Malandra Jr.
Abruzzo, Italy
HIGH-RISK
Behind the Music
Malandra Jr.As I read The Outlaw Ocean and Ian’s descriptive reporting, I found it easy to conjure up and envision clear images from the book. I had an album developing in my mind just from the first few pages. At the same time, this project pushed me to completely change my process as an artist. Traditionally, I tend to gravitate towards performing classical music. But with The Outlaw Ocean Music Project, I had to do more producing and take on more of a role as a DJ. It was a bit of a challenge as a composer, where everything feels more muted and subtle.
I think whenever an artist feels a deep connection to a story, a topic or a cause, then music can transform into an innovative and evocative mechanism for storytelling, in which the musician leads people towards a deeper understanding. There’s a magical quality to music. You don’t need to read or write to connect with it, and it can spread a message like a wildfire.
About Malandra Jr.
He began his career as a musician when he was very young, studying the piano, and entering the Conservatory. A few years later he changed instruments: he started studying the clarinet. He graduated with honors, won several awards and played in various orchestras and chamber ensembles. He soon realized that he needed to create. In this period, he lived in Milan. He loved the club. In the meantime he studied in the Academy Teatro Alla Scala and, besides classical music, he started playing at different festivals and parties using his music created with Ableton and Synths, live sets. He became a DJ, and a composer who had a master in music. His style has been changing day by day, he offers a unique and sophisticated product, using his deep knowledge of classical music mixed with the electronics, resulting in melody, harmony and rhythm, with bucolic shades, tradition and innovation.