Often, when I work on a new album, I reach a point, usually well past the halfway mark, where I manage to give an identity to the new project. In this case, probably due to a series of events that occurred throughout the year, I was able to find meaning only in the end. “While” is an album that encapsulates black and white in equal measure. On one hand, there is life (the white) represented by the birth of my daughter, and on the other hand, there is death (the black) represented by the death of both of my parents within a span of two months. It’s difficult to forget such a particular year, and it’s hard not to hold a special place in my heart for this work that accompanied me over these twelve months. Sometimes it even served as a crutch, keeping me balanced in the most challenging moments.
As already mentioned in the press release, “While” is also the first album I recorded without the use of a computer, which brought me particular pleasure in the process of composition. I could work in a more abstract manner, following instinct and knowing that I wouldn’t have great possibilities for modifications later.
Being in love with Japanese art for years, I was able for the first time to transport this style into my music, drawing small sound sketches and leaving the interpretation of the created images to the listener.
For this reason, I wanted the artwork to be something indefinite, like a sumi-e that tells, in black and white, an experience of instinct and purity. Perhaps with “While,” I have finally found the right path after years of searching for my own personal sonic language.
ethereal sound art
francis gri 