The Story Behind Writing Music for Marie M. Mullany’s The Hidden Blade

As I approached the final stages of writing music for the amazing world created by Marie M. Mullany for The Hidden Blade, I’ve been reflecting on the journey that led to this album’s creation. This project is a significant milestone for me, not just as a composer but as a storyteller who uses music as a medium to craft narratives and build worlds.

My musical vocation is deeply rooted in this narrative-driven approach. My very first album, Tales of Adoan, was a testament to this. For that project, I delved into extensive world-building, creating a detailed universe where each track was dedicated to a different faction within that world. Music has always been my way of exploring and expressing the intricacies of imaginary realms, much like a novelist weaving together the threads of a story.

After nearly a decade, I’ve returned to live by the sea—a place that has always held a special significance for me. It was here, eight years ago, that I found the time and resources to fully commit to pursuing my dreams as a composer. It’s also the place where my daughter was born, and where I matured as both an artist and an individual. This return feels like a homecoming, not just geographically but creatively as well. It is here that I’ve solidified my commitment to focusing on narrative-driven music, and where I’ve reconciled various aspects of my identity as a composer.

Unlike singer-songwriters who often connect with the poetic form, I find my artistic kinship with novelists, particularly those who write long-form narratives. At this stage in my life, I understand the connection that composers of the past had with literature, composing symphonies based on great literary works. Like them, I seek to explore the multitude of emotions inherent in the human experience through music.

For this Sonic Adventure, I decided to take a new approach. Instead of building a world from scratch, I chose to collaborate with the talented author Marie Mullany, whose work in world-building and storytelling deeply resonated with me. I proposed the idea of creating an EP based on her literary work, and she graciously agreed.

The Hidden Blade album is an exploration of the dark fantasy genre, as chosen by my patrons, but with a more intimate soundscape than some of my recent releases. I immersed myself in Marie’s writing, reading through the entire book to understand the emotional core and narrative arcs that I wanted to capture in the music. This process was particularly evident in the creation of the main theme, The Hidden Blade, where I sought to reflect the story arc of the novel, balancing darkness with glimpses of hope.

The City of LumeauxOne of the most memorable tracks on the album, The City of Lumeaux, was inspired by a vibrant market scene from the book. I wanted the music to capture the bustling energy and sensory overload of the marketplace, juxtaposed with the main character Louis’ quiet resolve as he navigates through the chaos. This track, like all the others, started as a paper sketch, where I jotted down musical ideas as I read through Marie’s colorful descriptions.

Another track, The Assassination of Blue Cap, delves into the darker aspects of the novel. This piece captures the chilling atmosphere of a pivotal scene, where the tension and dread are palpable. I used recurring themes from the album, including Louis’ motif and the sinister tones representing the novel’s malevolent forces, to create a soundscape that reflects the gravity of the moment.

The Hunter and the Snake is a combat track that avoids the typical epic bombast in favor of something more raw and visceral. I wanted to convey the primal struggle between two formidable opponents, keeping the focus on the immediate tension rather than glorifying the battle. This track also weaves in several themes from the album, grounding the listener in the ongoing narrative.

Finally, the track Louis serves as a musical portrait of the main character, who left a lasting impression on me. Louis is a complex and multifaceted character, full of unexpected twists and hidden depths. Composing this piece was a deeply personal experience, as I spent hours sketching out melodies that I felt could capture the essence of his character—his inner conflicts, resilience, and the shadowy path he walks.

In creating The Hidden Blade, I aimed to craft a musical journey that reflects the intricacies of the novel while exploring the broader themes of dark fantasy. It’s an album that not only tells a story but invites the listener to step into a world where music and narrative are intertwined. Through this collaboration with Marie Mullany, I’ve been able to merge my love for storytelling with my passion for composition, creating an album that is both a tribute to her work and a reflection of my own artistic journey.

Check out Marie M. Mullany’s amazing writing at https://mariemullany.com and her super useful Youtube channel on the topic of world creating at Just In Time Worlds – YouTube