Lassi Kotamaki, better known as Idealism, composes music you find and escape in, falling into blissful arrangements of piano driven lo-fi songs that provide relief to listeners. In his own words, his tracks deliver “a way of coping with everyday life”. The young artist has demonstrated his musical ability through the popular release Hiraeth [EP], followed by several other well-received projects. Kotamaki has gained a dedicated fan base over several online platforms, an accomplishment which is clearly well deserved once you discover the organic and introspective sound he delivers.
Now 20-years-old, the Finnish producer spends most of his time in Edinburgh studying medical sciences at university. Although no one in his family has pursued a career in music, it has always been a central part of his life, with his brother playing guitar and sister playing both guitar and piano. Lassi himself began playing drums around the age of 7, and explains that through his brother’s CD’s and iPod Classic he discovered many bands and genres at an early age, thus allowing him to appreciate music of any genre. The instrument in which Idealism is arguably most well known for is the piano, which he picked up two or three years ago. The self-taught musician believes he is still just a beginner, clarifying that, to him, “It was something that was required if you wanted to properly make music and learn theory.” This perspective towards music is refreshing, as it’s an approach to music that is questionably becoming less common in our modern age.
Understanding Idealism means you have to understand several different countries, as we discussed how environment could shape your sound. He states, “You can definitely see a difference in sounds if you compare someone who lives in the woods and someone who lives in a big and active city. So yeah, the cities or villages where I stay, be it temporarily or definitively, do shape my sound. Even just the size of an apartment affects how I think of music.” This aspect of his music reflects the authenticity and natural approach taken towards his production. The ways in which the tracks are constructed portray an artist who crafts his sound. Carefully considering each and every aspect, therefore delivering moving, captivating music that people can’t help but be drawn into.
Idealism intends to create music that is personal and emotional, stating, “It’s because nostalgia, loss, loneliness, happiness, and even the feeling of appreciating something, are emotions that many people can relate to.” He goes onto explain that the music is best received when you are alone, as when you are alone, that’s when true feelings and thoughts come out.
Finding inspiration in everyday life, different artists, different instruments, friends, nature and what is currently happening in the world, it is clear that what surrounds the artist is projected and channeled into his work. Japan is another interest of Idealism’s; this is reflected through the cover art he uses, taken by one of his favourite photographers Masashi Wakui. The photographer emulates a similar sense of simplicity and beauty in everyday life providing something that people can relate and connect to, a concept, which is reflected in Idealism’s music and visual idea. Finding inspiration in Japan’s culture, architecture and history, Lassi says, “It’s a place that is at the same time exotic and familiar. A mix of old and new. An interesting history and culture.”
With a debut LP in the works but no release date, we can only eagerly anticipate new music from Idealism. By furthering his ability to play piano and guitar, and living life in itself, he will be able to more comfortably express feelings through his music, but also have more things to talk about. With Idealism’s music being based on life, experiences and emotions, he accepts that he must first live a little, allowing him to devise content that is more relatable when creating. Finally, Lassi states that his debut album will not just be beats, but full-length songs with purpose and meaning behind them…