Isildur: Revealing a new musical reality [Interview]

The future is now. For music and also for Isildur. This is the name of a new brand that promises to revolutionise the way fans can experience music. Through an innovative approach, Isildur promises to create a unique connection between the digital and real worlds. It all started when he produced music in his bedroom and became a ghostwriter. Now the story is being written in the first person, in a brand-new chapter signed by Revealed Recordings. We sat down with Isildur to find out all about his debut single and the impact his brand will have on the industry.

Firstly, congratulations on the release of the single ‘Energy Flow Eternal’, which has just been released on Revealed Recordings. It’s the first release from Isildur, how does it feel?

Thanks! Very excited! I’m grateful that Revealed has given us the opportunity to start this new chapter. As you know, it’s extremely hard to release new music with a completely new brand these days. A label gets tonnes of demos every week, so you can imagine it’s very hard to stand out from the crowd these days.

What does it mean to you to make your debut on Hardwell’s Revealed?

The most important sign for me was that they immediately liked our vision. After we sent the demos to Revealed and ‘Energy Flow Eternal’ was signed, Robbert (Hardwell) texted us saying that he was impressed with the whole story. I’ve to say that made my day.

This single is a fresh remake of the classic by Jens Lissat & Ramon Zenker. What inspired you to make a new version of this tune?

It’s one of my all-time favourite dance classics and I’ve always wanted to do my own version of the track. Back then it was played almost every week in the club, so I’m pretty sure I was very inspired by the vibe back then.

Apart from this, what are your other musical influences?

All the dance music from my childhood from the 90s onwards.

When did your connection with music begin?

Like many of my fellow producers, it all started in my bedroom studio when I was about 12 years old and making music. When all my friends were out playing, I was in the studio making music. As soon as I was old enough to go to clubs, I would take my demos and ask DJs to play my music so I could see and feel the audience interaction.

Why the name Isildur? I’m sure J.R.R. fans recognize this character’s name… Were you inspired by the tales of Middle-earth?

Isildur was my game tag on Call of Duty Black Ops about 10 years ago. I was quite surprised when they told me about Lord of the Rings. I haven’t come into contact with the work of J.R.R. Personally, I’m more of a fan of ‘based on a true story’.

Your identity is shrouded in an aura of great mystery. Is this related to your past as a ghostwriter?

No, not really… I just prefer not to be in the spotlight.

What’s it like going from ghostwriter to producing music for yourself?

It’s easier because you can do what you want. It’s completely different when you’re producing for a client or a studio. It’s not easy to put yourself in someone’s mind or thoughts, especially when they send you 10 references with 10 completely different vibes. Producing for my own brand is easier.

In terms of musical genres, what lines will Isildur explore?

Largely dance-orientated.

The Isildur concept seeks to bridge the gap between the real and digital worlds, am I right? Can you tell us more about this concept?

With Isildur, we’ve taken a traditional artist/DJ profile and made it a bit more virtual. It’s a way to engage the fans even more and give them the best of both worlds. The virtual aspect allows us to create or do things that a physical person could never do. It pushes the boundaries to a whole new level, which makes the brand unique and interesting.

Is the strong digital component an adaptation to the current context or have you always thought about creating a persona that you could preserve in a holographic world?

I created Isildur this way because he is my personification in a virtual world.

The virtual reality world seems to be Isildur’s prime habitat. You will have several free shows in the digital world, is that true?

Yes, there will be free digital shows with insanely cool holographic sceneries on my social pages. These sceneries are synchronised with the music. You can see what the music is telling you, so it gives the listener a more immersive experience.
I will also regularly post free music, (animated) podcasts, visual gadgets etc… so be sure to follow me!

In addition to the digital appearances, you’ll also have a limited number of live physical performances this summer. What can you tell us about dates, venues and opportunities to see you?

I wish I could give it away, but unfortunately, I cannot reveal too much at the moment. Promoters and festivals have exclusivity to announce, so more info on that later.

There’s a curious story involving a leather box. Can you tell us what that was?

The plan for this project has been in my head for a very long time. It was important for me to find/meet the right people to get this project off the ground. I had the opportunity to get in touch with some very powerful and influential people in the music industry, so the last thing I wanted to do was send a standard presentation via email. I designed this cool black leather box with an iPad inside. When they opened the box, the iPad started playing my presentation. First impressions are everything.

How would you inspire young producers?

Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do it… work hard and never give up. Show them. Failure or rejection is not a bad thing but should encourage you to try harder each time. You will get there. I promise you will.

‘Energy Flow Eternal’ has been available since 15 February, via Revealed Recordings, on major streaming and download platforms. Get access to free exclusive content by following Isildur’s official pages on Facebook and Instagram.