After a long period without a new album, Alban Skënderaj is returning with a project that, from the way he has presented it, seems to be more than just music.
Since early April, through a video, Albani spoke about an idea that runs through the entire album: those things that remain inside us for years, without making a sound, and that at some point decide to surface. Memories, sounds, sensations that may seem forgotten, but are actually simply waiting for the right moment to return.
"I left at a very young age and did not have the opportunity to become deeply acquainted with our music, but the traces of our motives, even if only a little, unconsciously, left their mark on me. A person can live anywhere in the world, can love many places, many cultures, many sounds, but there are some things that sleep in the soul and they, sooner or later, call out to you."
Although he grew up far from Albania, he admits that the connection to Albanian music and motifs has always been there, even if subconsciously. “Ultimately, we all return somewhere,” he says. “I, too, this time, with this album, have returned home.”
The album is titled “Roots” and will be released on May 2. It will contain 8 songs and 8 video clips, which according to the artist himself are “8 different colors, but together they form a single rainbow”. So, not a list of separate songs, but a project that works as a whole.
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The album cover also reinforces this idea. In it, today's Albani looks at little Albani, a simple image, but one that says a lot about the concept of the project.
In another post, he describes the album as one of the most authentic works he has produced to date and invites the public to trust this process.
"To be more concise, I can tell you that, if you truly have 'artistic faith' in me, then I assure you that this is one of the most beautiful and authentic projects I have brought to you to date."
In fact, one of the most interesting details is the fact that these songs were created during a very busy period for him, both physically and emotionally. And perhaps this gave the project that most raw and honest feel.
"I have come to the conclusion that the energy and love that people have transmitted to me during the 'MOTIV' tour has inspired me this time to be like I used to be, totally myself, unaffected, returning to my feelings and instincts."
"Roots" is not being presented as an album that is simply listened to, but as an experience that, according to Albani, is intended to make you stop a little, return to yourself and perhaps rediscover something you had left behind.
"Get ready to be inspired, to rekindle lost memories, and, above all, to fall in love again not only with someone, but with yourself, with the world, with life!"
