This album was a completely new challenge for both me and drummer/producer John Shamir.
After the “electro years,” we wanted to return to our musical roots and record everything acoustically.
John’s drum set includes African instruments, like the udu from Nigeria, as well as hi-hats and cymbals. One particularly fascinating detail: he sits on a kilim rug, which always draws admiration during our concerts.
I composed all the songs on the piano—a Grotrian-Steinweg that used to belong to my mother—and wrote the lyrics in three different languages. Depending on the mood of each song, a certain language just felt right.
There are also two poems on the album that I wrote myself. I produced these pieces using a mix of electronic sounds and natural recordings to give the album variety and a special atmosphere.
We recorded the drums at John’s home, and I recorded my piano and vocals at mine. We set up a little studio in my living room (see photos). The whole sound was enriched by Antoine Reininger’s bass lines and Thomas Cogny’s guitars, along with other contributions…
Why the title Talisman?
Because these songs feel like lucky charms to me. Music should bring people joy, fill them with positive energy, and awaken their awareness of the infinite nature of our being. It is a talisman—one that connects, heals, and inspires us.
The release will be in spring 2026, hopefully !