Berlin-based maestro Lambert, known for his signature playful personality, bold and enigmatic presence, and stunning neo-classical compositions, is celebrating 10 prolific years of releasing music with “Actually Good”. Often seen with his distinctive Sardinian mask, Lambert’s latest project serves as the evocative soundtrack to a gritty and atmospheric Scandi-Noir series titled “The Stranger”. This film, based on the chilling true story of the notorious “Ice Cream Man Murders”, was unfortunately never completed.
“Actually Good” is brimming with elegant and rich piano compositions, intricate and elaborate strings, and sharp staccato synths, expertly blending tension and elegance for a captivating experience that lies between visuals and music.
In addition to the album release, Lambert has unveiled his haunting inaugural single, also titled “The Stranger”, accompanied by stunningly shot cinematic visuals.
Watch the video…
We linked up with Lambert to talk through the chaotic filming of the project, an how music transcends normal means of communication.
Hey Lambert! Can you run through your initial inspiration for creating your newest album, “Actually Good”?
I was asked to create a score for an English crime-series. The director also had the idea to cast me as one of the main characters.
I wanted all my focus on this new challenge of becoming an actor, so I finished the score before we started filming.
That might have been one of the reasons why the director wasn’t happy with the results and compromised the score.
Luckily the film production was a catastrophe, and it will never been seen by anyone. And I had the freedom to rework the score how I thought it was right.
Now it wasn’t a score anymore. Since I never worked to those horrible pictures, I found out: it never has been…
Can you describe your creative process when working on this project?
Yes. It is very boring. I wake up. I have breakfast and a coffee. I write music. I record music….
No wait this doesn’t work; I went to Polynesia and got inspired by the dive of the Pinguins. I lit a fire and recorded the ice that I burned on it. I used that field recording as a basis for this album. It was so inspirational!
Choose one of those answers!
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take from “Actually Good”?
I find it interesting that we hope for a deeper message in everything. I agree that music is communication, but the nice thing about it is that it works beyond our usual way of communicating. If I had a clear message, that could be transported by a catchy line, I guess I’d choose words as a vehicle. With Emotions it is not so different. I agree music is connected to emotions, but I find it hard to precisely describe the emotions that music trigger in me. And that again is the reason why I choose music.
How does being based in Berlin influence your music and artistic vision?
I can go to see a live show anytime. Several Jazz Clubs in walking distance. I go there a lot. I don’t know what exact influence this has on me and my music, but it makes me happy, so there must be an influence.
What should fans expect from the new album and the upcoming mini documentary?
I guess it is a very good example of the fact that failure can lead to something ACTUALLY GOOD!
You’ll see one of the biggest disasters in the history of film production and you’ll hear a good result that comes out of that.
Aside from the album, what else do you have in store for fans?
Keep your eyes open for live dates! We’ll announce for UK and Ireland soon.
What artists or composers would you love to work with, and why?
Paul McCartney! He is my favourite Beatle and the inventor of Pop Culture as we know it today! He is a genius songwriter and instrumentalist.
Do you have his number? Could you ask him? I’ll make time for him, I promise!