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Neoclassical Suite is a column that will present 7 recent, distinctive tracks of the neoclassical-modern classical-contemporary -and beyond!- music field. 

The Players

Stefan Vereen

(neoclassical, solo piano)

Born in Atlanta, Ga, 1995, Vereen was first introduced to the piano at age three. Since then he has experimented with folk music, blues, hip-hop and jazz. His work is undoubtedly a combination of all his influences from Mozart to Monk, MF DOOM to McCoy Tyner.

In 2013, he worked in San Francisco, recording piano and organ for his blood brother Judson Vereen’s first demo. In 2014, he moved to San Francisco to continue developing his musical personality and compositions.

In 2017, Vereen led a quartet in Oakland, playing his interpretations of jazz standards, pop tunes, and original work. Vereen continues to cross genres and form unlikely partnerships.

His most recent collaboration was formed in a dorm room at UC Berkeley with musician and producer Max Powers. The two meet in a musical middle ground – involving electronic grooves and soulful melodies. They are set to release their first songs in Spring 2019.

As Vereen’s music matures it is becoming clear that his musical mind is universal and his work as an creator is unique.

REW<<

(neoclassical)

REW<< is the solo moniker of Ryan E. Weber, who originally hails from the snowy western shores of Lake Michigan. His musical pedigree includes roles in indie bands: Camden, The Promise Ring, Decibully, and he is one half of dream- pop duo Eric & Magill. Working on Eric & Magill releases while living in both Kenya and Armenia, Weber collaborated over the Internet with a host of notable contemporary indie artists, including members of Shearwater, The Dirty Projectors, Owen, Volcano Choir, Mineral, Maritime, Sylvan Esso, The Delgados and many more.

Wings for Louise

(neoclassical, contemporary, drone)

The analog and modular synths are at the core of the wide contemplative atmosphere created by the artist, combined with the sensitivity of an upright piano to deliver the essence of Wings for Louise, a mix between Yann Tiersen and M83.

Sal Dulu

(neoclassical, minimal)

Producer/instrumentalist from Ireland. Since releasing his first song in 2017, Sal Dulu has been building a reputation as an artist who is unafraid to push genre boundaries, with no limits to his desire and ambition to create rich new soundscapes.

Frederik Magle

(neoclassical, symphonic)

Frederik Magle is a Danish composer. Known for his many classical compositions – including several commissioned by the Danish royal family, as well as collaborations across genres, such as the platinum winning album “Elektra” by hip-hop group Suspekt, featuring compositions for symphony orchestra by Magle.

His music has been performed by soloists and ensembles all over the world, including the London Philharmonic, the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, the violinist Nikolaj Znaider, and many others. Magle is also an accomplished concert pianist and organist.

Kepa Lehtinen

(neoclassical, contemporary)

Well-known Finland-based film and TV composer Kepa Lehtinen is proud to announce the release of his new album, Helsinki In November, that features original contemporary classical music written for piano, contrabass, and theremin. The theremin is an almost-century-old electronic instrument that’s played by hand gestures rather than direct contact and is seldom encountered in the classical world. Lehtinen, however, makes the instrument a cornerstone of his sound and Helsinki In November gives listeners a master class in what this unusual instrument can do.

Michael Ottosson

(neoclassical, instrumental)

I’m a classical pianist and composer from Sweden. After having played the piano for over 30 years, and been writing songs, arranging and producing music for half that time, I’ve spent the last year doing something new. As much as I enjoy working with other artists and other peoples music, I’ve found it even more fulfilling doing something completely for myself. To enter a process where nothing is created just to meet someone else’s mind, mood or guidelines.

After I lost a child in early pregnancy, things shifted and soon, small musical ideas started to form. Instant ideas that came from within and had something to tell me. They also made me express myself in a new way.

”In time we’ll be” will be my first solo album as a pianist. This album consists of ten original songs, all written around my piano at home. The songs appear in the same order they were written and they’re almost connected in a meditative way.

The Music

Christos Doukakis