Pianist Ružić Releases New Album, Details Creative Journey in 'Recording Diary' Series

Zvjezdan Ružić, a multi-award-winning pianist and composer, is unveiling the creative process behind his latest album, "A Storm in a Teacup," through a new series called "Recording Diary." This project offers a rare glimpse into his unconventional approach to music creation.

Ružić embarked on this album without pre-written orchestrations or a detailed plan. He even began working with orchestral percussion instruments that had just arrived via truck, learning to play them with the help of YouTube tutorials on the day of recording. He played every instrument on the album himself, managing the entire production concept from selecting recording locations and microphone placement to the final sound of each track.

The album was recorded in acoustically distinct spaces, including churches in Bakar and Varaždin, Croatia, as well as studios in London, Vienna, and Los Angeles. The final mix was a collaboration with London-based engineer Dok Kaithner, and mastering was handled by Robert Vosgien at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.

Ružić deliberately chose to forgo complete control, stating, "My only plan was to follow the music. True, I could have planned everything in advance, written out all the orchestration parts and followed that path, but by doing so, I would have lost the freedom that I needed to find my own sound." This risky decision ultimately led to the album's distinctive authorial signature.

The "Recording Diary" series began in September 2024 at the Church of St. Andrew in Bakar, an environment that significantly inspired the album's sound. Future episodes will explore individual compositions, showcase the instruments used, and reveal behind-the-scenes details. Ružić will also embark on a major Croatian tour to support the album, with initial dates announced for Split, Šibenik, Osijek, Zagreb, Čakovec, Zadar, Pula, Pazin, Varaždin, and Rijeka.

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My only plan was to follow the music. True, I could have planned everything in advance, written out all the orchestration parts and followed that path, but by doing so, I would have lost the freedom that I needed to find my own sound.