The Definition of Happiness

Immerse yourself in this mindful mixtape, full of emotional tracks helping me living through these pandemic times where our freedom has been severely restricted. Luckily there are no limits to our personal creativity and talent. The music keeps me going while we are forced to slow down our lives, not able to meet our family, friends nor colleagues in person. Some of us even had to say goodbye to a loved one during these already troubled times…

Don’t we all want to escape from this reality? With these carefully selected tracks, I want to bring hope, motivate and inspire you to find happiness in the little things of life, like in music for instance. Together we can make the world a better place!

Back in 1964 Alfred Hitchcock shared his definition of happiness, stating that when all negative and destructive emotions are removed, there’s a clear horizon ahead for renewed creation. Almost 60 years later these wise words still count and are more actual than ever.

Interviewer: “Mr. Hitchcock, what is your definition of happiness?”

Hitchcock: “A clear horizon. Nothing to worry about on your plate. Only things that are creative, and not destructive. When that’s within yourself, within me, I can’t bear quarreling, I can’t bear feelings between people. I think hatred is wasted energy, and it’s all nonproductive. I’m very sensitive. A sharp word said by, say a person who has a temper, if they’re close to me, hurts me for days. I know we’re only human, we do go in for these various emotions, call them negative emotions, but when all these are removed and you can look forward and the road is clear ahead, and now you’re going to create something. I think that’s as happy as I would ever want to be.“

In 2015 the talented German artist and producer David August, got inspired by Mr. Hitchcock and sourced his voice sample as the core of a standout live performance at Resident Advisor’s RA Sessions. He took the words of the revered film director as inspiration and built a completely improvised new composition around it.

In 2021 I’ve included an extract of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Definition of Happiness” inside this mixtape, amongst various beautiful soundscapes, fragile melodies and a personal interpretation of Oxia’s melodic techno classic ‘Domino’ with a subtle classical addition of a chamber music ensemble.

This is my most personal and emotionally loaded composition so far, that I want to dedicate to anyone who has lost a loved one. It’s my proud tribute to someone special, close to my heart, who has been gone too soon…

Music was our first love and it will be our last. You were my biggest fan, my true inspiration and motivation. You are always in my heart. Miss you, ‘super dad’. Farewell until we meet again on the other side.

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SHARP.Art – Fine Art Prints Expo

On November 23 2018, I got the opportunity to be part of a unique collaboration project for SHARP.Art’s Fine Art Prints Expo at the enchanting House de Neuf in Edegem.

SHARP.Art‘s photographer and friend made a selection of his works and displayed these artistic creations in 4 different rooms. Every room had its specific theme: ‘Contessa’, ‘Milos’, ‘Torn Reality’ and ‘Living Sculptures’. Several other artists were invited to bring their own interpretation and talent to every individual room.

Let’s start with the photographer’s personal statement and invitation to explore his intimate exposition:

“Inspired by the classical Greek female form – in a contemporary interpretation – I seek to blend dreams and reality in an aesthetic way. My work is not intended for screens nor magazines, but to enliven empty walls and offer the viewer a glimpse of another world. Floating between the spheres of glamour, fashion and art I aim to embark you with my creations on a journey of visual delight. Although the works have an unmistakable aesthetic character, I invite you to discover the – sometimes subtle – messages.”

Kristel Balcaen, Belgium’s Wine Lady of the Year 2018 and Champagne Ambassador, did a wine and champagne pairing for every room by selecting 4 different tastes: an Austrian white, an Italian rosé, a French red and a champagne, combined with delicious chocolates from La Clé Du Sud by Thomas Losonczy.

Nicola Wills, demi-soloist at the Royal Ballet of Flanders, made an exclusive choreography and did 4 haunting performances based on a specific theme song per room, carefully selected by myself: Bicep’s ‘Glue’, Hallucinogen’s ‘L.S.D.’, Hans Zimmer’s ‘Time’ in the Tale Of Us Edit and Yael Naim’s Britney Spears cover ‘Toxic’.

To complete the experience, I was soundscaping the perfect atmosphere for the invitees, making a fine selection of transcending music that easily blended with the surroundings and the exposition.

Special thanks go to:

• SHARP.Art – Photographer & Creative Director
• Stefanie Rondelez – Model, Muse & Host
• Kristel Balcaen – Wine Lady of the Year 2018 & Champagne Ambassador
• Nicola Wills – Royal Ballet of Flanders Demi-Soloist
• Dave Canto – Sound & Beats Scaping
• Azari – Sound & Light Equipment

It was a stunning evening for everyone and together we created an unforgettable fusion of artistic talents. Join this unique experience and immerse yourself in a journey of ethnic oriental sounds. Show some love and share if you like!