WELTEN (PREORDER)

There is a peculiar magic surrounding the music of the band WELTEN. It is music akin to that titular embrace—at times affectionate, at times comforting, and occasionally, for a fleeting moment, brimming with euphoria.

“Soundscapes into which one longs to sink, as if into a bed of soft wool. They never stagnate; never content to rest on their initial concept, they instead grow ever grander, more playful, and more intricate.” (Leipziger Volkszeitung, Feb. 24, 2026)

WELTEN is an indie-jazz band from Leipzig, operating at the crossroads of jazz, ambient, post-rock, and neo-classical music. The defining characteristic of their sound is its evocative, almost cinematic sonic language—music that conjures images in the mind; simultaneously understated and compelling, complex yet accessible. *embrace* arrives to mark the tenth anniversary of this unique band. To date, WELTEN has released four albums—*Live im Laden auf Zeit* (2017), *Ycatú* (2018), *Akureyri* (2019), and *Thaw* (2022)—and has performed over 80 concerts across Germany, Iceland, Switzerland, and Austria, including live sessions for Deutschlandfunk Kultur and festival appearances at events such as Fusion, Seanaps, and At.tension

In addition to founding members Valentin Mühlberger (Wurlitzer, Moog, vocals), Lukas Backs (alto flute, concert flute, percussion), and Laurenz Welten (alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet), the sound of the new album has been shaped by two new musicians. Anna-Lucia Rupp (known for projects like Olicía and BODIES) has been part of WELTEN for some time; a versatile multi-instrumentalist, she expands the band's sonic palette using synthesizers, percussion, and—above all—her voice. Meanwhile, new drummer Raphael Schuster brings fresh ideas to the band's rhythmic approach through the use of a prepared drum kit and expanded percussive sound sources.

On *embrace*, the alto flute, saxophone, and Anna-Lucia Rupp’s precise vocals are often arranged in harmonies, creating a unique sound. Valentin Mühlberger crafts atmospheric soundscapes using Wurlitzer, Moog, and effects. His voice and Rupp’s add further layers without ever dominating the song—each serving as just one part of the whole. Raphael Schuster’s rhythms extend far beyond the standard drum kit, incorporating a collection of antique mixing bowls that once belonged to his grandfather—a pastry chef—and which he plays in various sizes to produce actual melodies. Lukas Backs primarily plays the alto flute—a lower-pitched version of the concert flute—and loves spontaneous experimentation with percussion instruments and everyday objects, a trait evident in many of the album's tracks. Although the band bears the surname of its soulful saxophonist and clarinetist, Laurenz Welten, the name serves more as an inspiration; there is no traditional bandleader, and all members contribute compositions.

All songs written and performed by WELTEN
Recorded at OLICÍA STUDIOS

ANNA-LUCIA RUPP – Vocals, Synthesizer, Percussion

VALENTIN MÜHLBERGER – Wurlitzer, Moog, Vocals

LUKAS BACKS  – alto flute, concert flute, percussion

LAURENZ WELTEN - alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet 

RAPHAEL SCHUSTER – drums, objects

Sampled harp bass drum courtesy of LAURA PERRUDIN on Bloom
Lyrics on Finally by SUDABEH MOHAFEZ — edited by ANNA-LUCIA RUPP & FAMA M’BOUP
Additional spoken word by SUDABEH MOHAFEZ on Finally

Mixing by JAKOB HEGNER on all songs except Hidden Portraits, Branches and Finally
Mastering by BERNHARD RANGE at Schaltgeraete Studios

Band Photos by DOVILE SERMOKAS Artwork by FELIX POLLOCHEK

℗ + © 2026 by o-cetera, o-cetera.com, o-cetera009

Supported by Initiative Musik gGmbH with project funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media.