Guess I’m starting to get the hang of making these Facebook updates. This one’s a bit personal - it’s about the creative process and where I’m at right now: Bella Musica
As some of you know, I try to invest in one major musical project for myself each year. Last year, that was the TRUCE 3 recording session with Fabio Trentini and Asaf Sirkis - a project that many of you have already heard (and if you haven’t, please do check it out).
This year has been slow and difficult in many ways - physically, emotionally, and creatively. I’ve been dealing with some health issues, depression, and long stretches of just… not being able to get out of bed. Touring was frustrating too - especially the canceled Stick Men tour in the summer. Without Tony, it became clear that the band just doesn’t quite have the status I thought it had; over half the audience returned their tickets. It was a tough blow.
So yes, there have been a lot of letdowns this year. But despite all that, I’ve decided to keep pushing forward. I’ve already bought my ticket to Los Angeles for a new recording session with Chad Wackerman, Mitchel Forman, and Janek Gwizdala. We’ll be recording in the last week of November - right before Thanksgiving in the U.S.
My intention this time was to write the music in advance - not just go into the studio and improvise like I’ve done for TRUCE or with projects like Anchor and Burden or centrozoon. I set myself a clear deadline: October 31st, 2025, to have demos and notated compositions ready.
Well, today is that day, and I haven’t reached my goal. I’m sitting here in my studio, surrounded by instruments - and I just have to admit that I didn’t make it.
That said, it’s not like I haven’t done anything. I actually have six recorded sketches - voice memos I made at the piano, talking and composing in real time. The titles make me smile:
“Half Baked”
“Another Idea”
“Slow Melody” (Parts 1 and 2)
“The Punch” (no idea where that came from!)
“The Cynical Song” (I have an idea where that one came from!)
and “Bella Musica” - Italian for beautiful music.
And that’s actually what I’m calling this project for now: Bella Musica.
Even though I let myself down in terms of the deadline, I’m still confident that in the coming weeks I’ll manage to turn these sketches into something more structured - pre-productions, demos, or notations that will help the band understand where I want to go.
Here’s what I know so far: I don’t want this to be another jazz-rock or prog-rock record, even though the musicians I’m working with are all masters of that. I’m imagining an album of ballads - slow, beautiful instrumentals with simple structures, unusual harmonies, cool rhythms, and melodies that feel universal, emotional, and timeless. The sketches I’ve recorded are all deeply melancholic - some of the most childishly whimsical and personal music I’ve ever written.
Once I get my little MIDI keyboard hooked up to the computer, I’ll start producing these ideas properly. And honestly, I’m curious if sharing this with you - right now, in this vulnerable stage - might help me stay motivated. Maybe I can draw some energy from you knowing about it.
So yes, two days in the studio are booked. It’s a serious investment - travel, accommodation, studio time, paying the musicians - all for music that, realistically, only a small number of people might ever buy. But I feel it’s important to keep investing in what I do, even if, on the surface, it looks like “failure”. (I do not think that's the case.)
At this point in my life, I know that the process is what matters. The act of creating something beautiful is always worth it. I already feel that I understand what this music wants to be. It’s in the air. I can hear it. I can feel it. I just haven’t managed to capture it yet in a form that I can share with others.
So please, wish me luck - send some good energy my way - and I’ll keep you updated on how Bella Musica evolves.
Thank you so much for listening, for your encouragement, and for being here. Talk soon - most likely about something completely different. 🙂
Bye,
Markus