Anadem, an outstanding Irish producer, has gone on a fascinating journey that spans both classical and electronic music and his artistic growth has taken him back to his electronic beginnings after a career as a classical singing teacher and conductor, culminating in his highly awaited first release, the “Coral Canvas” EP. This EP, released on August 4 by PolyAmber Records, is a watershed moment in Anadem’s career, demonstrating his variety and originality as he ventures into the worlds of downtempo and melodic houses. This EP, which includes four unique pieces – “Coral Canvas,” “Filling Space,” “Float With Friends,” and “Underdog” – demonstrates Anadem’s artistic abilities. Listening to Anadem’s “Coral Canvas” EP seemed like discovering a hidden gem in the world of electronic music, so I reached out to him for more information on this project. Enjoy our discussion below.
SONGWEB: Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind your latest project?
ANADEM: I’ve had the privilege to work as a musician for years, however, I never felt ready to write my music. Although it was something I had always wanted to do, I put it off again and again. There came a time a couple of years ago when I said enough is enough, just get on and do it!
My understanding of music is pretty good, so it was mainly figuring out the mechanics of electronic music production, like the DAW, and getting to grips with sound design and mixing. After writing a couple of tracks early on (not quite successfully), I eventually found my feet and I set about writing the four tracks that would become my debut release.
The world was in a bit of upheaval then and my mind would often be preoccupied with the environment and so most of the songs on the EP have some reference to the world we live in and nature.
SONGWEB: How do you approach the creative process when creating new works of art?
ANADEM: I always start with an initial mood or atmosphere that I want to achieve. I might have been inspired by a track that I heard or maybe guided by a narrative or even an image in my head. Sometimes this happens in reverse where the music that evolves in the beginning stages of production reminds me of something, and then I know where I’m heading and how to finish the track.
Once I have that initial vibe in my mind I choose a tempo, put down a basic beat pattern, and experiment with different chords and harmonic structures, usually in the pads. From there I layer on some melodies and the bassline. My tracks tend to have lots of these layers. After that is where I get sucked into the producer’s black hole of adding all the little bits of detail and color! I’m getting better at this, but I’m probably too fussy and it takes me forever!!!
SONGWEB: Can you share with us a particularly memorable moment during the making of this project?
ANADEM: I wrote the title track ‘Coral Canvas’ really quickly about the other tracks on the EP. I sent it to the label and was a bit concerned it might not make the grade, as I didn’t feel like I’d put the same time into it as the other tracks. The label boss was on holiday and said he was keen to hear it, so decided to play the track there and then by the pool. He loved it! But what was memorable was he said the people around him seemed to respond to it immediately too. I thought to myself, okay, I’m doing something right.
SONGWEB: What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art?
ANADEM: Hmm, good question. For me, music is an essential element in life. I don’t think I could function without it. It’s a mood enhancer and balancer, a form of meditation and it helps me understand and appreciate both the tangible things in the world, but most of all the intangible things – the bits we can’t touch or see.
I like to think that my music gives the listener a chance to think and be brought down avenues of thought that they may not have been before. I hope that they might feel a connection because someone, perhaps many more people, feels the same as they do.
SONGWEB: Can you describe how you incorporate your personal experiences into your work?
ANADEM: Well, I suppose a good example would be the track ‘Filling Space’. Just before I wrote it I noticed a field that I drove by every day which had beautiful horses in it was being dug up to be replaced by houses. I wondered when, or even how, will this end! Will we just keep taking over all the natural habitats for our needs? As I sat down to put my ideas together for the track, I wanted to reflect those different things – industry and density contrasted by something natural and beautiful. In the tracks and on the screen as I wrote it, I was filling up the space with music with lots of material – filling space! You can hear thick bass and man-made percussive noises representing the industrial side and airy pads and beautiful synth lines representing nature.
SONGWEB: How does your latest project differ from previous works you’ve created?
ANADEM: In the dance world I’ve only ever DJ’d before now, so this is a new departure. Although I was fit to throw the computer against the wall a couple of times it’s easily one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done as a musician.
SONGWEB: Lastly, what are your plans for your artistic journey and where do you hope to take your work in the future?
ANADEM: I just want to keep evolving as a producer and release a lot more tracks. I have already finished and a few more are in the pipeline. I’m also thinking of developing a live set, so fingers crossed I can get that together soon. It would be nice to see the reactions of the audience to the music.
I felt magnetically pulled to Anadem’s artistry after digging into the EP, and it was a mesmerizing experience that triggered a rush of emotions within me. The sheer quality of the sounds, the thought that went into the subject selections, and the obvious atmosphere of genuineness all made an indelible impact. The EP’s capacity to elicit emotions and introspection reflects Anadem’s careful approach to music. It’s a rare achievement when music not only entertains but also connects on a spiritual level, and Anadem’s “Coral Canvas” EP accomplishes both by bringing listeners on a sensory journey while stimulating significant conversations about the relationship between art, nature, and personal expression.
Listen to the “Coral Canvas EP” EP by Anadem on Spotify or SoundCloud and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Anadem here for more information.
