Congrats on the release of “We lock our dark halves deep in the basement of our souls but darkness.” What inspired this unique title?
Ostel: “Thanks for the kind words Francoise! The title was inspired by the ghosts and duality within us all. It’s about those parts of ourselves that we repress, hide, or fear, and how, no matter how deeply we try to bury them, they influence who we are. The title reflects the haunting beauty of that struggle and the acceptance of darkness as part of the whole.”
I really enjoyed the collaborations on the album. Can you tell us more about they came about?
Ostel: “I’m glad you enjoyed the collaborations! They were an essential part of shaping the album’s atmosphere. Each collaboration came about quite naturally. All of them are friends of mine who I admire and I felt they could bring some unique textures and sounds to the album. I’m so lucky and thankful for having them in my album.”
What was your approach like lyrically for the album?
Ostel: “I wrote this album in the most complex and dark period of my life so far, a lot of things happening around me and turning my life upside down, so the approach for this album was deeply introspective and meant to evoke feelings rather than tell direct stories. It came from places of isolation, inner conflict, and the subconscious, treating textures as traditional narrative elements.”
“Many of the songs came from fragmented thoughts, notes from my journal, and books I was reading at the time. I love instrumental music because it ends up being open to interpretation, like whispers from the darker corners of the mind. “
When did you first become interested in neo-classical music and did you have any notable influences?
Ostel: “I’ve always been drawn to the haunting beauty of classical compositions, and incorporating those elements into ambient feels like a natural thing to do for me.”
“As for influences, I’d say Olafur Arnalds and Max Richter have been significant inspirations, along with the emotive power of composers like Jóhann Jóhannsson and my all time personal favorite Henryk Górecki. Their ability to convey profound emotion through minimalism has had a lasting impact on how I approach my own work.”
As a multi-instrumentalist, what is your favourite instrument to play?
Ostel: “That’s a tough one because I connect with different instruments in unique ways and different times of my life. Guitar was my first love… it’s where my musical journey began, and it still holds a special place in how I approach composition. Teaching myself piano opened up a new world of expression, especially for crafting melancholic melodies.”
“And lately, I’ve been completely immersed in synthesizers. There’s something magical about their limitless potential for creating textures and atmospheres. They’re perfect for exploring the intersection of sound design and emotion, which is such a central part of my music. Right now, I’d say synths are my favorite… They feel like an endless playground for creativity and that is so liberating.”
I adore the music video for ‘lounge chat with my inner demons’ as it captures such a mixture of feelings. What was the process of producing this like?
Ostel: “Absolutely, the focus was really on exploring the concept of the inner demons we all carry… those darker, unspoken parts of ourselves that shape our thoughts and actions. The video was a visual reflection of that internal struggle, where we interact with our own fears, regrets, and desires in a way that feels both intimate and overwhelming. Our demons will be there forever you know? We have to learn to coexist with them.”
How do you think your sound has evolved since you first started releasing music on Spotify in 2020?
Ostel: “I guess my sound has evolved significantly since I first started releasing music on Spotify in 2020, reflecting both my personal growth and my deepening exploration of different musical elements and approaches. Early on, I was very focused on creating catchy melodies with atmospheric soundscapes and delicate ambient textures. But as I’ve continued to experiment, I’ve expanded my palette, incorporating more intricate layers, emotional depth, darker and more intimate sounds.”
“The use of synthesizers has been a major turning point in my evolution. They’ve allowed me to explore more complex and dynamic sonic landscapes, pushing my music into new territories. I feel more comfortable now and free while composing and I feel like I’m continuously refining my approach, moving away from purely ambient and diving deeper into more narrative-driven soundscapes. It’s been about embracing both the light and dark, and finding a balance between calm introspection and intense, chaotic energy. This evolution feels like a natural reflection of my journey.”
You can listen to We lock our dark halves deep in the basement of our souls but darkness. here: