Vanessa Porter is recognized internationally as one of the most versatile percussionists, sought after for a wide range of projects, concert formats, and programs.
As a soloist, she combines contemporary works with improvisation, electronics, and performance art, captivating audiences with her focused approach to crafting diverse soundscapes. In addition to engaging directly with her instruments, a significant part of her work involves developing new programs as a soloist and in collaboration with various artists. She places great emphasis on creating a holistic concert experience and strives to contextualize her work within broader societal frameworks.
Vanessa Porter will be performing at the Radialsystem as part of MaerzMusik on Saturday 28 March 2026.
Questions and Answers
FACTS
1: Not every day is about becoming better — some days are about simply being yourself.
2: Fill your rooms with as many plants as possible — they make life easier.
3: My biggest passion right now is learning Turkish.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
I don’t think there’s one single big source of inspiration for me. I’m surrounded by people who inspire me in so many different ways.
My dad, from whom I learned everything about playing the drums. My mom, who tries not to take things too seriously and brings a sense of lightness into this very head-driven music life. My sister, who pulls me back to reality with her easygoing nature during stressful times. And my partner, who is a fantastic musician in every way, and with whom I have the most exciting conversations and the best moments in our rehearsal room. The combination of all of them has been, and still is, a huge inspiration for how I make and think about music today
(Everyone except my mom is also a percussionist…)
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I started very early. My dad is a drummer himself and ran a private drum school in our house. Part of our home was living space, and the other part was the drum school. I really grew up surrounded by it, and I started taking piano and drum lessons at a very young age.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
Don’t take the car!
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
Besides all the amazing spots that Stuttgart has—even a bit hidden—my home!!!
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
If I had a talent, it would be painting. If I knew more, I’d probably go for floristry or woodworking—something hands-on, I guess.
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
Kasia Kadlubowska – White Lions
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
There are so many amazing artists I’d love to collaborate more closely with. Rebecca Saunders is incredible, David Lang, and working with Georges Aperghis was unbelievably honest and authentic. But I’m also very fascinated by dance companies and visual artists—it’s hard for me to pick just one name or exclude others.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
My best gigs have always been the ‘firsts.’ The first time performing on a big stage with my sister (though we totally messed it up), also playing in a trio with my sister and dad. Also the first time being on stage with my partner as a duo. Those are the moments that shaped me the most and that I remember more vividly than a big concert at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg or the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Every concert has its moments, its meaning, and its memories. Playing as a soloist in a large, beautiful hall feels completely different from performing in a private room with my sister as a small child. I’ve cherished both experiences and would never want to miss either. It’s like going to a Michelin-starred restaurant versus eating the best schnitzel in the world at grandma’s. These moments are hard to compare, yet they both have the same effect: enjoy eating… or in my case, playing.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
It is important. I use technology almost every day—whether it’s practicing with a click track, recording, listening, or producing. All of that is useful, and it’s great that we have it. Still, I also play a lot of acoustic music where I avoid any technology, because I really love the purity of the music and of making music.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
I have a sister, and until a few years ago we were doing exactly the same thing. Now we both still make music, but in different directions. She loves what I do, and I love what she does. We never got in each other’s way—there was never any sense of competition or comparison. Our parents did a great job with that. Now we’re both fully immersed in music and really admire what the other does, even though we’ve each chosen our own path.
