“The Blues is the origin and beginning of everything. We should cherish and preserve it like a treasure. I is honest and sincere! and what would the world be without music? No wedding, no birthday, no funeral would be possible without music... no film... in the supermarket, in the nursery and at school, while driving or doing housework, music is omnipresent and yet often taken for granted! We should appreciate music itself and all the wonderful people who make it for us more!”

Birgit “B’ee” Neukranz: The Soulful Voice

Bée (Birgit Neukranz) grew up around the suburbs of Düsseldorf in Germany. During her younger years she would sing and entertain her school friends who were captivated by her soulful voice. She later found herself being approached by various local bands, requesting her to try out for the position of lead vocalist. Although Bee still didn´t really recognize her abilities, she gained a lot more confidence after performing at several live events. In 2020 Bée formed the band Sounds of Silence along with guitarist/percussionist Sven Neukranz and lead guitarist Heinz Schäfer. The trio created acoustic arrangements of their favorite songs built around Bee´s deep and expressive soulful voice. Sounds of Silence went on to record a number of tracks, and their cover version of the Iyeoka Okoawo song Simply Falling picked up extensive worldwide radio airplay.

(Photo: Bée aka Birgit Neukranz)

In 2022 Bée was approached by renowned blues-rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Mick Simpson, with a view to establishing her as a solo artist and recording an album of original material, straying away from the cover versions that she had previously done, with this in mind she formed a working relationship with Mick Simpson, along with producer Andy Littlewood, Madearsproduction UK. “What’s It Gonna B’ee” (2023) was the highly anticipated debut album by German based singer B’ee. The 12-track album is a cool mix of rock, blues, soul, adult contemporary, and Southern Rock, all held together by her deep and soulful vocals. B’ee features on single “High Wire” (2025) of Mockingbird Hill, an exciting recording project led by Andy Littlewood.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world ? What does the blues mean to you?

Music has always meant a great deal to me. There are many great song lyrics that address the truly important issues in our world. I particularly like these songs that have depth and a message. The Blues is something very special. It doesn't need to change or move with the times. It is the origin of everything, so honest and genuine. It has managed to survive all the tides of change. I am grateful to be able to sing the Blues.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

I sing Bues, Rock and Motown. My lyrics, written by Andy Littlewood and Mick Simpson, are honest and sincere. I sing about deep wounds, longing, unfulfilled love and strength. I have experienced all these feelings myself. I am supported and inspired by Beth Hart, Amy Winehouse and Walter Trout. True artists who don't just sing a song, but they tell a story.

“Music has always meant a great deal to me. There are many great song lyrics that address the truly important issues in our world. I particularly like these songs that have depth and a message. The Blues is something very special. It doesn't need to change or move with the times. It is the origin of everything, so honest and genuine. It has managed to survive all the tides of change. I am grateful to be able to sing the Blues.” (Photo: Bée aka Birgit Neukranz)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss honest, handmade music! Our children are growing up with computer music and AI. Bands are finding it increasingly difficult; for cost reasons, people prefer to hire a DJ... I always describe it to my daughter like this: If you only ever eat industrially produced strawberry yoghurt, you lose the taste for real strawberries. And that's a great pity. I'm afraid of the future, of the current world situation. I'm afraid that we humans will lose what makes us who we are. Our humanity.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Andy Littlewood and Mick Simpson changed my life. They gave me the opportunity to make music. The highlight was my first album What's it gonna Bee. We had incredible success, and the carried me forward and made me strong. A lot has changed since then. I've met some great musicians and developed deep friendships with some of them.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The most important lesson ist not to believe everything. Often things are not as we see them. The music industry is very fast-paced and tough. What was good today may not matter tomorrow. I don't define myself by that. I am who I am, regardless of how many streams or followers I have.                                        (Photo: Bée aka Birgit Neukranz)

“I miss honest, handmade music! Our children are growing up with computer music and AI. Bands are finding it increasingly difficult; for cost reasons, people prefer to hire a DJ... I always describe it to my daughter like this: If you only ever eat industrially produced strawberry yoghurt, you lose the taste for real strawberries. And that's a great pity. I'm afraid of the future, of the current world situation. I'm afraid that we humans will lose what makes us who we are. Our humanity.”

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

Women are wonderful beings who don't have to strip off at every gig. If you're really good at something, you don't have to wear hot pants. I have a lot of male friends in the music industry who treat me with great respect.

As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?

Fortunately; I am in a position where I can make the music I like. It's a great gift. And I have a wonderful production company, Mad Ears Production UK, that is accompanying me on this journey. Andy Littlewood also believes that you can only be good at something if you like it. Anything else makes no sense.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musician in today’s society?

As I said at the beginning of this interview, the Blues is the origin and beginning of everything. We should cherish and preserve it like a treasure. I is honest and sincere! and what would the world be without music? No wedding, no birthday, no funeral would be possible without music....no film...in the supermarket, in the nursery and at school, while driving or doing housework, music is omnipresent and yet often taken for granted! We should appreciate music itself and all the wonderful people who make it for us more!

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(Photo: Bée aka Birgit Neukranz)