Embark on a musical odyssey with Edenya, a progressive rock duo led by the enigmatic multi-instrumentalist and composer, Marco. In support of their contribution to the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” digital compilation, Marco shares insights into his musical journey, inspirations, and the intricate layers woven into the fabric of Edenya’s sonic landscape.
Artist Background
Tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey. How did you get started in the world of progressive rock?
When I was a child, I learned music theory and how to play the piano. At that time, I listened a lot to Eric Clapton and Dire Straits. I stopped playing music completely during my teenage years and then decided to buy an electric guitar at the age of 19 after discovering bands like Stratovarius and The Gathering.
They were really bands that impressed me with incredible musicians! It was around this time that I discovered progressive bands like Dream Theater and Tool. Before EDENYA, I was mainly in a rock/metal band called REMEDIA. This band lasted about 10 years.
EDENYA was initially only a side project, an instrumental project, very influenced by film music. I didn’t really have any ambition for this project, I was just doing it for fun. After a few years, I decided to work with a singer. And the project suddenly became much more serious and ambitious.
Featured Track
Let’s dive into the featured track on the compilation. Can you share the inspiration or story behind “The Shelter”?
I took my inspiration from reading the graphic novel “Maus” by Art Spiegelman which talks about the persecution of Jews in Poland during the Second World War. The lyrics are about people hiding from a threat, from soldiers and the fear and distress they feel. The lyrics also speak of hope in a situation that can seem hopeless.
Creative Process
Walk us through your creative process. How do you typically approach writing and composing music? What was your creative process like for your recent release “Another Place” in comparison to your previous efforts?
The writing process of a song takes a long time, at least several months. I write a first draft of the song and then let it mature. Then I work on the structures, the arrangements and finally I write the lyrics. The composition process was the same for this album as for the previous one. I don’t change anything. The little novelty for this album is that I tried different arrangements.
Who or what are your major influences in progressive rock? How do they impact your own musical style?
In progressive rock, my favorite bands are Pink Floyd, Riverside, Tool, Dream Theater, Opeth. I don’t know exactly how they impact my musical style, perhaps my taste for song structures that break away from the traditional verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure. Or maybe, my taste for long instrumental parts…
The Music Industry
What challenges have you faced as an artist in the scene, and how have you overcome them?
Being a musician is very complicated these days. In fact, it’s a constant challenge. Finding gigs without a network is very complicated, if not impossible. Making money with your band is also very difficult, because album sales and streaming revenues are very low. People you can trust in the music industry are very rare, and there are often crooks!
But there are also good people, journalists who helped us by talking about EDENYA. I’ve often overcome these difficulties simply by doing everything myself : promotion, production, etc. We are never better served than by ourselves !
How do you see the scene evolving, and what role do you believe your music plays in that evolution?
I think there are far too many bands, the scene is saturated! There are some excellent bands out there, but it’s hard for them to emerge.
I also think there’s less and less room for more complex music, even though there’s still an audience for that, but it’s getting smaller and smaller. I hope that my music will bring people to listen to this kind of music.
Your Journey
Share with us some of the most memorable moments in your musical journey so far.
I would mention a concert where we did an encore where people sang our song “I Hope” with us. Or the moment I held a CD of my first album “Silence” for the first time in my hands. It was really moving after all the work put in.
Do you have a personal favorite among your own compositions? If so, which one and why?
I would say the title track “Another Place”, the bridge with the vocals getting stronger makes me shiver every time I listen to it. This song is full of emotions and Clélia’s performance is incredible. The lyrics are also very personal.
If I had to cite a second song, I would say “The Other Side” for the mix of styles. I am very proud of the instrumental part where you can hear a saxophone, an oriental guitar solo and heavy riffs.
Future Plans
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re working on?
For the future, we planned new concerts in France and a new album which, I announce it already, will be very different.
Progstravaganza Experience
What does it mean to you to be a part of our compilation? How has the experience been for you?
It’s an honor for me. I hope this will enable us to reach new fans. It has been a very cool experience for me!
Is there a message you’d like to convey to your fans who will be discovering your music through this compilation?
Do not hesitate to listen to us if you like the tracks. You will probably like EDENYA if you like atmospheric music with a beautiful female voice.
Quickfire Round:
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or not, who would it be?
It would be Anneke van Giersbergen or Thom Yorke.
If you had to pick one instrument (besides your primary one) to master, what would it be?
It would be the violin. It is an instrument that delivers a lot of sensitivity and romanticism.
What’s your all-time favorite progressive rock album, and why?
“Wish you were here” by Pink Floyd because it’s a beautiful album about someone’s absence. I love the atmosphere that emerges from this album.
Are there non-musical influences that find their way into your music? (e.g., literature, art, science)
I love watching movies, and I watch all kinds of movies. I like genre films, blockbusters as much as auteur films. My favorite director is David Lynch, I love the atmosphere of his films. I also love the work of Park Chan-Wook, Christopher Nolan and Sergio Leone.
Closing Thoughts
Any final thoughts or reflections you’d like to share with our audience?
Thank you for your interest in EDENYA and for your support!
Social Media/Website: Where can our audience find more about you and your music? (Include social media handles, website, etc.)
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Edenyaband
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/edenyaband
Bandcamp : https://edenya.bandcamp.com
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@edenyaofficial
