Introducing…. Non Talkers

Non Talkers are a Portugal-based indie folk duo with a knack for heartfelt songwriting, layered harmonies, and emotionally charged performances. Since forming in 2014, they’ve evolved from eclectic beginnings into a focused and authentic project that has taken them across Europe’s stages and festivals.

Click Roll Boom: Tell me about how you got started
Non Talkers: We first started making music together back in 2014 under the name Brantner. At the time, our sound wasn’t fully defined — we moved between rock, pop alternative, and a bit of folk. Because the band name was my surname, people often assumed it was just my solo project rather than a duo with Evita. In 2019, we crossed paths with Hugo Danin, a renowned drummer and producer in Portugal. He helped us shape and refine our sound while producing our first EP, and that was also when we decided to rebrand as Non Talkers.

CRB: How would you describe your sound, and how has it evolved since you first started?
NT: In the early years, our sound was more eclectic and less focused, moving between different genres. Since 2019, with Hugo Danin’s guidance, we’ve found our own voice in indie folk and pop folk. The music now reflects a clearer identity: heartfelt songwriting, layered harmonies, and acoustic-driven arrangements, balanced with the energy and dynamics of rock. It’s evolved into something more mature, emotional, and authentic to who we are.

CRB: Who or what have been some of your biggest influences, musically and beyond?
NT: Musically, artists like Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Adele, Damien Rice, and The Lumineers have shaped our approach. Beyond music, we’re influenced by real-life stories — resilience, relationships, personal struggles and triumphs — everything that makes us reflect and grow as people.

CRB: What does your songwriting process typically look like – is it a more individual or collaborative effort?
NT: It’s both. Sometimes a song starts individually — a guitar progression, a lyric idea, or a melody. Other times, it develops in collaboration, where we build it together, layer by layer. The common thread is that we always write from a place of honesty and emotion.

CRB: How do you approach experimenting with new sounds or ideas when creating music?
NT: We believe experimentation comes naturally when you allow a song to guide you. We might start with a folk acoustic base but then test different harmonies, rhythms, or even production techniques that take it in a new direction. Live shows also inspire us — testing songs on stage often shapes how we later record them.

CRB: What’s been one of the most memorable moments in your journey so far?
NT: Winning the Rootstock Festival in France in 2020 was unforgettable, as was playing the Festival Vilar de Mouros in Portugal. More recently, starting our Weight of Doubt theatre tour in Portugal and seeing sold-out audiences connect deeply with our music has been incredibly special.

CRB: How do you prepare for live shows, and what do you aim to bring to your performances?
NT: We prepare by rehearsing intensively, but also by connecting with the emotional flow of the setlist. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where the audience feels part of the journey — intimate moments balanced with powerful, energetic songs that lift everyone up.

CRB: How do you balance creative expression with staying connected to your audience?
NT: For us, the two go hand in hand. We express ourselves authentically, but always think about how the listener will experience it. Social media and live shows also give us direct feedback, which helps us shape our choices without compromising our artistic vision.

CRB: What do you hope listeners take away from your work?
NT: We hope they feel understood, uplifted, and inspired. Many of our songs touch on resilience and the courage to face doubts or challenges. If someone feels less alone or more motivated after hearing our music, then we’ve done our job.

CRB: What does the future hold for you – any plans or goals you’re excited about?
NT: Right now, our main focus is the Weight of Doubt tour. After a successful run in Portugal, we’ll be expanding to Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria in 2026. Along the way, we’re recording and releasing new singles captured live on tour, which will eventually be compiled into a new album.