Pini Gurfil On the Making Of “Final Romance”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Final Romance" and the story it tells?
I wrote this song following a major artistic breakdown, feeling that the depth and subtlety of my music and lyrics are inaccessible to the audience. The song reflects upon the internal intricate struggle between artistic self-expression and social approval. I really felt that his song would be my “final romance” with music, a delicate balance between inspiration and desperation.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for "Final Romance?"
I wanted the composition to reflect the emotional dichotomy expressed by the lyrics, and the arrangement to express an “old-school” rock vibe, because my music is primarily influenced by traditional art rock and progressive rock. The song, therefore, shifts time signatures, includes diverse musical structures, and includes retro-rock elements (such as the vocal harmonies and synthesizers). My producer, Tom Goldstein, has brilliantly arranged and produced this song to yield a unique tapestry of sounds and emotions.
How does this single fit into your overall artistic vision and what can listeners expect from you in the future?
This single is the third release from my upcoming album “Read the Lyrics”, to be released by the end of the year. I am, essentially, a musical seeker, exploring various sonic landscapes and lyrical themes. My new album is, therefore, a genre-bending opus that includes innovative musical compositions, ranging from avant-garde metal to southern jazz. There is an evident common thread among all my songs: melancholic soundscapes, heart-wrenching chord progressions and expressive lyrics.
What role do you feel emotions play in your music, and how do you channel them into your performances?
Emotions play my music, and my music plays my emotions. All my music is deeply emotional, and so are my lyrics. Music, for me, is an outlet into being. It is the only venue where I can observe my emotions as they are, without judgement. My somewhat different vocal timbre is heavily affected by my emotional state.
Do you have a personal favorite among your compositions? What makes this piece special to you?
My personal favorite is a song called “Sister Mary”, which is included in my new album, “Read the Lyrics”. Another one is “Monica”, an avant-garde rock/metal song released as a single a few months ago. Both of these songs push covert triggers deep inside my soul, perhaps because they drive my self-expression limit to the very edge. It is not a coincidence that both of my favorite songs were written about women.