Based in Brussels, composer and musician Yannis Koser came into my world last year when I first heard ‘Touch of Tenderness’. Emotive, moving, and soul-stirring, it was a piece of music that took me to an almost spiritual place. Yannis has since gone on to release another single in the form of ‘Forestrium’, and now returns once again with the absolutely beautiful ‘Polar Aurora’.
Desperate to know more about the dedicated and talented artist, I was thrilled when he agreed to an interview! Going in-depth about ‘Touch of Tenderness’ and ‘Polar Aurora’, what his creative process usually looks like, and which three albums he’d grab before being stranded on a desert island, please give a big welcome to our friend Yannis Koser!
Hi Yannis! I’m so excited to re-introduce you to our ever-growing audience! As you know, it was your piece ‘Touch of Tenderness‘ that completely blew me away and introduced me to your music. For those who have yet to discover your musical prowess, however, who is Yannis Koser and when did your love affair with music begin?
I am a composer and musician based in Belgium, a visionary in the world of contemporary and avant-garde music. My romance with music began like a dance between the colors of an abstract painting, awakening my imaginative spirit from a young age. Since then, I have dedicated myself to translating the human emotions and whispers of nature into musical compositions that transcend the boundaries of sound and soul. Music has become my refuge, my means of navigating through the ups and downs of existence. As a “Music Painter,” I skillfully blend visual and sonic elements to create compositions that offer a stimulating immersive experience, guiding listeners on a transformative journey where the boundaries between genres blur.
‘Touch of Tenderness’ has now reached over 29,000 plays on Spotify! Could you tell us what it feels like to have so many people listening to and resonating with your music?
Discovering that ‘Touch of Tenderness’ is spreading its wings on Spotify, touching over 29,000 streams, is an experience both exhilarating and humbling. This symphony of gratitude fills my heart with gentle validation, a soft whisper of acknowledgement for the hard work invested in every note. Each play becomes a stroll through the garden of my imagination, where listeners wander through the harmonic mazes of my creations, thus creating an indescribable connection with souls sharing universal emotions. It’s an intimate exploration that harmoniously aligns with my role as a holistic sexuality educator. And, as a composer, I craft a symphony that goes beyond sound, reaching into the depths of the soul, much like my commitment to the emotional and sexual well-being of my learners. This piece, with its expressive nuances, evokes a sweetness that is not only musical but also translates into the realm of sensual emotions. ‘Touch of Tenderness’ thus becomes a catalyst, inviting exploration of sensuality and gentleness as essential elements of personal well-being and intimate relationships. The title itself serves as a gateway, an invitation to embrace tenderness in all its dimensions, whether through music or in the context of holistic sexuality education.
Accompanied by a work of art, the piece takes on a new dimension. The bright and intense colors visually express the power of the energy of tenderness, unfurling a flag of love and passion. Soothing blues, relaxing greens, and vibrant reds come together to create a visual canvas of deep feelings such as love, desire, and sensuality. Thus, ‘Touch of Tenderness’ becomes much more than a musical composition; it is an invitation to emotional intimacy, a celebration of the richness of human emotions expressed through a symphony that transcends the boundaries of time and culture.
You’ve stolen my heart once again with your brand new release ‘Polar Aurora’. It is a lot more “intense” and intricate though when compared to ‘Touch of Tenderness’. What brought about the change in style?
‘Polar Aurora’ emerges like a rebellious child from my musical mind, a daring creation that boldly plunges into a revolutionary sonic landscape. It is the result of relentless exploration of the boundaries of contemporary music, an ongoing quest for new sounds and uncharted musical paths. Each composition thus becomes uncharted territory where the boundaries between genres blur, inviting listeners on a transformative odyssey through unexpected and captivating sonic landscapes. In ‘Polar Aurora,’ every note, and every harmony is like a northern lights in the musical sky, illuminating the listener with intense emotions and unique sensory experiences. This musical boldness finds its roots in natural evolution, the result of constant and passionate exploration of new textures, rhythms, and expressive possibilities. Listening to this rebellious symphony is an immersive experience where the listener is invited to get lost in the enchanting meanders of music, to be transported to unexplored horizons of sonic expression. Every moment of this creation is charged with palpable creative energy, fueled by an insatiable quest for novelty and innovation. In essence, ‘Polar Aurora’ embodies the fearless spirit of musical exploration, a bold journey through unknown lands where creativity knows no bounds. It is an invitation to embrace change, to be carried away by the tumultuous waves of artistic expression, and to discover the magic of musical boldness in all its facets.
Who would you put down as some of your biggest musical influences and who would you ultimately credit for helping shape and would your overall sound?
