Hi! Can you describe the creative process behind “Intense Meditation”? What inspired you to compose this piece?
A: Well, actually, the idea of the song started in my head around 7-8 years ago for another project of mine. When I decided to record my album, I thought it would be great to revive it, re-arrange, and use the cello for its unique sound. The main idea is based on a simple 6-note motif, but the very first notes that I created were inspired by a chord that I discovered while playing around with compositions from another artist. The trance-like rhythm and chord progression pushed me to create a form that seems to build tension up to the climax and then let the music calm down slowly
How has your education and experience at the Music Academy in Łódź influenced the style and composition of “Intense Meditation”?
A: My education has been instrumental in honing my guitar playing skills, theoretical knowledge, and cultivating musicality, good taste, and a sensitivity to beauty. Additionally, during my educational journey, I had the opportunity to meet Maciej Baran, a cellist whom I invited to contribute to a track and who also appears in the music video. In general, I believe my education provided a solid foundation, but through experimentation, careful consideration of what I wanted my album to convey, and collaboration with various bands, I was able to compose and develop my own unique style.
In your journey as a guitarist and composer, how do you think working with various bands and artists has shaped your approach to music, particularly in your single “Intense Meditation”?
A: In every band, I have always approached my playing and composing as a means to serve the song. I have certainly made a lot of mistakes in the past. After identifying what works and what doesn’t, and experiencing setbacks with various bands, I decided to take matters into my own hands and record my own album. I had a very clear vision from the beginning of the kind of sounds, instruments, personnel, artwork, and videos I would like to include. With me responsible for every aspect, I could finally create something that is coherent, original, and reflects a part of my personality.
“Intense Meditation” is described as being very emotionally charged. Could you share more about the emotions or stories you aimed to convey through this piece?
A: I have always been quite an emotional person, so it makes sense that my music should be emotional as well. In the case of ‘Intense Meditation,’ I would say that the song is a way to feel a connection with our planet, not to lose touch with it. On a personal level, I’d say that this meditation is an attempt to learn to control my mind and emotions without becoming insensitive and without losing the core of my being.
Your debut album, “Eternal Flow,” features songs mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos. What prompted this decision, and how does it enhance the listening experience of tracks like “Intense Meditation”?
A: I believe my music has a distinct spatial quality; the entire style I’ve aimed to create on my album is inspired by cinematic music. Observing the current trends in the music industry, I concluded that mixing and mastering in Dolby Atmos would add an extra dimension for the audience and be fitting for the music. This decision made a lot of sense, considering that Atmos is most commonly used in movie theaters.
Your music is known for blending fingerstyle guitar with strings, electronics, and ambient sounds. How are these elements incorporated in “Intense Meditation” to create a unique soundscape?
A: “Intense Meditation” is one of the two songs from the album that I play with a pick instead of my fingers. I chose to use a pick for sonic reasons; it just made more sense to me. Initially, I considered the violin as the leading instrument, but then the cello, with its warmer and deeper sound, felt like a better choice. This was especially true since Maciej Baran, the cellist, is a very creative musician who enjoys playing beyond the boundaries of traditional cello techniques. The addition of electronics, piano, samples, and ambient sounds completed the soundscape, resulting in even more unique sounds. I have a particular fondness for the tribal percussion sounds in the climax part; I consider them a bit chaotic, but in a good way.
With “Intense Meditation” being the first single from your upcoming album “Eternal Flow,” what themes or concepts can listeners expect from the rest of the album?
A: The concept of “Eternal Flow” stems from the belief in an everlasting connection between the past and the present. While certain things may come to an end, their essence provides the foundation for new life. Despite the advent of cutting-edge technology, our fundamental human nature remains largely unchanged. Amidst all the advancements, we still possess the will and responsibility to uphold our traditions.
In the forthcoming second single, “It’s All Right Here,” I delve into the idea that as human beings, we perpetually seek something more, something better. However, we often overlook the reality that what we yearn for is right in front of us. While we strive to explore the vastness of space, we neglect the essential task of caring for our planet. We become captivated by others, yet fail to appreciate our family members and the closest individuals who consistently stand by us
As a composer, you’ve mentioned that your music serves as a canvas to weave narratives. What specific narrative or story does “Intense Meditation” tell?
A: “Intense Meditation” is a tale of internal struggle to understand myself, comprehending my true self, discerning desires from needs. In addition to endeavoring to master the art of controlling my mind and emotions, and channeling them creatively, the piece invites listeners to interpret the music independently. Each person can derive their own emotions and sentiments while immersing themselves in this tune.
How do you foresee your musical style evolving in future projects after the release of “Eternal Flow” and “Intense Meditation”?
A: Well, I have basically two visions for evolving my musical style, definitely I’d like to incorporate more musicians, kind of unique sounding instrumentalists that have their own voices. First vision is to make much more intimate album with less instruments and based mostly on acoustic instruments and a little bit of electronics, kind of thing that would make you feel like you’re almost alone in the room with musicians. And second one is to make the album even more epic and grandeur that “Eternal Flow” utilizing the whole band. For sure I want to keep my music multidimentional and never let myself be a one-trick horse.
Finally, are there any upcoming collaborations or projects you’re particularly excited about and can share with your fans following the release of “Intense Meditation”?
A: First of all, I need to start organizing the band and plan a tour, as I really want to hear and play the music on stage. I’ve been in advanced negotiations with one movie director from China to score music for his movie, so that’s one of my dreams that could become reality. Also apart from my own music I’ve began a collaboration with EDM producent from Miami – Los De La Vega to transform some of my ideas to another kind of music and reach new audiences. I have also couple names,both instrumentalists and singers, in my to ask to feature in a series of singles, that might become another album hopefully.