Andert Tysma - Yokoso (Single)
Picture Credit: Lonneke van der Palen
Dutch producer & composer Andert Tysma prepares to lift the curtain on ‘Hana’ his elegant and absorbing new long-player, due for release via Apollo Records, an imprint of Belgium's iconic and pioneering record label R&S Records. Having emerged onto the scene with his debut album, 'Children Of Trinoom,' (also on Apollo/R&S) Records in 2022, the seasoned musician toured the world with other artists, before fully focusing on his own music. Composed of eight dramatic and otherworldly pieces, reflecting his continued exploration of minimalism and his deft use of piano, strings, percussive elements, and harmonic rhythms, 'Hana' is not just an album; it is a profound journey through space and time, exploring themes of transition and the fluidity of gender within music. It is a deeply personal work that pays homage to the music that has subconsciously inspired him over the last years. The album was partly recorded in Nils Frahm's studio at the legendary Funkhaus, with strings performed by members of the Berlin Philharmonic, adding to the album’s rich and textured sound.
Blending the delicacies of classical music with expansive electronic sound palettes, ‘Hana’ is a deeply elevational listen, touching on cosmic themes, exploring the resemblance between the vastness of the universe and the smallest elements of existence. The emotive and soaring string elements were inspired by Japanese action movies from the 90s and 2000s, particularly the film "HANA-BI" by Takeshi Kitano.
Written during a turbulent time in Andert's personal life, the album soundtracks his relocation from Berlin to his current base in Amsterdam. On the album’s formation, Andert explains: ‘Hana is a diary, it is a trip through space, a reflection on transitional times, exploration of masculinity and femininity within music, it's a tribute to all the music that inspired me. Hana is a lot and very much reflects on what had to come out in the last two years of my life. An abstraction and a very personal story.’
Splitting his time between his musical work, and his work as a Doctor, Andert’s output often has healing at its core, with the regenerative power of both music and nature playing major roles in the record’s DNA. On tracks such as ‘Yokoso’ (aka ‘Welcome’) he refers to a seminar that really helped him to overcome fear and start writing music. Meanwhile, ‘Appalachian: studies the opioid crisis in the Midwest in the US. He explains: ‘It really struck me how, when you are addicted, you’re stuck in fear and pain, how you sort of abandon yourself. The opposite for me is openness, flying, connecting, dancing, with all that is around you: love.’ Nostalgia-tinged tracks such as ‘Dalmally’ and ‘Tall Tall’ also see Andert visiting both beautiful and painful memories from his own childhood, seeking solace in the album’s sparse, yet deeply moving instrumentation.
For his new live show, he is collaborating with Marco Ciceri, an Italian Berlin-based visual artist renowned for his work with Alessandro Cortini and Grand River. Together, they will create a compelling live A/V show that promises to be a visual and auditory feast. On the collaboration Andert explains “I met Marco while touring with Grand River (Aimée Portioli) in 2023/2024. He created the visual design for her latest show, where I played piano. The concept for an A/V show emerged after I saw the first video Marco produced for me. His visuals beautifully complement my music, and I believe that experiencing them live will transport the audience to another realm, deepening the intimate experience I aim to provide.”