Start Listening To: Ralph Heidel

With his new album anyways.onto better things, the Berlin-based composer and saxophonist takes full creative control, exploring intimacy, transformation, and the power of instrumental storytelling.

Ralph Heidel is an artist who defies easy categorisation. A composer, saxophonist, and producer based in Berlin, his work blends elements of jazz, classical, electronic, and pop music into something deeply personal yet expansive. With his new album, anyways.onto better things, Heidel takes full creative control, crafting a record that is both sonically rich and emotionally raw. Featuring collaborations with artists like Jun Miyake and Selassie, the album reflects a period of transformation, capturing moments of introspection and connection. We spoke to Heidel about his evolving approach to music, the stories behind his collaborations, and the personal truths that shaped this record.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

I’m Ralph Heidel, I live in Berlin and I make music that you will understand better if you read this interview. 

Your new album, anyways.onto better things, marks a series of new beginnings for you. What was the turning point that made you decide to take full creative control over the process?

It came out of a necessity. This is going to sound cheesy, but going into the studio every day grounded me, gave me security. There I didn’t feel lonely, I wasn’t scared of anything. So I kept doing it. 

You’ve described this album as your most honest work yet. What were some of the hardest truths you had to confront while making it?

Every inner process needs its own time, could be a week, 2 years or a whole life but you can learn how to live with them. 

The album features collaborations with artists from different backgrounds, from Jun Miyake to Selassie. How did these collaborations come about, and what did each artist bring to the record?

I listened to Juns music a lot while I studied, his music was always a strong influence. I asked him, he liked the music, we collaborated. 

Selassie was in the studio next door, while I produced „All The Seasons“. He literally stormed into the room and said he wants to do something on it. After I listened to his track „Mamas Boi“ I was hooked.

All the other collaborators are close friends, that inspire my life and artistic work more than anyone else. 

There’s a strong sense of both personal and universal themes in this album. How do you balance telling your own story while making space for listeners to connect in their own way?

That’s the reasons why I love instrumental music. There is so much space for the listener. In the end I just put names on the songs, but I don’t impose anything to the listener. 

Musically, this album moves between jazz, classical, electronic, and pop influences. Do you feel like your approach to genre has evolved since Modern Life?

I would like to talk more in sound, associations and colors than in Genres. This of course evolved. I resonate more and more with reduced productions, with intimate, room sounding recordings and musicianship. 

‘If You Must Go’ and ‘A New Start’ suggest a sense of closure, but also renewal. Do you see this album as an ending or a transition into something new?

Transition is a good word. Because there isn’t really an ending or a new start. There isn’t this point. Everything is transition, all the time. 

The decision to start your own label, Friends With Oranges, is a big step. What has that experience been like, and how does it change your relationship with releasing music?

Releasing my own music became so sacred to me, that I wanted full control over everything. Even if that means, I don’t reach so many people than with a famous label. The last years I produced a lot for other people, also I produced the albums by my two partners in crime, Finn Ronsdorf and Lisa Harres. We help each other with everything, from the artworks, to music videos or production. So we started „Friends with Oranges“. 

From designing the vinyl to physically mailing it out, you’ve been deeply involved in every step of this album. Was there any part of the process that surprised you or challenged you in unexpected ways?

Oh yes, everything needs way more time then expected. But I’m very very happy about all my friends that helped with these steps. 

Tracks like ‘Curly Hair’ and ‘Oh, Cherry Tree’ are incredibly intimate. How do you approach translating deeply personal emotions into sound?

I just start.

You’ve worked with a wide range of artists across different genres. What draws you to a collaborator, and is there anyone you’d love to work with in the future?

For my music I always ask the people if they wanna collaborate. When I got asked to produce other artists, I have to resonate deeply and/or be interested in the artistic approach behind the music.

Oh, I would love to work with a lot of artists. I have a few in mind for an upcoming record, but will keep that for myself. 

Berlin has been your creative base for a while now. How has the city shaped your music and artistic outlook?

It has been tough in the beginning, to find an own way here, because it’s a city full of artists and creative people, this often is over stimulating, but it forces you to find your own way.

What do you love right now?

Ice bathing and the evolving spring in Berlin.

What do you hate right now?

The Trump administration and the uprising far right worldwide. We have to stand together.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you? 

I grew up very provincial, but there was this one guy who showed me Boards of Canada, Apex Twin, Portishead and so on when I was 15 (Thanks Daniel!). We then formed a Trip Hop Band together! 

This changed a lot. Afterwards there were a lot of albums that I always come back to, for example Inne (Live) by Sigur Rós.

Now that the album is out, what’s next for you? Are you already thinking about new projects, or are you taking time to reflect on this one?

I have a collab album finished, that I will release maybe end of the year. I think I’m gonna travel also a bit, focusing on playing a few shows and write some music here and then. 

We will also be doing evening with the label this year.