Music is a powerful bridge between the emotions we feel and the stories we live. Cristina Spinei, an accomplished composer whose path weaves through classical traditions, modern technology, and collaborative creativity, exemplifies this profound connection. From her childhood dreams of becoming a professional pianist to her groundbreaking work with digital music and dance, Cristina’s journey is a testament to passion and innovation.

In this exclusive interview, Cristina shares her deep-rooted love for music, the inspirations that have guided her, and the challenges that have shaped her artistic vision. She reflects on the evolution of her style, her unique approach to composition, and the transformative power of Web3 in empowering independent artists. Cristina’s insights offer a captivating glimpse into the world of a musician dedicated to pushing the boundaries of her craft.

Join us as we explore the musical landscape of Cristina Spinei, uncovering the stories behind her compositions and the values that fuel her creativity. Whether you are a music lover or a fellow artist, this interview promises to inspire and enlighten you.

Mismir ( Eduard – E ): Artists often find their creative spark in different ways: some are born with it, while others experience a pivotal moment that transforms a mere interest into a burning passion. How did your journey with music begin? Was it an innate part of you since birth, or was there a defining moment that made you realize music was your true calling?

Cristina ( C ): I always knew that I wanted to be a musician, from the time I was a child. At first, I wanted to be a professional pianist, but then as I started creating melodies I realized I preferred writing my own music. I clearly remember playing a composition for my fifth-grade music teacher. He sent me home with a note to my parents saying that I should study music theory and continue composing. It was wonderful to have that support from early on. I’ve been playing piano since I was nine and I studied at Juilliard every weekend for two years in high school. Then I spent six years there for my undergrad and masters program so my journey includes a lot of studying!

E: Every song has a story, inspired by people, places, experiences, or even personal reflections. In your creative process, what has been the most significant source of inspiration? Can you share who or what has been your muse and why it holds such a profound influence on your music?

C: This is a tricky question for me to answer! Most of the time my music has no subject or story. I begin a new piece by finding patterns that I like and building a piece from that. I always want to create something that moves people, whether physically or emotionally. My hope is that people connect with my music even if they don’t know how the piece was created. When I collaborate with visual artists or choreographers we talk about the inspiration of a piece together. I love building new work in this way, by sharing experiences and combining our different perspectives into one work.

E: Every journey, especially in the creative realm, is punctuated with challenges, often more so than successes. While successes are undoubtedly rewarding, I believe it's the challenges that truly catalyze growth and sometimes even inspire a fresh perspective. With this in mind, have you faced a specific challenge that significantly altered your approach to your craft? If so, would you be comfortable sharing that experience?

C: The biggest challenge I’ve faced in music is how the classical music world is structured. The traditional career path of a composer is to get a Doctoral degree in composition and then teach at a university. I wanted to create my own career that combined collaborations across disciplines and experiments with technology. Being an entrepreneur in the classical music world is generally looked down upon, as is anything with new technology. I formed an ensemble with a friend that allowed us to build entire concerts from a set of pre-composed loops. My friend wrote software that made it possible for our musicians to sightread music off their laptops while the composer sent the music in real-time. Everything could be synched individually and combined with electronics. We played a show at a summer festival in Maine with very traditional students and faculty. They were against our system of live composing and after the show, we were practically run out of town! That was a frustrating experience at the time but now we look back at it and laugh. It’s that limiting mentality that makes it challenging to be in the classical music realm.

E: One thing that I love to do with each artist that I get the privilege to talk to is to invite them to embark on a journey of self-reflection. If you were to go back to the first day you started composing and then return to the present moment while examining your evolution, how would you say your style or approach has changed from when you first began to now?

C: My style has changed so much from when I started. I was nine and I knew absolutely nothing! But I think the impulse is the same now as it was then, I want to create something beautiful. Writing for dance has had the greatest impact on my style. Working with dancers has led me to view time differently. When I compose for movement, the music has to take up more space. My music has become more minimal because of this. I’ve loved creating patterns that repeat and change slightly to go with movement.

