Interview with the romanian pianist and composer who has recently released his latest ep "unfold". Max Richter, Ennio MOrricone, John Williams and Philipp Glass among his artistic influences.
An original artist who soon began studying and producing music in various genres and styles.
I always had it difficult to put into words what I feel, and in music I found the language to express myself the best, because in music you cannot hide yourself. Everything you are is there.
Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?
Music was part of my life as long as I can remember, but as a child you don't think of it that much, you just enjoy the sounds. Looking back now, I always had sounds and tunes going around my head.
From the moment I got my hands on my first instrument and started learning the accordion, though it was hard, I knew that it will be a part of me in some shape and form throughout my life. Then, later on when I started composing my own music, I've decided that music is the only thing I want to do. Therefore, it was not difficult to choose this path, because I didn't feel I have a choice to make from the start. The pull into the world of music and composition was too strong to resist.
Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?
For a moment when I was a kid, I've imagined myself doing a lot of different things, but once I got into composing music, I never looked back and never thought about being anything else. I’ve tried other things of course, but they failed to give me what music gives me and they don’t come as naturally. I always had it difficult to put into words what I feel, and in music I found the language to express myself the best, because in music you cannot hide yourself. Everything you are is there.
What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?
One of the best parts of it all, and sometimes biggest surprise is finding someone you've never met telling you they've been really moved by your music, or one of your pieces. Making music your career can be a tough path to take, and the amount of work you put in each day can be challenging and unexpected sometines, but it is important and moments like that show you that in the end, it's all worth it.
Let’s talk about your brand new project “Unfold”. What was the inspiration for this album? How do you think it prepares listeners for more music from you?
"Unfold" is a collection of six pieces for piano and strings. Music for me is story telling, so I wanted to channel thoughts and feelings I've had at the moment when I composed the pieces about different things that were weighing on my mind, many of which where connected and inspired by the period we went through the previous two years. I may say that the concept of "time" is an obsession of mine, and each piece captures a feeling on a giving moment in time, and I tried to "hunt down" the sound that to me was closest to what I wanted to say, so when listening to the music, it will unfold that story to the listener, from where also the name of the album - "Unfold".
As a composer, I try to think of the audience as an integral component of the composition, and that the music is only half of the conversation.
What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now? What has social media done for your career?
I think social media it's an extremely powerful marketing tool, if you know how to use it and have the time to do it. Being a composer, musician or producer it takes up a huge amount of your attention, especially if you want to be any good at it. You have to tune out the noise to uncover and find something deeper to connect with when you're creating. Dedicating hours of your day to social media is like tuning into the noise, so you have to find the right balance, I feel. For me music always comes first. I just wanna post about my music, what projects I'm working on, the people from the industry I'm hanging out with, and that's how I want and try to connect to people on social media, through my music.
Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?
I believe I was and continue to be influenced by a wide range of artists and music genres. Max Richter is one of my biggest inspirations, as well as Phillip Glass, film composers like Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Alexandre Desplat, and of course the classics, Bach, Mozart, Chopin. I find myself influenced also by artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles and even heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden. I would love to work in the future with Max Richter, would be really a dream come true.
At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
As a composer, I try to think of the audience as an integral component of the composition, and that the music is only half of the conversation. Each individual who listens will bring their own feelings and experiences to the story, completing and enriching it, so that it can have different meanings for different people. In the end, I hope they can find their own lives in the music and take away something that lasts, so that they can return to it whenever they feel the need.
What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them?
I would love to have some live performances with the music from my recent album "Unfold", and I hope it will be possible. Also, I'm working on a few films, composing the score, which I'm really happy and grateful about, because film and cinema are a great passion of mine. I hope that during the year I'll get more projects like this to work on.
Artist bio
George Denis Ardelean is a composer living in Romania. Self-taught pianist, George started learning first learning the accordion at a young age, before starting to study the piano. His compositions capture both sad melancholy and hope which derives from his strong interest for film music and storytelling. His works are marked by delicate combinations of instruments, sounds and textures designed to strike that particular emotional chord in the audience, essential for the musical story and experience to be complete. Each piece of music is a journey to the vastness of his inner world.
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