Every musician's nightmares

Tinnitus and hearing loss are every musician's and composer's nightmares and can become a reality at a young age. These problems are often not discussed because they represent an existential threat and can frequently mean the end of a career.

The renowned Dutch composer Stephen Emmer, who has been active in the international music scene since the 1970s—whether as a member of well-known bands such as Mini Pops, The Associates, and The Lotus Eaters, as the host of his radio show Sensation (Concert-zender), or as a composer of film and television scores, among other things—was also struck by this fate.

Artists Against Tinnitus

With his foundation 'Artists Against Tinnitus,' Emmer aims to raise awareness of this irreversible condition and encourage artists of all ages to network and find solutions together.

Mt Mundane

His new album Mt. Mundane, released on October 11, 2024, on the Electric Fairytale Recordings label (Stephen Emmer B.V.), explores this theme through 15 'Cinematic Adagios' for orchestra, piano, and boy soloist. Produced with over 80 musicians and international classical luminaries such as Anthony Weiden (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Andrew Dudman (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Gramophone Award-winning choral conductor Nigel Short, and pianist Ben Dawson, and recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, the album takes the listener on an emotional journey.

Inspiration

Inspired by French Post-Impressionists such as André Caplet, Lili Boulanger, Ravel, and Debussy, known for their colorful and sophisticated orchestrations, the concept album explores Emmer's personal crisis brought on by hearing loss and tinnitus.

[Künstler Artist Magazine - Editorial]

Listen to Mt Mundane on your favourite music platform here

Buy the Mt Mundane album on CD here