You have listened to Chopin’s nocturnes a million times and you know Debussy’s two books of Preludes note by note. Time to explore new artists. Having released 2 EPs which are both totally worth your time, Amsterdam based composer April Chung should be your starting point. Elegant, short like raindrops piano pieces that will make you regret once again quitting piano lessons as a child. Read our discussion with the talented artist below!
Describe your sound in 3 words
lyrical, expressive, dreamy.
Listening to your discography, there is a wide variety of different genres and styles. Where do you draw inspiration from? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
The first album Marco Piccolo’s 12 Enchanted Moments is based on the music picture book I published called “ The enchanted Bells- Marco Piccolo’s Musical Adventure.” The music I wrote serves as soundtracks for picture book readers to listen and play. The second EP “Instant Memories from Amsterdam” serves as a diary to record my daily life feelings living in Amsterdam during the pandemic.
In Marco Piccolo’s 12 Enchanted Moments you preferred to keep tracks very short. This is also the case for Instant Memories from Amsterdam, but this time a bit longer. Is there a reason you took this artistic decision or it just happened?
I keep the tracks very short for the first album on purpose, as they are designed for later beginners/ intermediate pianists as teaching materials. My goal is to provide my students some short pieces with certain technique and lyrical challenges. The second album is short by coincidence, it takes as long as it takes to express my feelings. However, I slightly prefer to keep my works short and concentrated with various elements.
Favourite pianist?
There are tons all depends on the repertoire! One of my favorites is Khatia Buniatishvili.
Is songwriting a skill or a talent?
Talent is overrated! I think skill is definitely a lot more important.
How much time should a Pianist practice every day? Is there such a thing as over practising?
I’d say 3 hours is good in general, but it depends on pianists and situations. Beside practicing at the piano, they are different ways to practice as well. Mental practice for example can be quite important.
I don’t think there is such a thing as over practising, because the details we can improve is unlimited. I feel when people mention over practicing, it means they over practice at the piano while all they need is mental practice or other ways to approach the pieces they are working on.
You are currently based in Amsterdam. What do you love/hate about it?
The best thing in the Netherlands is the people. I do hate the facts that there is not much sunlight in winter, as I am from a tropical country and still not used to it.
Your biggest fear?
Losing passion for life. It’s this passion that keeps me motivated to work on things I love and live the way I dream about.
Thank you!
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