Madis Muul, pianist & composer

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I could definitely say that the earliest influence on me was my grandfather, who played Estonian folk tunes on a black Soviet upright piano. I also remember him playing the mandolin once in a while, but keys felt more natural under my fingers. My aunt was another influence, who was a professional choir singer. And I recall her piano playing, that was floating, rubato-like, with lots of pedal. This sound left a deep impact on me. My grandfather started teaching me his tunes when I was six, and from then on music was part of my daily life. Although my first instrument was piano, I began studying accordion at Pärnu Music School, and my teacher there organized many recitals where I gained a lot of experience for my later life as a musician. At first, I didn’t think music would become my profession.

Only later, in my teenage years, when we started forming bands and I began experimenting with synthesizers, did I start to think about studying music more seriously.

Who or what have been the most significant influences on your musical life and career?

I’ve always been drawn to music that creates visuals inside my head. As a teenager I used to listen to a lot of progressive rock and later jazz. Learning improvisation has been a great mind-opener — I use it to generate ideas for my compositions, and in my improvisations I often think compositionally. I’m particularly inspired by the modal jazz era as well as the more modern Nordic sound. Among composers, Maurice Ravel has had a deep impact on me: I love his pure sound, crystalline and shimmering textures, and ability to paint landscapes with sound. Composing for theater has had a great impact on my own compositional voice, shaping it to be more narrative-based and storytelling.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

I´d say that one of the biggest challenges in my career came after graduating from music college. I was so used to the safe environment that school provided — lessons, a clear schedule, concerts, and structure. Suddenly I was on my own with only a few concerts and a lot of free time. And honestly, at first, I didn’t know how to handle it— I just felt uncertain and confused, and I didn’t know which direction to take. I was lost. To move forward, I realized I needed something fixed to hold on to in all that uncertainty. So I created my own schedule: practice routines, composing sessions, deadlines for new albums, and I started writing down my goals. That gave me clarity, purpose, and focus.

Of which performances/recordings are you most proud?

As a composer, my latest work for string quartet, Echoes of Layers, is a very personal composition for me. I really enjoyed the process of creating it and the new nuances, methods and language I created myself with this composition. As a performer, I especially enjoyed the atmosphere we created with my trio in the improvisational piece, Home. When we perform it live, this piece always brings me to a calm, meditative space.

What do you do offstage that provides inspiration on stage?

When I was a child, my mother used to take me on trips all over Europe and that gave me the travel bug. Since then, traveling has been an important part of my life. I’ve explored most countries in Europe, parts of Southeast Asia and North America. I just love discovering different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Travelling feels like a reset for my mind, bringing fresh inspiration and deeper appreciation. And it makes me realize that people from different cultures are, at their core, very similar. One of the highlights of this year was a two-day jungle hike in Vietnam that ended with an overnight stay inside Hang En Cave. The loss of time, sleeping alongside the bats and swimming in a hidden beach felt like a surreal experience that I’ll never forget. I can even say that at times I felt like I was on another planet!

I’m also excited about my next big adventure, which will be the Budapest–Bamako Rally. This is a road trip from Europe to West Africa, crossing multiple countries and the Sahara Desert. Lately I have also discovered the world of kayaking. I love paddling in the middle of nature, and I love how this training clears my mind. It feels both meditative and uplifting.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

For me, success is being able to express who you truly are — to create music that is deeply connected to you, reflecting your character and personality; in other words, music that is authentically your own.

What advice would you give to young or aspiring musicians?

I think it is important to follow your own truth. When you are learning at school, take all the information you are given, break it down into smaller elements, and then put it back together in a way that reflects how you hear it and expresses your true taste.

What’s the one thing we’re not talking about in the music industry which you really feel we should be?

I think we should talk more about how to bring niche music closer to wider audiences, and how to promote it more effectively.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is when your mind is at peace, heart full of music, and when you always have a chance to enjoy a good cup of coffee.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Hohner Clavinet D6 from the 70s.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is to experience the maximum amount of joy with the least amount of suffering.

Madis Muul’s latest release ‘Echoes of Layers’, performed by the Muul Ensemble, was inspired by a walk through the woods.

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