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Experimental music
I work on experimental musical projects that involve the combined sounds of classical instruments and electronic timbres from more recent traditions. Some very good results can be obtained. The lunar phases symbolize my moods and my passions for various genres at different stages of my life. Jazz, classical, alt rock and comedic are my favourites. Some of my tunes are pieced together from scratch using the best of my imagination, some others are re-interpretations of music I have been enjoying for a long time ago. All this with the vital aid of my DAW and fantastic plug-ins. Are maybe new styles about to develop?
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Watching the pot boil
I would imagine that introducing elements of humour in music can be second nature for some. For me too. But at the risk of coming across as pathetic. If I had to be honest, in some of the tunes of this album I would have tried to reduce the hilarious and playful tones to make things sound a little more dramatic and less ridiculous, but that didn't seem to work too well. So I allowed everything to unfold according to my genuine moods, trying to maintain to my usual tragicomic attributes, which are a reflection of some real life experiences. "Watching the pot boil" is a cross section of amusements during a long time spent waiting for some game changing event. The punchy spells have to do with the rare moments of inspiration, or maybe the sporadic lucidity of a lifetime lived in slow motion.
California dreaming
The original intent was to add some more gravitas to the nostalgic yet hopeful theme of the famous tune by The Mamas and the Papas. So, I interpreted by extending an acoustic bass line with phasing effects and minimizing rhythmic keyboard chords. I thought that for the solo the trumpet could have created a more contemplative mood than the flute, which in the original delivers a nice melodic tone. The psychological mechanisms that lead to musical creation can certainly vary from person to person according to different life experiences and taste. My feelings for a hypothetical homeland are perhaps imbued with complexities and a jazzy, vigorous feel.
Electronic music
Electronic music has started to seriously interest me in the mid-90s Berlin (20th century), when I was in my late twenties. However, it was much earlier - when I realised that I was useless at playing the guitar - that I began fantasising about composing with the computer. But unfortunately in those years special software such as Fruity Loops or Cubase were not yet available for the amateurish enthusiasts with little money in their pockets. Amongst all the major Techno trends I came across, I personally mostly enjoy Trance, especially Goa and Progressive. It’s maybe also because since my early thirties I’ve always felt a little awkward in the dance floor, and attended only one or two of the big raves, that I think that the future of electronic music, with particular relation to Surround Sound and 3D audio effects, could be - and should be - something that extends across many new, diverse and unconventional shapes. There is a lot of scope for exploration.
Digital motors
“The bumper car” is the first track I have ever composed, and features in the comic cartoon “Vutu che te la conti o che te la diga?" (Do you want me to say it or recount it for you?). I had started everything a long time ago, by putting together random sounds I liked. Then it soon became apparent that the things I was doing had all something in common, they were all reminiscent of raging engines or electrical devices roaring, bursting, thundering, decaying, jamming or bumping into each other in the various spooky atmospheres. I am not sure under what kind of genre this music could be classed. All I know is that I just followed my inspiration and my taste, drawing a bit from the funk bass tradition, a bit from techno, and a bit from jazz and fusion. In a way that should just about be able to inspire the inebriated amongst you who are in need of a bebop on the kitchen tables. I hope you will enjoy listening. (Teaser available on the Player page)
Reviews
Caprice No. 5
Overall Impression:
A wild ride of intrigue, Caprice No. 5 by Kursivo is a genre-bending crossover that is built for speed. This new release by the Experimental musician is inspired by the famous 24 Caprices, and makes its mark with its unique Electronic sound. The similarities between Paganini's virtuosic showpiece for violin and Kursivo's Caprice No. 5 reveal themselves immediately. The busy, mechanical violin work instantly steals attention and pulls the listener along. It tips its hat to Paganini's melodies while traversing its own path. The excitement never falters, but avoids being overwhelming. Kursivo has demonstrated this care for intensity in his other works, and nails the balance with Caprice No. 5. This track passes through various textures, complete with punchy accents and a driving drum groove. All in all, it makes for a terrifically exciting listen and dazzling display of creativity.
Strongest Point(s):
The mix in Caprice No. 5 is very well done. It seems plenty of attention has been given to the spacial placement of each sound. The instruments, of course, occupy their own space between the left and right sides, but they have also been designated a spot in the vertical construction of the sound. This allows for a more three-dimensional listening experience that gives life to the entire track. It is a cool effect that will please the most attentive of listeners.
About The Reviewer:
Zachary Larson is a professional guitarist in New York City. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured the world as a classical chamber musician, onboard cruise lines, and with several Broadway musicals. His recorded work spans across Classical, Pop, and Experimental music. His arrangements are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
Punchy Spells
Overall Impression:
Experimental musician Kursivo has released the new track Punchy Spells. Angular and jazzy, Punchy Spells jolts forward with attention grabbing snippets of sound and feel. Guitars, organ, and percussion all feed off of one another like the first conversation between friends at a party. Experimental music often requires a patient and thoughtful set of ears from the listener. Punchy Spells does make these same demands but does so without being overbearing or mind-numbing. There are groovy and melodic moments that comprise the frontside of the tune as well as a plethora of colors and timbre. While it does take a while for this tune to find its final groove, the pay off is worth it when it settles in. With the release of Punchy Spells, Kursivo gives listeners an opportunity to expand their minds and go down a totally unique, musical road.
Strongest Point(s):
As simple as this revelation may sound, the inclusion of the drum beat is one of the most important features in this track. Without an easy groove for listeners to hold onto, many would simply find tracks such as this too far out. As mentioned above, the track eventually settles into a more cohesive groove toward the last few minutes. When this groove hits, everything seems to make sense. It is a very cool pay off, and a tricky idea to grasp and compose.
About The Reviewer:
Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans across Classical, Pop, and Experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
The Royal Fish Chef
Overall Impression:
There comes a time in many a music lover's life when you simply need a song like "The Royal Fish Chef", whereas many artists endeavor to market their music in a broader mainstream appealing fashion, artists such as Kursivo, who's armed with a clearly great sense of humor, simply laughs in the face of what we are led to believe is normal genre conventions and proceeds to throw them out of the closest nearby window, and I think it's splendid! You'll be hard-pressed to find a track quite like "The Royal Fish Chef", it's gloriously bizarre, utterly hilarious, and weirdly mesmerizing. Kursivo is doing his own thing and sounds like he's having an absolute blast whilst he does it! All hail The Royal Fish Chef!
Strongest Point(s):
Where do we begin?! First off, I understand this is clearly a comedic track, and it most certainly works! Just reading through the lyrics was enough to have me howling with laughter! Kursivo paints a particularly wacky and outlandish picture that gives listeners a thoroughly insanity-inducing insight into the mad world of "The Royal Fish King", replete with lashings of grungy synth, scarily eccentric vocal explorations, and a zany sense of rhythm. Now yes, there are a few technical hiccups here and there, but I think it just adds to the track's gloriously kooky charm. It's safe to say I most definitely won't be forgetting this one anytime soon!
About The Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.
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