Conversation with Fleanger about "Glockenspiel"

Thank you for joining us today, Fleanger. Let’s start by delving into your life and your musical journey. Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a music career?

Hey there! I’m FLEANGER, originally from Tel Aviv, now making waves in Berlin. My passion for music started with a struggle for connection during my formative years. While exploring art, I found solace in the piano, unlocking a love for musical creation. Transitioning from pianist to producer, I believe I’m first and foremost a musician.

Each composition in my repertoire is a unique story, inviting listeners on an evocative journey. My music transcends boundaries, offering an authentic and healing experience. I’m dedicated to creating genuine connections through my sound, providing a sanctuary for emotions to thrive. Join me on this journey—it’s not just music; it’s an invitation to discover a world where notes and feelings intertwine, creating an everlasting resonance.

How did your upbringing and environment influence your musical taste and style?

Growing up in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, Israel, greatly influenced my musical taste and style. The city’s diverse and dynamic cultural scene exposed me to a wide range of musical genres and styles from an early age. Tel Aviv’s energetic atmosphere and rich artistic community inspired me to explore the boundaries of sound and emotion.

During my formative years, I struggled to find connection, and this emotional journey became a driving force in shaping my musical style. Turning to art as a refuge, I initially explored drawing and graffiti, finding solace in visual creativity. However, it was the melodic allure of the piano that truly spoke to my soul and ignited my love affair with musical creation.

The city’s cultural melting pot, coupled with my personal experiences, laid the foundation for my eclectic musical taste. From the traditional sounds of my heritage to the cutting-edge electronic music prevalent in Tel Aviv, my upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and a willingness to experiment with different sonic elements.

As I transitioned from a pianist to a producer, the influence of Tel Aviv’s electronic music scene became evident in my work. The city’s creative energy and the constant exposure to new musical ideas shaped my commitment to pushing boundaries and creating innovative compositions. My style reflects a harmonious blend of technical mastery and artistic expression, transcending genres to resonate with a global audience.

In essence, my upbringing in Tel Aviv, coupled with the diverse cultural influences of the city, has played a pivotal role in shaping my musical journey. It has fueled my passion for authenticity, connection, and the exploration of emotions through the powerful medium of music.

Can you tell us about the creative process behind “Glockenspiel”? How did the idea for the single come about?

The creative journey behind “Glockenspiel” is something truly special. It’s been seven years in the making, and I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Asi, a force on the dancefloor. The idea sprouted from a shared vision – my intricate melodies meeting Asi’s dynamic dancefloor spirit.

The glockenspiel, with its bright and melodic tones, played a central role in shaping the single. Throughout these seven years, we navigated the nuances of collaboration, allowing our distinct styles to complement each other. It’s been a patient and explorative process, drawing inspiration from our diverse musical backgrounds.

“Glockenspiel” is more than a single; it’s the result of our dedication and the fusion of our creative energies. It not only showcases our musical prowess but also reflects a deep understanding of each other’s artistic expressions. Dive into the music, and you’ll feel the journey, the patience, and the shared vision that define our unique musical partnership.

Can you share some details about the recording and production of the single? Any interesting anecdotes from the studio?

Creating “Glockenspiel” was an exciting blend of new sounds and creative exploration. Asi and I shared a vision, experimenting with fresh elements, making the glockenspiel a central piece. The process involved good chords, captivating beats, and collaborative energy
pushing the boundaries of our music. “Glockenspiel” reflects our dedication to creating something fresh, with each sound carefully curated to bring our shared vision to life—a musical story born from creative synergy.

Are there any genres or artists that you haven’t explored yet but would like to incorporate into your future work?

I’m always up for exploring new genres and collaborating with diverse artists to evolve my sound. Exciting news for the coming year—I’ve got remixes lined up for some heavyweights in the electronic music scene and diverse collaborations in the works. Get ready for surprises and a musical journey into uncharted territories. Stay tuned for what’s coming your way!

How do you envision your musical style evolving in the future?

Looking ahead, I see my musical style evolving as a dynamic fusion of intricate melodies and innovative compositions. Drawing inspiration from my diverse background, I aim to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new genres, and collaborating with a variety of artists. The upcoming surprises, including remixes for prominent figures in electronic music and diverse collaborations, reflect my commitment to staying fresh and embracing uncharted musical territories. My vision is to create an authentic and ever-evolving sound that resonates deeply with listeners, inviting them to join me on a continually unfolding musical journey.

How do you decide on the instrumentation and arrangement for your songs?

The decision on instrumentation and arrangement for my songs is a nuanced process that involves a combination of intuition, creativity, and technical considerations. Here’s an insight into my approach:

1. Emotional Theme: I often start by identifying the emotional theme or narrative I want the song to convey. The mood and atmosphere I aim to create guide the choice of instruments and arrangement.

2. Inspirations and Influences: I draw inspiration from various musical genres and artists. This eclectic mix influences my choices regarding instrumentation and arrangement, allowing me to create a unique blend that transcends traditional boundaries.

3. Experimentation: The studio is my playground for experimentation. I enjoy trying out different sounds, instruments, and arrangements to see what resonates best with the emotional core of the song. This process involves exploring unconventional combinations to keep the music fresh and innovative.

4. Collaboration: If collaborating with other musicians or producers, their input plays a crucial role. The exchange of ideas can lead to unexpected and exciting choices in terms of instrumentation and arrangement, enriching the overall sound.

5. Technical Considerations: I consider the technical aspects of each instrument, ensuring they complement each other in the mix. Balancing frequencies, dynamics, and spatial elements is essential for a cohesive and impactful arrangement.

6. Storytelling: Each song is a story, and the instrumentation serves as a language to convey that story. I focus on creating a musical journey that captivates the listener and evokes emotions through the interplay of instruments.

7. Iterative Process: Crafting the perfect arrangement is often an iterative process. I listen, refine, and adjust until the elements seamlessly come together to serve the song’s vision.

In essence, my decision-making process involves a delicate balance between emotional resonance, creative experimentation, and technical precision to shape a musical landscape that speaks authentically to the essence of each composition.

How do you handle creative blocks or periods of self-doubt in your musical journey?

To overcome creative blocks or self-doubt, I take breaks to gain fresh perspectives, explore other art forms for inspiration, and collaborate with fellow musicians. Experimentation, setting realistic goals, and reflecting on past achievements help maintain momentum.
Engaging in mindfulness, seeking inspiration from diverse sources, and practicing self-care contribute to a positive mindset. Acceptance of creative challenges as a natural part of the process, along with community support, helps me navigate these phases with resilience and a forward-looking perspective.

Have you received any memorable feedback from fans that particularly resonated with you?

Absolutely! The feedback from fans is incredibly meaningful, and there have been moments where their words resonated deeply with me. One memorable instance was when a fan shared how a specific track of mine became a soundtrack to a significant moment in their life. Knowing that my music can evoke emotions and become a part of someone’s personal journey is a powerful and humbling experience. It reinforces the profound connection that music can create, transcending boundaries and making an impact on people’s lives.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as a musician?

As a musician, my goals include continuous artistic evolution, fostering authentic connections with a global audience, engaging in diverse collaborations, and making a positive impact through innovative and influential music. I aspire to bring my sound to live audiences, stay at the forefront of the industry, and contribute to positive social change. Ultimately, I aim to create a lasting legacy through music that resonates with people
worldwide.