Every month, we invite our Artist of the Month to share what fuels their creative inspiration. After all, inspiration is an elusive force that often arrives in unpredictable bursts. Today, we are delighted to welcome Laura Masotto back again, who will share her perspective on this subject.

“Laura, there’s such an abundance of inspiration in your work. What made you choose this particular artist and album?”

“I reflected a lot on what moves me at this moment. Amidst everything I love, there’s this extraordinary musician named Arooj Aftab, I’m sure you haven’t hear of before. Born in Pakistan yet raised partly in New York and partly in Arabia, her music is a seamless fusion of traditional Asian sounds with the free spirit of contemporary Sufi and jazz elements. It resonates with me because it’s both ancient in its cultural roots and daringly modern.

I had the privilege of attending her concert in Berlin this past October, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. The audience was utterly captivated, every person seemed to be in a trance, collectively moved by the profound magic of the performance. There was an indescribable energy in the air, a shared sense of wonder that united everyone in the room.

What made the evening even more special was the absence of pre-recorded sequences. Every sound was created live, with real musicians weaving intricate harmonies and rhythms as if they were riding on a flying carpet of sound. 

The album itself (Night Reign) transcends time and space, transporting listeners to a celestial realm. It weaves together centuries of sonic traditions from diverse musical cultures, blending them seamlessly with the modernity of Arooj Aftab’s mesmerizing voice. 

It’s rare to discover an album that feels like an endless well of inspiration, but “Night Reign” is exactly that. This year, it has accompanied me on countless journeys, always proving to be the perfect soundtrack for reflection and creativity. It’s the kind of music that stays with you, revealing new layers of beauty each time you listen.”

“What is it about that kind of music that sparks your creativity?”

“The beauty lies in its freedom. There’s no fixed beat; it’s an open canvas where every instrument can speak. I find that liberating—not only does it free the performers, but it also invites me, as a composer, to imagine entire film scenes behind the sound. That spontaneity, that room for improvisation, is pure inspiration.”

“What struck you about this movie?”

“The film itself is a masterpiece. I saw it twice recently, and it left a deep impression. The film tackles the harsh reality of how society often views individuals with psychological issues as problems. 

“The film itself is a masterpiece. I saw it twice recently, and it left a deep impression. The film tackles the harsh reality of how society often views individuals with psychological issues as problems. 

Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. He brings a level of depth and intensity to the character that is harrowing and captivating. His ability to embody such raw emotion and physicality added an extra layer to the synergy between the music and the visuals.

It’s a bold narrative, especially in our current climate, and it’s elevated by its soundtrack. Hildur Guðnadóttir—making history as the first woman to win an Oscar for her work—composed music that’s both heartbreaking and profound. Her music has been a profound inspiration for my creative musical process. I was fascinated to learn that some scenes were actually filmed to her music, rather than the other way around. It’s an unconventional, yet mesmerizing, way to build a cinematic moment.

What truly sets this score apart is its expressive freedom. It moves away from the trend of soundtracks that often feel like extended movie trailers. Instead, Hildur’s music feels raw, intimate, and deeply connected to the narrative. Each note feels like a direct extension of the protagonist’s psyche, capturing the vulnerability and chaos of his transformation.”

“Switching gears a bit, you’ve spoken fondly of Barcelona. What is it about the city that captivates you?”

“Barcelona is magical. Take the Fundació Joan Miró on Montjuïc Hill. The foundation overlooks the city, and strolling its paths, grabbing a coffee in the square, or listening to one of the many live concerts, it all feels very alive. 

I visit Barcelona often, it’s like a second home to me. I’m staying here for this winter, and almost every time I’m in the city, I make a point to visit the foundation, often bringing friends who are seeing it for the first time.

The museum itself is a masterpiece, a space where Miró’s playful yet profound art comes to life, but where I also like to enjoy works from another favorite artist called Yves Klein. It’s not just a collection of works but an experience.

I’m also a fan of the local scene—small venues like Sala Apollo and innovative spaces like Molino create a vibrant backdrop to my creative life.” 

As we run out of time and our conversation comes to an end, we’re reminded that creativity is an endless journey—a call to explore and reimagine the world around us. Whether inspired by captivating melodies from around the globe, a striking film, or the vibrant pulse of a city, every moment holds the potential to spark new ideas. Thank you Laura for sharing your thoughts on inspiration and creativity. Until next time.