Mablanig
From the ‘end of the earth’ (translation for Finistère, the westernmost part of Brittany) comes the unique sound of Mablanig, the music output of artist Bruno Cavellec. Based on the Isle of Man since 2011, Mablanig creates downtempo music that is both melodic and dreamlike in nature. While coming to terms with absence and loss two years ago, he found with his debut EP the ideal outlet to express some fine gradients of emotions.
Permeated with a palpable sense of drama, imbued with a strong cinematic feel, The Calling is a deeply personal soundtrack dedicated to Bruno’s parents. It blends the nostalgic quality of Boards of Canada with infectious slow beats and meticulously constructed soundscapes.
Filled with lots of beautifully crafted sounds that ebb and flow in and out of focus, Mablanig’s first opus takes the listener on an intense emotional journey which will resonate with many. The Ep’s six instrumentals unfold seamlessly, creating a sonic landscape that grows richer and more detailed with each spin.
Who is the human behind the artist Mablanig and what were your first steps into music?
I am Bruno Cavellec, a Breton born painter and album cover artist based on the Isle of Man. A loner by choice, a Romantic by nature, I create endlessly, guided by emotions, the most powerful asset I own. I like it when the world slows down, becomes very quiet and all the details start to show up and shimmer at you. I kind of enjoy this feeling, I’m drawn to it. Mablanig, which in Breton means Son of Alain, is the music outlet where I finally get to unleash my greatest passion. It is perhaps my most revealing statement as a solo artist, definitely the most adventurous. With Mablanig, it’s like I have finally found my voice and a real sense of identity.
Thanks to my mother, I was exposed to music very early in life. While sharing her passion for melodies and orchestrations, she introduced me to classical, jazz, soul and soundtracks. It’s only recently that I realized how much those formative years had shaped my life. Music has always been my sanctuary, it’s where my deep love lies.
A private ceremony held in memory of my father prompted me to write my very first composition. Since he was a musician, I found it very appropriate to finally have a go myself for this unique occasion. With this piece, something happened, it opened a space that I couldn’t see before. It led me to believe that I could do more if I really wanted to.
"Have I seen you before?" creates an amazing atmosphere, what was your inspiration, your influences?
Thank you very much for the compliment! Atmosphere is definitely a key element in everything I create. This composition was born out of memories of my mother’s early signs of dementia. The first time you experience your parent having difficulties to recognize you can be pretty upsetting. It did fill me with sadness and also regrets when I realized that I’d soon be left forever with unanswered questions, a feeling which I’ve tried to capture with the eerie sounds at the opening of the track. At the time of working on it, I was totally obsessed with Boards of Canada. I had just been introduced to the Scottish duo by my friend Tom Mulchinock (who made the beautiful video for Have I Seen You Before?) I think I had all the ingredients to compose, all I needed at that point was a structure and Boards of Canada provided me with a great template, one I could deconstruct over and over until I was able to get rid of it and let my own voice come through.
The song is part of your EP "The Calling", what's your favourite song on it?
It’s really difficult to single out one moment from the EP because it’s a deeply personal body of work where the six pieces are closely connected. But since you’re asking, I’ll probably choose Silent Bridge. For this track, I went further away from my comfort zone by using my own voice.
I had written a few words while contemplating a photograph of my parents and I just couldn’t think of anybody else to read them. At first, I did feel exposed but it’s the only way I could have made it as powerful and real as it is. Because of this intimate, authentic moment, Silent Bridge has already become a few people’s favourite.
What was in your opinion the last big turning point in music?
Computers and digital software, without any hesitation. They have revolutionized the art of composing music and allowed people like myself to develop fully orchestrated pieces with greater ease. Composers can produce film scores from their home studios and release them on digital distribution and streaming platforms without ever landing or signing a record deal. It is the biggest game-changer for the music industry.
Being an Indie artist is ....?
…very challenging and requires a lot of hard work, dedication and faith, not mentioning the persistent doubt and fear you have to deal with on a daily basis. The huge benefit is that you get to be fully in charge of your project, you decide what’s worth going through and how you want to reach your goals. You also get to experiment without pressure because nobody’s checking every week how you’re doing, you can take as long as you wish to get the results you truly want.
There is a great amount of freedom to be enjoyed when you’re an indie artist. Ok, there is often zero financial help but what you get at the end of this long journey is deeply rewarding and satisfying, especially when you’ve achieved it on your own.
What's next for you?
Fulfilling my long running interest in film scores, I’m working on a few soundtrack pieces… for non-existing movies. The idea is to get better at composing for images with the aim to collaborate with filmmakers one day. Speaking of collaborations, 2023 is also going to see a departure from my solo adventures. So far, two projects involving another creative are on my list for next year. As long as I keep manifesting, the universe will provide.