My musical influences emerge from every corner of the universe, manifesting in the most unexpected places, such as the whispers of the wind in the trees, the heartbeat of nature, the pattern of raindrops on the pavement, and the depth of the blue sky. Every life experience, every encounter, every emotion becomes a melody captured in the recesses of my mind. Like a sponge absorbing these moments, I then distil them into sonic landscapes, creating compositions that resonate with raw authenticity and universal connectivity.
Please tell our readers a little bit about your creative process. How do you take just a thought or an idea and turn it into a song?
My creative process represents a complex exploration through the meanders of my imagination. It begins with a spark, an idea emerging from the depths of my mind and begging to be explored. I then embark on a musical journey, letting my fingers dance passionately across the piano keys. It’s an organic and fluid path, with each turn revealing new horizons until the melody takes shape and soars into the world.
Sometimes, a spontaneous melody guides my steps, while other times I delve into exploring rhythms and sonic textures. I may also be inspired by a specific theme or story to express in my music. Once the basic idea is in place, I layer different sounds and develop harmonic structures, refining the details to enrich the emotion and meaning. I always try to visualize each idea as an imagery painting. Notes become vibrant colors, harmonies become shades, and rhythms become lines and shapes. Thus, I strive to create a rich and evocative sonic landscape where each element contributes to an immersive musical experience. Like a painter on a blank canvas, I layer sounds and textures, adding details to bring my musical vision to life. Every artistic choice is carefully weighed to capture the very essence of the emotion I wish to convey.
Now, this is a toughie, and possibly like asking you to pick a favourite child, but which tune of yours means the most to you so far, and why?
Choosing a favorite composition among my musical works is akin to asking a parent to designate their favorite child haha! Or a painter to select their favorite painting from their collection… Each piece is born from a unique deep emotional connection, making the choice extremely difficult. However, if I were to choose one, I would say that ‘Reflections,’ the third track from my upcoming album set to be released later this year, ‘Behind the Glass,’ holds a special place in my heart. Each track of this album would be like a chapter in a book, offering a unique perspective on an aspect of life, society, or human existence. This piece holds a special place in my heart as it captures the essence of my musical and emotional journey in a way that feels almost transcendent. It is imbued with memories, reveries, and moments of deep reflection, reflecting the multiple facets of my being. Every note resonates with raw authenticity, offering a snapshot of my soul through music.
‘Reflections’ is more than just a composition; it’s an open window to my inner world, where emotions take shape and thoughts transform into melody. It is an invitation to dive into the depths of my creative universe, to explore the most intimate corners of my soul through the universal language of music. By choosing ‘Reflections’ as a significant piece, I pay homage to all the moments of my life that have inspired its creation, as well as to all those who have been touched by its emotional beauty. It is a testament to the lasting impact music can have on our lives and how it can capture the very essence of our being. Furthermore, as the central and highly descriptive title of my album ‘Behind the Glass,’ I highlight its crucial role as a centrepiece, contributing to the artistic integrity and narrative depth of the entire album. It perfectly embodies the complete and significant element of the entire work.
Alright, Yannis – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you choose?
I would start with ‘Patience’ by George Michael. This album is a true pop music masterpiece, with enchanting melodies and profound lyrics. Each song tells a captivating story and resonates with sincere emotion. ‘Patience’ would be my comfort, my companion in moments of solitude on the island, bringing me warm memories and a welcome escape.
Another essential choice would be Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon.’ This iconic album is much more than just a collection of songs; it’s a sensory and spiritual experience. The universal themes explored in this album, such as madness, money, time, and mortality, resonate with timeless depth. Its rich sonic textures and complex arrangements would transport me to unsuspected dimensions, offering a welcome escape from the reality of my isolation on the island.
For added serenity and sweetness to my days on this desert island, I would choose any album by Peter White in the Smooth Jazz genre. His music is a balm for the soul, skillfully blending soothing melodies and virtuoso improvisations that would be the perfect soundtrack for quiet moments at sunset on the island. The gentle harmonies of his guitar would transport my thoughts to distant shores, allowing me to escape into a world of calm and contemplation. It would bring a touch of serenity and elegance to my solitary refuge. It would be like a gentle breeze in the island’s warmth.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us Yannis! It’s been great getting to know you better! Not to get too dark or anything, but what would you ultimately like to be remembered for?
My deepest desire is to leave a lasting legacy as a musical innovator, a creator of sonic landscapes, and an explorer pushing the boundaries of sound. I aspire to serve as a catalyst, sparking artistic curiosity and inspiring others to explore uncharted territories. Through my music, I aim to create an enduring testament to an experience that goes beyond the constraints of time and traditional norms. May my musical legacy stand as a testimony to the profound beauty and transformative influence of art across its diverse forms.
Thank you Jeremy for giving me the opportunity to share a bit of my musical universe with you!
