On the Art of Noticing

SMYAH: This is a five track series exploring both the melodic and the low end side of things. Perfect for listening at an open air festival or with a proper system/headphones at home. I hope you enjoy it at least halfway as much as I enjoyed making it.

Can you tell us the story behind the visuals?

Mood Textures: One of my closest friends relocated some time ago, driven by the ambition to revive her dad’s house. During one of my visits, she invited me to explore beyond her yard. The expanse of her property revealed a big garden adorned with numerous trees and bushes, extending far from the house. Eventually, we arrived at a gap in the fence, through which we ventured.

Suddenly, we were… nowhere? A huge field with sunflowers that have already burned from the sun and died, golden sunlight just like in a dream, birds passing through the orange sky and mountains everywhere you look. Pure silence – a moment suspended in time. One of those instances where reality seems surreal or like a dream that may have already unfolded.

What has producing music/photography taught you?

Mood Textures: Photography and visual arts in general taught me the art of noticing. They gave me this unexplainable, constant consciousness of everything around me. They turned my eyesight into my sharpest sense. I notice many small moments, interactions, objects, patterns and frames. I’m always searching and finding the visual beauty of the world. 

Photography has also taught me to appreciate the uniqueness of every person and moment. I could list many things here but those are the highlights.

SMYAH: Making music taught me what being in the flow state means and also increased my observational skills, the attention to detail and the understanding of how interconnected everything is – these are all things that can be translated outside the audible world for sure. It has definitely made my ears sharper and increased my overall awareness of all the surrounding noises in everyday life. It also made me more aware of my intuition and trusting it.

What do you like to do to keep creativity alive?

Mood Textures: Experiencing a creativity slump is a major aspect of the artistic journey, and it can hit you unexpectedly. The initial move is undoubtedly to embrace the art of letting it go. Burnouts are a genuine struggle as well. Nowadays, artists often find themselves in an endless pursuit of overachievement, constantly generating ideas. I find myself doing that too.

Personally, what pulls me out of this funk is immersing myself in movies, books, photographs, and various creations. I like to read the stories of inspiring creators and make it a point to be around people who spark my inspiration. The second thing is a game-changer, no matter how trivial it sounds. 

SMYAH: One thing that always works is going some place else for a day or few. Every time I come back, I feel way more focused and full of ideas. Other activities include watching films and series – I get really inspired by the environment and their sound and music which brings me new ideas but in a more subconscious way.