The making of calming melodies – sometimes introspective and sometimes awakening – is a matter of musical exploration which takes years… This is Hard Fact. Get to know him below!
Describe your sound in three words please!
Ambient Classical Electronica
What is the main concept behind “Awash”?
This track was an ordeal to finish. I came up with the main concept in the summer of 2019 and it’s gone through several iterations before I was happy with it. I had a breakthrough moment when I added the distant percussion that mimics the recurring melody in the piano. It gives this feeling of the sounds washing over you with each phrase.
You have been making music for almost 8 years now and you recently had an EP titled “Northwestern” out. How would you say your sound has evolved over time?
I’ve dabbled with many genres throughout the years, from Dubstep to Drum and Bass and Techno, but what I always come back to is solo piano. Most of my tracks start out with the piano and recently I’ve tried to distil those ideas into simpler forms, with minimal backing to let the piano shine through. Having said that, I do still love writing a house track now and again!
If “Awash” was to be a soundtrack in a movie, what movie would that be?
Good question! I think it would have to be a movie that hasn’t been made yet. Maybe an adaptation of “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” by David Mitchell? “Awash” has a distinctive pentatonic melody that would suit a film based in Japan.
You are a solo artist as well as a member of Azedia. What do you take from working alone and with company?
It takes a special effort and understanding to collaborate successfully on a music project – luckily I have that with Anatu, the other half of Azedia. Working alone is easier as you have complete control, although there is something magical about the tracks that are born out of a collective creativity.
Many people see the increased popularity of Neo Classical music as a reaction against the complexity and density of today’s music. What are your thoughts?
That’s an interesting take. I think people will always respond best to musical ideas that are simple and uncluttered, and perhaps the rise of the Neo Classical movement is a reflection of this. Frédéric Chopin had it right 200 years ago – “Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.”
Favourite album of the previous year? And who would be your favourite pianist?
“Mordechai” by Khruangbin. It’s amazing that such a basic setup of Drums, Bass and Guitar can still create such a unique sound today. The guitar playing of Mark Speer is a lesson for anyone who wants to play their instrument with more feeling.
My favourite pianist changes often. At the moment it’s Morten McCoy of Bremer/McCoy. Their album “Utopia” is one of my favourites from 2019.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you!
I’m training for my first marathon this year. It’s hard work, but a great way to discover new music while running.
Thanks Hard Fact!
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Listen to Hard Fact and other artists we feature in our piano driven spotify playlist Metamorphosis
Secret Eclectic 