EMIL FRIIS
MOVING IMAGES
EMIL FRIIS
EMIL FRIIS
'Moving Images' is a testament to the human condition and things that bring us together as a species. This project is inspired by, and seeks to inspire, movements of the human spirit and the stories we share through music, words, art, and film.
An Upward Motion – Directed by Kevin Brooks
"Emil's piece of music truly inspired me to craft a visual narrative that explores the intricate relationship between dance, movement, and the natural world. What captivates me about dance is its ability to take you on a journey — each movement drawing you deeper into a story, one that mirrors the rhythms of nature itself. There’s an undeniable beauty in how the body expresses emotions and elements that we often associate with the world around us: the fluidity of water, the power of thunder, the grounding of earth. As the piece draws to its conclusion, there’s this profound moment where the dancer, in all their vulnerability and strength, seeks to be seen—not just as an artist, but as a living embodiment of all these forces, harmonising the raw beauty of humanity with the timeless beauty of nature." – Kevin Brooks
Moving Images invites the audience to explore the deep connections between sound and imagery, encouraging an introspective journey where the boundaries blur between classical music, cinematic storytelling, and mental imagery.
Spanning sombre chamber pieces, ominous yet hopeful and hypnotic ambiances, soft solo piano interludes, poetic and playful flutes, to tension-laced cinematic strings and synths, Emil Friis' latest work transcends the conventional album release. The project expands into a collaboration with a group of filmmakers, exploring how music and film intertwine to provoke our interpretation, the sound we experience and our internal narratives.
Each track is paired with a corresponding film, with the filmmakers — including Kevin Brooks, Shaun Hart, Morgan Jon Fox, and Jonathan Meyers — being invited to bring their individual vision to each composition. The filmmakers had the freedom to interpret the music through their own lenses, creating a dialogue between sound and visuals. In the lead-up to the album’s official release, four films will be released alongside the tracks, with the remaining seven films debuting intermittently after the album’s launch. The audience is encouraged to consider how, and why, their own internal imagery is shaped by the music, whilst inadvertently forging a personal connection to each piece.
Composed by Friis in his Copenhagen studio, the compositions, which subtly reflect the complexities of the human condition, were largely born out of improvisation, often starting at the piano or synthesizer. Through his typically minimalist approach, Friis weaves an intricate tapestry of textures and emotions to create a deeply layered, cinematic sound world.
Featuring contributions from other musicians, notably renowned string player Davide Rossi, the music is characterized by a delicate interplay between brightness and a somber beauty, with melodies that often seem to converse with each other across the different instruments. At times, the pieces feel lonely and introspective; at others, they soar to magnificent heights, filled with warmth and fervor. Despite their brevity, the compositions resonate with a poignant emotional intensity.
Accompanying the music, the album’s artwork and the visuals for the individual singles feature illustrations by Friis’ wife, Julie de Tengnagel, adding a personal and evocative touch to the visual aspect of the project.
Design & Development – shonfeld.studio
