In this exclusive interview, we speak with Stefhania Usman, the talented flute player who contributed her enchanting sound to CYGNUS's track "Walking Through the Forest of Life." She shares her experiences recording in the studio, her approach to creating mystical atmospheres, and the bond she’s formed with the band. Let's hear from Stefhania!
1. How was your experience recording the flute in the studio for "Walking Through the Forest of Life"?
Stefhania: It was beautiful to record this lovely song where my sound plays a leading role. I enjoyed that in the studio, they let me play with dynamics, articulations, and embellishments, making it not just a band song but something with a part uniquely mine.
2. How did you manage to create that mystical forest atmosphere through your music?
Stefhania: I think the whole ensemble created the atmosphere, including the ambient sounds. The flute lends itself well to this type of piece, and I always felt my sound should be sweet like the wind. That’s what I aimed to convey while recording. I believe we achieved that... and in the video, the set was perfect and connected with the music, and the elements used were also key.
3. You also appeared in the music video for the song. How did you prepare for your role and embody the character of a mythical forest creature?
Stefhania: I spent several nights thinking about my attitude in the video. It seemed sensible that my character should always be serene, somewhat ethereal, showing a connection with nature. I had never been in such close-up shots with so many eyes watching me so intently, which made me feel a bit shy, but overall, it was a super cool experience. The vibe, the chosen set, the wonderful weather, and the divine outfit all contributed to a great experience.
4. What was the most memorable aspect of working with CYGNUS on this project?
Stefhania: One of the most important things is the connection we've built. More than colleagues, we are friends, sharing interests and jokes. This piece reflects that we complement each other musically. The professionalism of CYGNUS is memorable. People often think rock band members are disorganized and chaotic, but CYGNUS is focused, knowing what they’re doing, so time flows well, and things get done according to plan.
5. "Walking Through the Forest of Life" is a relatively short instrumental piece. How did you approach the task of conveying emotions and telling a story in its concise duration?
Stefhania: There's a saying, "less is more." I believe you don't need to say a lot to reach the climax. I knew the piece, the atmosphere I wanted to create, and the emotions I wanted to convey from the first note. This is important now, as we live in a time where people's attention spans are short, and I aimed to captivate them immediately.
6. Finally, what message or feeling do you hope listeners get from "Walking Through the Forest of Life"?
Stefhania: I hope people feel peace and calm when they listen. Sometimes music makes me feel aromas or colors, and I hope listeners close their eyes and feel the flute's sound like a wind carrying the scent of the harp’s wood on moist earth... It might sound crazy, but that’s what I feel.
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