E: For me, art, in all its forms, is a reflection of ourselves. Whether it's music, fashion, poetry, or art itself, there's always something about the creator that can be found in each creation. Considering this, how would you say “Cristina” is reflected in your music?

C: My solo piano music is very calm which I think is a reflection of my personality. The funny thing is that it can also sound melancholy, I love using minor keys, but I’m always in a good mood! So part of my personality makes it into my music and the other part is an imagined emotion. In my music for dance, I think my love of movement takes over and I can let loose with fun rhythms and patterns.

E: What does the piano represent for you? What’s your relationship with it? For the things you are blessing us with are magical.

C: Thank you!! The piano started everything for me. It’s how I first understood music and it’s the primary way I compose. I took a twelve-year break from performing and focused on composition. When I came back to playing in public, I was able to enjoy it more.

E: Despite the importance of artists in our lives, many have had their voices silenced by the current workings of the music industry. I’ve never loved this aspect, as I’ve seen many talented artists unable to pursue their passion for this very reason. I hope for change, and I believe that change is imminent with the advent of Web3. How do you see the Web3 space impacting artists' journeys and transforming the music industry?

C: Being in the web3 space has completely changed how I think about my career as an independent musician. For years I’ve felt like my success was in the hands of other people whose approval I was supposed to seek. From receiving grants to getting commissions, the structure of the classical music world is largely top-down. Everything switched when I realized that I could connect directly with an audience in web3. Luckily I own the master rights for all of my recordings and I’m able to release them across web3 platforms. I write all of my music and own 100 percent of the copyright so it’s easy for me to put music on the blockchain. Web3 provides musicians with tools that allow them to own their careers. There are still difficulties in the space, but artists have many options and creative ways to fund and promote new work.

E: If you were to define what music is, what would that definition be?

C: I’ve always loved the quote by French composer Debussy, “Music is the space between the notes.” I can’t say it any better than that!

E: In my opinion, every artist imbues their creations with a part of themselves. It's that part of the artist's soul found in a creation that makes it resonate and connect with people. However, I believe there's always that one creation in which artists find themselves the most. Which one is that piece for you?

C: There’s a piece I composed for violin and piano, Il Nodo, that is my favorite. I wrote it as part of my album Ex Voto and recorded it in Nashville. The piano part creates a resonant space and allows the violin’s melody to soar. It’s probably the most reflective piece I’ve composed.

E: If you're creating a 1/1 piece for the Mystic's Garden Genesis Drop, could you offer us a glimpse into the narrative or concept behind this exclusive work?

C: The 1/1 I’m releasing for the Mystic Garden Genesis Drop is a piece for piano, violin, and synth. It starts out mysteriously, almost in a fog, and gradually builds with textured layers. The music sounds like it’s holding back a secret!

E: What’s the most unusual item in your studio or workspace?

C: I don’t know if it’s unusual, but my desk drawer is filled with salty licorice gum from Iceland. It helps me compose!

As we conclude this in-depth exploration of Cristina Spinei’s musical journey, it’s evident that her work is a harmonious blend of classical foundations, innovative technology, and collaborative spirit. Her insights offer a window into the mind of a composer who continuously seeks to transcend traditional boundaries and inspire through her multifaceted creations.

To stay connected with Cristina and witness the evolution of her music firsthand, be sure to follow her on her social media platforms: Lens, Instagram, Twitter, Website, and her Mystic Garden Sanctuary. Dive into her world, where every composition tells a story, and every story invites you to explore the deeper realms of emotion and creativity.

The artistic journey doesn’t end here.

Season 2 of Storied Strokes, a collaboration between Mismir and Mystic Garden continues, bringing you closer to the most intriguing and inspiring artists from around the world. Stay up to date with our upcoming features, discover the next artist in the spotlight, and never miss a release by following us on social media ( Twitter - Lens - Instagram - Farcaster).

Thank you!