Mauri Dark
Mauri Dark’s autobiographical debut solo album Dreams Of A Middle-Aged Man invites you into dark, folky, timeless, intimate, and acoustic soundscapes. There is a story behind the record, says the artist:
“The songs and lyrics were made amidst the changes of breaking up from a 7-year relationship, my mother’s death of cancer, and finding happiness again, getting married, having a firstborn daughter and making music.”
Equipped with a baritone guitar and his deep, low voice, Mauri Dark is an experienced musician and songwriter. For his self-produced-recorded-performed solo album, he got to work with his dream audio team. Associate producer Jussi Vuola is a bandmate and a musical blood brother. Mixing engineer/associate producer Hiili Hiilesmaa is famous for his work with HIM, Apocalyptica, and Amorphis. Vlado Meller has previously mastered albums for Johnny Cash, Metallica, and Michael Jackson, to name a few.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough then tell us more!!
Dark folky, timeless acoustic music with bass vocals and a baritone guitar and minimal, mainly acoustic instrument spices. Similar to what Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen did with their last albums.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
Performing the songs to a live audience. It is the most rewarding moment when I make a connection to other human beings with the music I have created.
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
It is a musical adventure of sounds, moods and feelings. Revealing the unique nature of each song and finding the right means to compliment it. Capturing moments in time into a record in the best possible way. The ultimate goal is to store that magic of music that has happened in classic recordings.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
I do visual art and public artworks as second profession. I also enjoy hiking and being in nature in beautiful natural locations. I go to gym, jog or play football (soccer) when I can. I read comics or watch series to reset my mind. Sometimes I read books too. And of course I enjoy being with my wife and daughter.
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
Tom Waits is one of the ultimate beings in music and artistry. I admire his personality, song- and lyric-writing skills and the uncompromized way he has been doing music forever. There is definitely that magic in Tom Waits live performances and albums.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it?
With "Thin Line Of Understanding" I was able to capture one of my most emotional performances ever on record. I think that at its core the song is about the spiritual isolation and loneliness we all have in our minds. Being with someone who understands you can greatly ease that. But we can never fully understand another human being. The nature of "Thin Line Of Understanding" is like a line drawn in water. You constantly have to redraw it with love and respect for each other to maintain it.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
I released my debut solo album ' Dreams Of A Middle-Aged Man' Dec 18, 2020. This year I will still be promoting it and perhaps new music videos for it and hopefully, finally I get to play live too. I gradually start making new songs too!
Tell us where fans can access your music.
To find my music and more, visit my website!