everyday life.
Words: Michelle / July 21st, 2026
Coasting Into the Night: Alice Merton Returns to Kieler Woche
Returning to Kieler Woche with her new album Visions, Alice Merton delivered a vibrant, heartfelt performance that had the packed Rathausplatz dancing, singing, and smiling throughout the night. With personal stories, playful audience interaction, and a triumphant rendition of “No Roots,” she turned her return to Kiel into one of the most memorable concerts at Kieler Woche 2026.
Words: Michelle / July 3rd, 2026
Won’t Forget These Days: Fury in the Slaughterhouse Close Kieler Woche with Rock and Resistance
Fury in the Slaughterhouse brought rock classics, political conviction, and a touch of endearing chaos to the final night of Kieler Woche. Despite technical difficulties and an uncomfortably overcrowded festival ground, the band’s humor and unmistakable connection with the audience turned the end of the day into one that the crowd won't want to forget.
Words: Michelle / July 3rd, 2026
Kiel Is Ready to Spend Time with Roxette in July 2026
Roxette are about to return to the stage in Kiel, Germany, with a night that blends timeless ’80s and ’90s pop classics with a renewed live energy, as the band’s legacy enters a new chapter. Fans can expect a concert that celebrates both nostalgia and the fresh spirit of a reimagined Roxette.
Words: Michelle / May 19th, 2026
62 Million Views Later, the Conversation Hasn’t Changed ‒ Why Women Are Tired of Explaining "Not All Men"
Sixty-two million views later, the conversation has shifted away from the systems that enabled harm at scale and toward a debate over wording. As attention settles on whether the figure refers to users or views, the underlying reality remains unchanged: the normalization and circulation of violence in digital spaces. For many women, this is not a matter of statistical precision but of lived experience, shaped by an awareness of risk that is constant and learned early. The issue has never been about all men, but about whether enough men, and enough indifference, exist to make that fear entirely rational.
Words: Michelle / April 24th, 2026
7 ways to give back to your local community this Christmas season
Who says holiday magic only comes wrapped in glitter and bows? This season, let's try to give back and find joy in the little things. Whether donating blood, helping a senior feel remembered, or supporting local artists, every small act of care lights up the season and the community around us.
Words: Michelle / December 21st, 2025
Between Vulnerability and Comfort: Philine on Her Newly Released EP “the truth of living in reality”
Shortly after the release of her new EP „the truth of living in reality“, Philine sat down with us to share an intimate look behind the music. In our conversation, the Dutch singer-songwriter opened up about the creative and writing process that shaped her latest work, her excitement for the upcoming tour, and the pivotal moments that led her into the music industry. Beyond the music, Philine also revealed the simple joys and hobbies that keep her grounded.
Words: Michelle / October 8th, 2025
From Mosh Pits to Piano Session in the Crowd: Funhouse Festival Day 1
Kiel’s Funhouse Festival opened its fourth edition with a bang, drawing over 10,000 fans for a weekend that blends mosh pits, tender ballads, and surprise moments of pure joy. From Berlin’s masked rap collective PA69 to local heroes Leoniden, day one proved that Funhouse is more than just music but a celebration of community and inclusivity.
Words: Michelle / August 22nd, 2025
Between Island Roots and Stage Lights: Aura Dione in Interview
Shortly before Aura Dione took the stage at Kieler Woche, I had the chance to sit down with the Danish singer-songwriter for a brief but thoughtful exchange about creative intuition, performing in uncertain times, and how motherhood and language have shaped her most recent songs. Reflective and intuitive, Aura shared her thoughts on writing in Danish, connecting through emotion, and why she sees music as a vessel for hope.
Words: Michelle / July 17th, 2025
Look What You Made Me Do: Taylor Swift’s Version of Belonging, Power, and Payback
With the haunting reintroduction of 'Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)' in 'The Handmaid’s Tale' trailer, Taylor Swift isn’t just revisiting her ‘reputation’ era, she’s reclaiming it. In a music industry that once stripped her of ownership, Swift’s re-recordings are a defiant statement of power, agency, and belonging.
Words: Michelle / May 25th, 2025