Ula’s Substack
Poland (and beyond)
Ula Nowak has just begun her Substack blog. She says “I'll tell you a story. Bringing here some (g)oldies and goodies of today. Jazz, experimental, global sounds, traditional music, electroacoustic composition, free improvisation and beyond. Articles, photographs, mixtapes, playlists.”
Ula Nowak (sometimes known as Urszula Nowak) is a dynamic force in the realm of music journalism. She has built her reputation by contributing insightful and in-depth articles to both national and international publications such as Dwutygodnik, Jazz Forum, Gazeta Wyborcza, and Die Neue Zeitschrift für Musik. Her writing spans genres—especially world and jazz music—making her work essential reading for those passionate about diverse musical traditions and innovative sounds .
In addition to her written contributions, Ula has established herself as a multifaceted music manager and radio host. Since 2011, she has been the voice behind the world & jazz radio program "Balkanera," where she explores the cultural and sonic dimensions of music from the Balkans and beyond. Her work on this program underscores her commitment to bridging musical communities and bringing forward the rich tapestry of world music .
Ula’s passion for music also extends into event curation and festival organization. As a board member and co-organiser of the Pannonica Folk Festival—a platform dedicated to celebrating the musical heritage of the old Pannonia region—she helps create spaces where fresh sounds and traditional music can meet and inspire audiences. Moreover, she has been involved with initiatives like the Mosaic Beats concert agency and has collaborated with a range of cultural institutions, including Polish Radio, OFF Festival Katowice, and the Jewish Culture Festival in Kraków. This blend of written journalism, on-air programming, and live event management defines her as a versatile curator committed to nurturing the cultural vibrancy of music.
Upi can hear some of Ula’s work on SoundCloud.
Sounces: Pinconference, Most Music, SoundCloud