Erik Lankin is a composer and producer of new classical music based in Montreal (Tiohtià:ke). Erik combines classical orchestration with contemporary sound design. He channels the full spectrum of emotion into instrumental soundscapes, which are compellingly narrative and evocative.

From 2020 to 2023, he assembled a team of some of Canada’s most accomplished classical soloists and neoclassical producers to realize his vision for his highly anticipated debut release: The Icarus Album. Using music, Erik reinterprets the myth of Icarus and Daedalus as a metaphor for losing his father to mental illness. His music flows between grief and torment to find places of hope, triumph and healing, reflecting his personal journey of coping with loss and finding meaning in music.

On the single, “Daedalus Requiem,” Erik has this to divulge on the inspiration of this track of deep meaning to the composer:

I reimagined the myth of Daedalus so that it was him and not Icarus who fell into the sea. Leaving Icarus alone, grieving and aloft on the broken wings he inherited. This song sings the passing of Daedalus into the underworld.

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

My debut project The Icarus Album is now rolling out. It is an instrumental reinterpretation of the myth of Icarus and Daedalus, reimagined so that Daedalus falls to his death and Icarus must fly onward on the broken wings he inherited from his father. Told this way the myth becomes a metaphor for losing my own father suddenly to mental illness. It is a neoclassical album that combines Classical orchestration with contemporary electronic sound design.

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in thepast?

This project is orders of magnitude greater than anything I’ve done before. I collaborated with some of Canada’s top Classical musical soloists (some of them playing instruments worth more than a house) and leading music-industry professionals at every step of the process. I also had the joy of working with producer Devon Bate (Jean-Michel Blais, Jeremy Dutcher, Common Holly) who was able to take my vision for sound design and elevate it to new heights.

• What about this single makes you most proud?

Hearing that my music has connected with people on their own grief journeys is the greatest (albeit very bittersweet) reward. People have reached out talking about how my debut track has already helped them visit their hardest emotions which they had been struggling to find a place for.

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I wanted to make music that was far greater than any of my previous work and use it to honor the complicated memory of my dad.

• What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I am someone who processes my emotions through creating music. Composing gives me an outlet to channel my joy and despair which keeps me sane and healthy. One of the hardest things I deal with is holding on to the belief that music is still important in a world full of injustice. I don’t know the answer to this but in recent years I am content to know that creating to and listening to music is a fundamental part of my best self.

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I would bring Clara and Robert Schumann across time to collaborate with me here today. Robert could access some of the modern Bipolar medication (which also keeps me well) and hopefully give us decades more music. Clara could stand on the shoulders of feminist activists and composers and feel even more empowered to compose and create whatever she wanted for her own sake.

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

I have an active listening routine that has me exploring music across genres. Big into Taylor Swift but who isnt? I keep revisiting Max Richter who has pioneered Neoclassical. Jeremy Dutcher is everything right now. How much time do you have?

• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

You can find my latest release wherever you get your music. Follow me on my website (www.ErikLankinMusic.com) and socials (TikTok @ErikLankin, everywhere else @ErikLankinMusic)

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Thanks for reaching out!