About the release

Thank you for your interest in my album “Moods and Stories”!

I hope you enjoy it. I certainly do! I’ve been living with this album for a while now, and it hasn’t been a week or month without me listening to it at least once. That’s quite unusual for me!

The album was written relatively quickly. I started working on it right after New Year’s (2023) and really dove into it.

However, as these things often are, this wasn’t planned as an album at all. The words below are a collection of thoughts loosely divided into four parts.

Part One: The Unknown

I submitted the album for distribution. And as always, I couldn’t decide which genre it falls under. I’d like to think it’s Electronic Dance Music (EDM), and it definitely has some features of it. But there are so many different EDM sub-genres, and I honestly don’t know any of them.

Besides being a collection of stories about my personal experiences, the album was heavily influenced by John Fowles’ “The Magus.” I happened to re-read it while working on these tracks. I can’t explain it, but the atmosphere of being secluded on a Greek island really spoke to me. The track "Lost" probably describes it best. I can just picture “Bourani” and feeling utterly confused.

Listening to “Moods and Stories” kind of makes me want to dance a little, but in a way that no one would perceive as dancing. At the same time, I can see it being part of some theatrical performance. For these reasons, I think “Theatrical Dance Music” (TDM) best describes the genre.

Part Two: This is a Story About Following Your Gut Feeling

I’ve been trapped in a loop of wanting to do more but not really wanting to do anything at all.

In any case, I’ve been looking to buy a pedal, some effects pedal, any effects pedal that would help me get unstuck. I was looking for something that would spark a new creative idea.

I stumbled upon one: “Earthquaker Devices - Space Spiral.” Its apparent simplicity can be deceiving. The first time I turned it on, I spent the entire day immersed in feedback loops. It became a significant part of the album’s sound.

Shortly thereafter, I discovered another one: “Chase Bliss - MOOD”. It was instantaneous. I started playing instruments and running them through this pedal, recording the results, and repeating the process.

Before making any purchase, I typically watch extensive YouTube tutorials about the equipment, regardless of it's size or significance. I had a strong feeling that this might lead me somewhere. Sometimes, gear matters (even though it often doesn’t).

Suddenly, I had a collection of samples that sounded intriguing together.

This was the moment when I realized I might be onto something. That’s when the first half of the album title was born.

I spent approximately 3-4 months writing the parts, arranging, and making initial mixing passes. After a brief break in May (visiting beautiful Germany), I completed everything in June.

Part Three: This is a Story About Feeling Anxious

I was apprehensive about publishing this album. The collection of stories is deeply personal and emotionally charged for me. I altered the names of the stories to avoid inadvertently revealing too much about my personal life. Music serves as a medium for me to express my inner world, struggles, anxieties, and experiences in the external world. Some people use journals, while others seek therapy. This was my coping mechanism.

Life can be incredibly unpredictable. You might experience the most wonderful moments of your life, only to be hit by a sudden and overwhelming wave of emotions that threaten to shatter you. It’s a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and that’s what inspired the second half of the album’s title.

Part Four: Making it Through

Completing this project has been a source of strength and comfort during difficult times. It’s a reminder that I can overcome challenges and find my way through even the darkest days. That’s why I listen to it so often.

“Moods and Stories” is like a sanctuary for me. It’s a place where I can escape from my anxieties and worries, finding solace and comfort in its melodies. It’s like a cozy shed where I retreat each night to unwind after a long and hectic day. The music evokes a sense of isolation, as if I’m alone in a lonely house nestled in the heart of Iceland, surrounded by cold streams, misty mountains, and endless green fields.

I hope this album brings you some comfort and helps you get through your day. Music has a unique ability to evoke emotions that we can’t always explain. It’s a powerful tool that can uplift our spirits and bring us joy. I’m grateful that you’re giving my album a chance.

Thanks!