Renowned for his unique blend of electronic music with strong jazz, swing, and cinematic influences, Waldeck releases the vibrant new album, The Moon and the Orient, via Dope Noir Records.
Waldeck, who also holds a PhD in law, first made waves in the late ‘90s. Alongside contemporaries like Kruder & Dorfmeister, he played a pivotal role in bringing Viennese electronic music to global prominence. His critically acclaimed album Ballroom Stories remains a benchmark in dance music worldwide.
After signing with SONY and gaining widespread recognition across nightclubs, radio, and the advertising industry, Waldeck founded his own record label, Dope Noir Records, in 2001.
His seventh studio album, The Moon and the Orient, is dedicated to the mystical tales of Genies and Scheherazade. The album enchants with a blend of mystery, wonder, and surprise, set against an oriental backdrop. Each track embodies the genre’s playful forms with meticulous precision, all while maintaining Waldeck’s signature sound.
When discussing his creative process, Waldeck shared, “These tracks are the best of the best that I have always wanted to release, but never found the place for them.” Unlike his usual method of starting with a topic, this album evolved from pre-existing blueprints that directed its development.
While The Moon and the Orient features a bit more electronic influence than its predecessors, it remains elegant and sophisticated. The rhythms are hypnotic, akin to cobras emerging from baskets, keeping the tension high throughout. The album’s elegant arrangements evoke feelings of longing and exoticism, weaving through the familiar and the novel in Waldeck’s distinctive style.
The concept album tells the tale of a genie who is never fully free. For at least 1001 nights, those who release the 12 Waldeck genies from their oil lamps will captivate hearts and ears, whether in ballrooms, on dance floors, or anywhere love is sought. The album features performances by drag artists Lucy McEvil and Zeebee, while Patrizia Ferrara, Waldeck’s musical partner since 2017, provides captivating vocals that enhance the album’s allure.
Waldeck’s versatility as an artist shines through in this album, with its rich tapestry of expressive realism, resonant lyrics, memorable melodies, and magical storytelling. The album blends emotional depth with serenity, making it a masterful and tragic work encapsulated in 12 tracks.
Reflecting on the album, Waldeck said, “The Orient is a wonderful place of stories and imagination. I also like the idea of genies which seem to be the personification of the saying ‘be careful what you wish for’.”
Listen below:
