Yes I’m on a solo piano groove again - not surprising really considering the genesis of the playlist - it’s not as if I don’t have some really interesting beats and even some noise tracks lined up but - for now - it’s all about the keys.
I’ve been listening to this track for a while - at least since August - and again it’s one of those tracks that has a hook that just sticks in my head. My initial reaction on listening was that it was too “song” like - you hear that in a lot of shorter solo piano pieces - as if the composer is playing the piano version of an actual song. It’s purely my personal taste but I never really enjoyed that kind of performance - it always felt a little ersatz to me.
And while the opening motif is what worried me - I ended up falling in love with the stunning descending arpeggios and couldn’t get them out of my head. I often play my “Essay Writing Candidates list” while writing - it’s the best way to identify if tracks are going to work - every time this one came on I found myself listening out for the lick. I now listen to the entire piece with a different set of ears and find it a great tool to use if I want to get started on something. I particularly like how it segues into the Cinthya Garcia track that follows it on the playlist ;-)
Here’s what Charles’ label had to say about the track on submission:
You can learn more about Charles Szczepanek here:
About the Curator: Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the dark forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top. They would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
Although I've always played, I haven't always been a musician. Most of my twenties were spent working with people, buying and selling and learning how the world works. It was in my thirties that I came to America and focused on music and began to develop music2work2.
Latest Posts
Lonely Dream – Drunken Kong Remix – The Archer, Drunken Kong
24 November 2021
But as I’ve moved from ideation to manifestation, the energy of the playlist needed to change – solo piano is good for thinking – but 8 minutes of 130 bpm edm is great for getting things down
Out Of Reach – Cristoph, Yotto, Sansa
8 November 2021
So if you’ve been listening to the playlist recently you know what’s coming. Last week’s track was all about setting the intent for change – away from the more relaxing ideation space of solo instrumentation to this week’s electronic track from Cristoph, Yotto and Sansa.
Mr. Clay – Johnny Klimek, Tom Tykwer
31 October 2021
I’ve known for a while that the feel of the list was going to change – while piano instrumentals are perfect for reflection and ideation – at some point you need some energetic input to get your fingers moving.
Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As a creator / contributor at musicto I’m part of a global creator community that collaborates through music. You can learn more about our community here.