Throughout his artistic evolution, Niklas Paschburg has consistently drawn inspiration from the emotional imprint of specific places. And on Mexican Alps, his newest EP, we're transported through soundscapes that beautifully merge the colorful spirit of southern Mexico with the peaceful elegance of the Swiss Alps.
Hailing from Hamburg, Niklas Paschburg is a composer, pianist, and producer who has developed a stellar reputation for blending electronic textures with the world of classical music - this is particularly highlighted with his talents behind the piano. With multiple tours across Europe, internationally acclaimed albums, and collaborations with icons like RY X, Hania Rani, and Fejka, Niklas is cementing his place as one of the most innovative voices in the modern classical-electronic space.
Mexican Alps stands as a marvelous example of this sentiment of the above. However, this project sees the German producer explore new sonic terrain by relinquishing his trademark piano aesthetic for a fully electronic soundscape. As a result, we're welcome to an immersive listening experience that’s both grounding and transcendent.
“It all started with an invitation to play at a festival in Oaxaca. I had never been to Latin America, and the idea of staying longer to write was exciting. But finding a place with a piano was nearly impossible. That limitation turned into inspiration—I asked myself, What would happen if I created something without the piano?” - Niklas Paschburg
The opening track, "Ried-Brig" is a slow burner that serves as a prelude for what's to come. It's characterized by textural elegance towards the beginning, while the incredible sound design leads us into the core melodic section of the track. Here, it's about the feeling of weightlessness and entering what feels like just the troposphere through the melodic progression. One of the standout tracks, "La Hormiga" however, is a rhythmic exploration of life in motion - in fact, it's of the few tracks in the project that's rhythm-focused. The drums shuffling beneath the synths create a forward momentum, reflecting the winding trails of Oaxaca’s mountainous surroundings. With this, Niklas is able to intersect sonics with tradition, nature, and movement.
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Another way in which this is done is through embedding field recordings captured during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. The florid single "Oaxaca de Juárez" is adorned with the sound of bustling streets and chatter amongst the locals to transport you to Southern Mexico. As the track progresses, glistening, funk-driven guitars (courtesy of Tal Arditi) breathe life into the track along with raw percussive hits. This is honestly a surprising direction for Niklas Paschburg, and the execution is on point! In many ways, Mexican Alps EP reimagines Niklas Paschburg's signature sound through a lens that connects two contrasting landscapes — the vibrant energy of Mexico and the serene beauty of Switzerland.
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