I started out by recording all kinds of percussive sounds of my piano and as I experimented with different patterns I found that one particular percussive sound resembles a typewriter. That sound became a theme and recurring thing that can be heard in every piece. I like the piercing quality of it as it cuts through all the other instruments and always exposes the rhythmical backbone of the track:
The typewriter that goes on and on in the background of our minds that captures everything and writes the story of our life.
A major influence on me and for this album in particular is Steve Reich’s music. I’ve always admired the polyrhythmic nature of his compositions. I took a multi-layered piano approach which for me starts to become a staple in my arsenal. I would put down one layer of a rhythm and then find juxtaposing riffs to create syncopation to intensify the propulsive nature of a piece. Kaleidoscope-like patterns that are interchangeable and always complement each other.
Finding memorable melodies is probably the most difficult part of writing music but also the most rewarding for me if I’m able to “crack the code” time and time again and find a sequence of notes that mean something to me. Notes that have the power to draw you into a piece, that hook you and make you feel stuff.
I also used all kinds of single-note, percussive patterns where a single note motif rubs slightly with another syncopated motif of another pattern. There’s a lot of simplicity paired with the right amount of complexity that (ideally) creates enough intrigue to keep the listener interested and longing for more.
Every track is a tiny emotional snapshot of a life event that I wanted to capture. Things that spun me out of control. Things that challenged me to the core. The brightest joy I’ve experienced and the darkest valleys of despair I’ve wandered. I guess I could also call these “snapshots of momentary illusions”.