Nexus Meets… Lorenzo Carulli
Highly innovative, Italian pianist Lorenzo Carulli is merging symphonic piano with informal jazz-esque sounds. Creating a cinematic and enchanting soundscape with his music, Lorenzo is not one to be pigeon-holed. We speak with the artist, for what he does is pure artistry, about his EP Present Past, discovering new music and much more!
What inspires you to make music?
My main inspiration comes from the masterpieces of the XIX and XX centuries. I have a classical background and my main artistic experiences belong to this side of music, but over the years I have found much interest in other modern genres, for instance, film music. Nowadays I am particularly focused on the narrative concept that I would love my music to show; for this reason, I feel apart from some of the current minimalistic tendencies.
What can you tell us about your EP Present Past?
Present Past is a piano solo album made up of 8 original tracks. Each one of these represents a short story that could either work independently but also coexists with the others. As I was mentioning before, this is not another collection of minimalistic compositions or some complicated sonic investigation; nothing experimental in this EP, just the expectation to propose modern ideas but constructed as classical music was: melody, harmony, rhythm and also scales, arpeggios, cadences… whatever it takes to put together music that could still be as beautiful and interesting as it has always been in the old days.
If you could change anything about Present Past, what would it be?
I am still thinking about it; I would probably include one or two tracks that I left off for several reasons. When I decided to put together this album I was already thinking of how the concept should be for this work and the future ones. I would love my music to have a coherent path so a listener could eventually find the way both in a single EP and my entire production.
Does Present Past have any significance to you?
The title of the album is the key to understand the entire work. I already summarised the concept in a short sentence: “take the best from the Past, give your ideas to the Present and leave them for the Future”. It’s probably too easy to say, but I think that we all are always and firstly influenced by the Past; people decide to become composers just because they hear music, fall in love with it and want to replicate those feelings in their own way. In other words, Present Past represents my willingness of being original, but not aligned to how piano music is conceived today.
Do you believe classical music is receiving enough attention in the mainstream music scenes?
Classical music is not receiving enough attention in the mainstream scene just because is not a mainstream genre. At the same time, it is not underrated because there still exists an important audience that is truly loyal and passionate about this world. Someone also believes that classical music needs particular preparation for a generic listener because most of the time appears less incisive and immediate. I can assure you that’s not the case; there are some overwhelming compositions that will make you stand up from your concert hall seat like another person.
Describe your music in three words.
Animated, unpredictable and hopeful.
What do you hope people take from your music in general?
I would love people to realize that writing for piano could be so interesting and multi-coloured. I am personally looking for original music that will amaze and capture the listener, granting him or her an unexpected musical journey. It is not an immediate process and probably requires just a bit more attention than some other repetitive music, but I still believe it could be feasible. In addition, I would honestly feel confused in hearing some “background music for study or work” in a concert; I still don’t understand how this could make sense.
If you could perform with any artist who would it be?
This is an open question in my mind; I believe my music crosses different genres but at the same time relates to a listener base that is probably not easy to locate. This is why I could have some difficulties in finding an artist to perform with. These compositions have different jazz and classical influences for instance, but Present Past is not neither a jazz nor a classical album. Unfortunately, this is the case for most of my compositions. I always loved to play with other people, but I still don’t know whether I will ever able to do this with my music.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music nowadays?
Today social media platforms play the biggest role in promoting music and for this reason are the main tool for discovering new content. Anyway, I am noticing always more how important is the spread of information through blogs and magazines and the huge role that curators play in this branch. Many listeners take into much consideration the Spotify playlists where they can easily listen to the music they prefer and additionally discover new pieces.
Do you have any future plans as a musician?
I feel this question is someway linked with your previous one. My main desire remains being able to make music not only by myself but also work with other musicians. Despite the fact that I just released a solo album, I honestly believe this is the most beautiful and effective way for strong growth as a musician and artist. I always have something in mind about it, I just need to find the time and right opportunity to carry out this program.