Burkhard Mahler

 

‘Guitar’ is an epic exploration of deep feelings that challenge our perceptions of emotions. It is a resonant reminder that instrumentals can tell the most heartfelt narratives.
 

Long practiced at composing music for diverse media, from movies to television to advertising, Burkhard devises tracks we hear in our favorite digital diversions. Whether it’s hip-hop, rock, ambient or electro, he can supply a stellar groove that perfectly observes the mood and aesthetic of its context. His talent is fueled by a burning desire to achieve respect for the hard work he has put into music - the vessel of communication he uses to express feelings lurking inside his subconscious. Independent Reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Burkhard to find out what this award-winning producer has to say about his art, the advice he offers for younger musicians, and his plans for the upcoming days.

ALEXIS: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
BURKHARD: Since I’ve been hiring professional singers to interprete and co-write on my instrumentals, most of the results gave me a feeling of progress in my works. I loved listening to them and thought that they are somewhat taking me to the next level. So it has been the teamwork that took me a large step forward. And, of course, the Akademia Award in July 2015 reassured my artistic confidence and increased my positive emotion while writing songs very much!

ALEXIS: Your song 'Guitar' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BURKHARD: Well, it sounded a bit strange at the first to hear my own work on radio, especially because it is an instrumental. But the second and third time made me feel comfortable and encouraged me to write the next singles, this time with vocals again.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BURKHARD: My inspiration behind ‘Guitar’ was bands like Rush and Pink Floyd. Any time I listen to their music gets me in the mood to grab a guitar and write a song.

ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BURKHARD: Yes, I would describe it as the desire to express and communicate emotion and deepest thoughts of the subconcious, not depictable by simple language. You know, every person hides secrets they don´t even know of themselves, I think. Music and pictures are a perfect way for us to get known to our unknown inner spirit and transpose parts of the commonly felt reality. However I cannot fix my desire for creation to a specific experience, I believe the fire burns within my struggle for success, respect and acknowledgement besides expressing what I cannot tell.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
BURKHARD: I love to experimentalize and explore with new technology as new sound software or a new guitar. I think I am funloving and complicated in my free works, but as a service provider of compositions and movie music design I think I am down to earth.

 

ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BURKHARD: The experience with co-writers, designers and audio engineers has just been great. When we did the work for the Mahler Movie Music Entertainment Volume 1 it was so satisfying to hear my work backed up with vocals. I also had a lot of fun working with Frank Dreimann on the cover art. I chose a key visual and he completed the cover with his ideas and specifications. The audio engineer Antonio Monte Pinos did also a great work, that time from Buenos Aires. Here in Germany, Leonid from 'Alvatone Audio Solutions' did acoustic miracles when mastering my songs.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BURKHARD: No, I am the only musician in our family first grade. My father worked as a very successfull scientist, which made it very difficult for me to work as an artist at the beginning because there were always differences between science and art in my family, but I finally did overcome thanks to my mother.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BURKHARD: I think the most exciting thing about being an artist is that our work stays even if we are not on this planet anymore. We leave some of our life for the good of the people and our family. Sometimes it makes their life more comfortable with the revenues of our songs. That makes me feel good, especially because I don´t have any children. The most challenging for me as an artist these days is to communicate a piece of culture, settling political differences of nations and borders. I honestly think that art can help us to unite without warfare.

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
BURKHARD: I personally appreciate all bands that negotiate political borders to express the message of peace and understanding, which basically comes from a good vibe of their music and performance. Idols like Pink Floyd, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley, Udo Lindenberg and so many more that made it to the other side understand fighting for the difference.

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BURKHARD: I am a studio musician and composer, that's why I did not appreciable live performance up to now. My only public performance was a gig with my former band Junction at the opening of an arts exhibition, which turned out quite successful.

ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BURKHARD: Today I would recommend young artists to study at a music conservatory and finish a regular profession besides songwriting and live performances. I did not only paint for more than 20 years before I started my career as composer and musician, but also worked as a graphic designer and manager for communication business. In general it's a good economic basis to have a classic profession 'to pay the rent' if passion doesn´t turn out well.

ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BURKHARD: There is a new album out in October 2015, with more vocals on record. It will be called ‘Rocks On The Road’ and has, besides my first attempt to integrate vocal samples, two co-writers. One of them is the new member of our library catalog Franz Schott Jr. and the other is the award winning singer Rebekka Gaber, both from Germany. I think we will put two songs out as singles. One by Franz and Rebekka called ‘How It Feels.’ The other is ‘Love Dance.’ Both are ‘new rock’ songs, you'll be surprised! A video of one of them will be produced too. Right now I´m working very intensely to lead the ‘Mahler Movie Music CTP Catalog’ to economic success. It will be in the next future that our company and product philosophy works.

ALEXIS: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us Burkhard! We really appreciate it and expect to hear great things about your career soon!

http://www.burkhardmahler.de

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