In conversation with experimental pianist Andrea Viscardi

Image Credit: ‘Deeper Lake’ music video ( directed by Gabriele Manzoni)

Music has also been food for composer and Italian producer Andrea Viscardi’s soul. Brushing up on his technique at renowned schools like Mozarteum in Salzburg, and The Royal Academy of Music in London. Beginning his musical journey from a young age, Viscardi was drawn to sounds of organ, choral, and string quartet compositions, and this inspires his creative and experimental output today. 

The young talent has just released his debut single ‘Deeper Lake’ via pianist Akira Kosemura’s label Phono Klavier Limited. We had the opportunity to discuss Viscardi’s craft below. 

Describe your sound for us. What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?

I think the most important thing in life is calm. Having relaxed time alone, with your friends, your family is the thing I seek the most day by day. Giving people the opportunity to find their own inner peace through my music is what motivates me to write new pieces. Every time people write to me saying I helped them with my music when they were going through tough times or particular moments in their lives. This is the best achievement for me.

Which 3 artists have influenced you the most growing up?

That’s an easy question for me, a no-brainer. Mozart, Glenn Gould, and Fazil Say. The genius, the magnificent interpreter, and one of the greatest living pianists/composers that inspired me to start writing my own music.

How did you discover your particular sound?

I always got attracted by sound design. I’m also a music producer, I’m into the electronic music scene, so I perfectly know how much value the sound itself can bring to a music piece. I’m never satisfied with my piano sound, I always try to push the edges of the instrument and it’s a long process that brings me to the final result. Once I am finished composing, it starts a new entire chapter for me before considering the piece finished. I can’t deny I really enjoy this second part too!

What are the most important pieces of equipment to you?

For sure my piano, a Kawai concert grand piano. I went through tough times in the past and I was really close to selling it, but luckily today it’s still with me. Life is crazy, sometimes hard, but always a blessing. Every morning I start with a Mozart piece enjoying my best friends sound. It’s a breath of fresh air before starting the day!

What outside of music inspires you to create?

Helping others, creating wisdom, and inner wealth. We are all here in this world for a purpose. This is mine.

Do you have a favourite memory of your career so far that you will take with you forever?

Surely my experience at Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg. Couldn’t be closer to Mozart than this! I go back to Salzburg every year spending some days with my girlfriend in the city; it’s really a need that recharges my brain, my body, and boosts my creativity.

If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist living or passed, who would it be?

Glenn Gould is my hardest regret since I couldn’t see him live considering he died before I was born. So I’d say him for sure. A living artist I’d love to meet and have a jam session with is Ólafur Arnalds.

What kind of message are you trying to send with your music?

Probably an entrepreneur in the music scene, I love that side of the business. Or maybe an artist manager, who knows!

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

I’m planning future releases and some film scoring work. I can’t tell the details now but the future is bright! Also, I hope next year when this Covid-19 situation will end I could bring my music live. Very excited about it!

Follow Andrea Viscardi:

Twitter / Instagram / Bandcamp

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