By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo Courtesy of the Artist
Q) How would you describe the sound of the music that you make? Classical? Pop?
A) My album Music 27 has a minimalist approach.
In the recording studio, I strive for authenticity and emotional honesty in my performance. Genre-wise, I’d describe – it’s so so so hard, but the album is soul-pop. Some of my songs were produced digitally, we refined some certain sounds through MIDI programming. My vocals and piano are the only fully organic elements in the recordings. In that sense, the sound of the album reflects the way it was made.
The heart of the soul-pop character lies in my voice. Through my singing, I try to convey emotions as directly and sincerely as they can be. I need my vocals to show their emotion and convey it to the audience.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I have many musical influences, that’s important for a new musical inspiration. My biggest musical influence is Freddie Mercury. I admire his music a lot, his charisma and an absolute genius personality and his unique voice. His voice fascinates me. I’m also inspired by Annie Lennox and the distinctive quality of her vocal style. When it comes to bands, I really like Depeche Mode – they combine melody and rhythm originally and it’s dark and striking.
I also admire Alicia Keys and the color of her voice. I’m drawn to artists who can simply walk onto a stage, sing, and create an atmosphere.
I like when a performer can draw me into the emotion of the entire concert through the power of their voice and presence. It makes great music memories.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Alone.” What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I hope it is the overall atmosphere of the song. Ideally, I create a parallel between the music and the lyrics. Music has to tell the listener something. It should leave a lasting impression. When that happens, the whole message of the song truly comes together.
Q) How is “Alone” the perfect follow up to your other recent single “Heart?”
A) My album Music 27 is built around emotions that I have experienced or am still experiencing. Each song contains a part of an authentic personal story. The album is about the connection between the individual pieces, and I try to show listeners a spectrum of emotions they can draw from. In my case, it is a journey of finding light in the darkness. Music gives me the important courage I need to show my feelings.
The songs “Heart” and “Alone” are a continuation of my journey of exploring and expressing my inner world.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I always compose in a way that feels natural and effortless. I usually need the music before the lyrics. When I understand what the harmony is expressing, a word comes to my mind, and then the lyrics begin to develop.
Honestly, composing music feels more natural to me, but the lyrics have to follow the tones and emotions of the music. I draw a lot from classical structures because I used to play classical music. The structure of a composition sometimes helps me to maintain the musical form.
After that, I develop ideas for the rhythm and explore different sound options for my compositions. I like layering my vocals in the recording studio because it can capture real emotions.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) The Music 27 album is still an independent project, which means that the entire creative process is in my hands. There are sometimes discussions about sound design, and we also work on the dynamics and harmonic structures of the songs. The sound engineer gives me his opinion, and we discuss it in the studio. I make the final decisions about the finished version, and I take full responsibility for the final result.
Q) The album Music 27 is set to be released soon. Do you have a date yet for when fans can expect to hear this new music?
A) The Music 27 album is coming together gradually. I’m releasing singles and I expect the full album to be completed in the autumn.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from your music – either as an emotion or message?
A) I firmly believe that my album Music 27 gives people the opportunity for an introspective look into the human soul. Music has the power to heal invisible pain and to reveal things that words can’t describe.
Because my album is very lyrical and deeply emotional, I hope listeners truly connect with the music and feel its message. The audience may find a reflection of their own inner world in certain emotions expressed through my songs.
If I have been able to achieve that connection, it is the best meaningful feedback I could receive.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) The Music 27 album currently exists in its studio versions, where the songs are being developed through musical sessions and I am preparing them for live performances. I cannot wait to bring these songs to life on stage.
This autumn there is going to be a promotional concert where I can present the Music 27 album live to listeners. For me, what is important is the atmosphere — something what we remember forever. It is the unique energy between the musicians and the audience that makes a concert truly special.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I would have loved to meet Freddie Mercury, although I know I can’t. For me, meeting someone from his band would be a great honor, because his musical influence is truly fundamental to me.
One of my dreams would be to meet Roger Taylor and have the opportunity to discuss my Music 27 album. Since I have personal, professional and musical connections to the UK, I’m very interested in future musical collaborations and sharing musical experiences.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I usually listen to music that resonates in my soul and creates a strong emotional connection. My taste ranges from classical music to synth-pop. I don’t believe that I have to listen only to modern music or the latest releases to stay connected.
Of course, I follow contemporary music and there are many new artists whose work I really like. However, my playlist consists of older music or music that inspires me while working on the Music 27 album.
I listen to artists such as Freddie Mercury, Adele, Joe Cocker, Lenny Kravitz, Mozart and David Bowie. What connects them for me is their ability to bring deep emotions through music that remains meaningful across generations.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I started working on the Music 27 album project in the recording studio and I never imagined how many people it would reach and connect with. It has been a wonderful surprise for me. Many people have told me that they can feel the emotions behind my songs and that my music reminds them of what music is truly capable of.
The message behind the Music 27 album and my work in the studio is to show the desire to overcome troubles, to believe in our own path and to never be afraid to stay true to ourselves. I believe that this message has meaning.
I just want to thank everyone for their amazing support. I’m incredibly grateful that I can make music that I truly believe in.