Montreal-born, Gabriola Island, BC-based composer, vocalist, and meditation guide Mark Fenster returns with “Rising Embers,” a glowing, introspective new track from his just-released album, Serenity Sessions, Vol. 1 – a deeply personal collection of sound journeys and guided meditations designed to restore calm, connection, and clarity for the listeners.

Driven by multicultural instrumentation, gentle orchestral textures, and a sense of spiritual movement, “Rising Embers” conjures the quiet beauty of a campfire’s final glow – each ember lifting into the night as a symbol of trust, release, and transformation. The piece invites the listener to follow a path of rising emotion and soft realization, repeated yet evolving, landing in a space of gratitude and peace.

“Sitting by a glowing campfire, feeling the warmth, absorbing the calm, watching tiny embers lift and fall to the sky, as if letting go, completing the experience and flowing back to the source. This is how I feel when I realize I’ve made the leap, I’m ok, and all is well now that I’ve believed and trusted and seen the beauty behind the blast,” says Fenster.

What can you share with readers about your new project?
Serenity Sessions, Vol.1 is a culmination of my many years, decades actually, of various musical influences and experiences – from folk to opera to meditation music – blending into a neo-classical flavouring in calming, healing sound journeys.  Its main drive has been to create something that helps folks feel and let go, knowing they are safe, loved and free.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the
past?
A lifelong wish of composing and recording a full length music album all completely on my own.  This album was conceived, written, performed by just me, and it took a whole lot of self-determination and rising above the negative thoughts that came art the most inappropriate times, to finally allow the light and love to shine through.  This is also a grand step out of my comfort zone in sharing some deep personal meditations which I’ve found helpful for me and my loved ones in times of duress.

What about this single makes you most proud?
The single “Rising Embers” is actually a piece I’d started writing back in the 1990’s, and just left it aside for so long.  I had a listen to some old tapes, slowed it down, and added the harmonies, counterpoint and various  musical bits that resulted in the piece you hear today.  This is also the first time I wrote and recorded with a Hurdy Gurdy, one of the truly coolest instruments ever!!

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
My overall goal is to simply offer people a kind and comforting musical work that helps them feel calm amidst the sometimes chaotic world around us.  And to remind us all of the true beauty and grace found in each and every one of us <3

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
I honestly don’t know!  I just love music, how it feels to create, play and share.  I also so much love hearing how folks feel when they hear my music and knowing that it helps them feel comfort and joy, which is so important in our lives.

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.

Wow!  What a question!!  Firstly, I don’t know if he’d have been interested in collaborating, but Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would be my very first choice, and I’d be happy to make him his favourite tea which I watched and listened to his composing!  Secondly, Serge Fiori of Harmonium fame, one of the finest and most beautiful composers of our time, just recently sadly passed.  HIs music and deeply moving lyrics are nothing shy of magnificent.  Lastly, I would also love to collab with a woman composer / songwriter as women I have found have such deep spiritual connections with the unknown creative worlds and they have been so ignored and in many cases discarded due to the male overreach and disrespect.  My very own daughter is a superb example of the depth of creativity and loving intuition.  Here is an example of her music https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jy2l71KLkfISXqj25oKN3?si=tmOY4c4uQj-prXvSoUWbaA.  As much as I love Zoe’s music, she’s one of so many talented and intuitive female artists deserving accolades <3

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
HIstoire sans Paroles by Harmonium, a song that when originally released in the 70’s stopped me in my tracks and I simply sat and listened to the entire song without moving!  Magnifique! My favourite all-time band?  Supertramp, the original band with Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies.  What an incredible band – live and in studio!

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
www.AutumnStudios.ca  connect@AutumnStudios.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnstudiosca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.fenster.5

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
Thank you for your interest and great questions!  Please feel free to reach out anytime with more whenever you wish.  Love & Light to you and all your followings <3