Rock Monsters Romania

Sometimes we hear phrases like “Aren’t you too young for…?” and then we remember some good examples of people who did a great job at a young age.

One of these examples is Ionuţ Olteanu, a 16 year old teen from Buzău (Romania), who founded Astral Aurora (Experimental-Atmospheric Black Metal/Dark Ambient/Space Ambient), one of the most ambitious projects of 2020.

We tried to find out more about his project, so we talked to him a few days ago. Here is what he said:

Why did you start this career in the music industry?

I started my musical career because I wanted to feel fulfilled soul wise. I have been wanting this for three years and it isn’t that long since I have succeeded, after other failed attempts. And last but not least, I wanted to give a more special feeling to the people who listen to my music.

What inspires you to compose songs?

Inspiration, at least in my case, comes from strange and very non-conformist things at times, but despite all of this, nature, the universe and transcendence are among the first sources of inspiration. Sometimes I also get inspiration from short films, experimental films or some that focus on the mental instability of people in different situations.

Who are your idols?

That is a question that I find very difficult to answer. But like any artist, I have idols and people whom I greatly respect. A man who will remain eternal to me as an idol is Emi (Fulmineos), at the same time, he remains a model for me and an exceptional musician. Of course, he is not the only one, I also admire Andrei Oltean, Tibor Kati, Nachtzeit, Silent Strike, Michi (Mihai Câmpineanu) and many more.

Which is your career goal?

I have already achieved the first goal in my career. Without hesitation, I started composing music. Music is simply a connection between you and the people listening to it.

Which are your plans for 2020? But for 2021?

In 2020 I will release the first long play album. On the album there will also be a few surprise guests. Unfortunately, there is no fixed release date. All I can say is that it will be a new, very fresh material, with influences from other musical genres. Night Spirit will have 10 tracks (8 basic tracks and 2 bonus ones). It will be distributed in physical format in 4 countries, Canada, Romania, Russia and Sweden, in CD and Audio Box format, through the “Lunar-Mist Production” record company. It is a kind of sequel for Aeternum Aurora (Debut EP) that keeps the story going. About 2021 I have nothing much to say, except that … I will continue to evolve musically.

Have you met people who tell you that you are too young for such a thing? How did you respond?

It was inevitable, but their reaction was not one of hatred, but rather of… astonishment. I get asked if I make money out of it or if I want to make a job out of it. The answer!? .. I perceive music as art, not as a job. I don’t want to make money from music, it’s just a passion.

What message do you have for young people who want to get started on music?

If you truly feel music, surely everything will come naturally. Do not hesitate to make music, even if you are young, surely there will be people to help you. Everything is up to you, just record jam sessions and see what comes out..you’ll notice that you inevitably make mistakes, I’ve been through this as well. But after a while, you can launch a demo and then you will clearly see what feedback you receive.

In this way, I also want to thank a few people, the Rock Monsters Romania Team, Bogdan Tănase, Nicolae Baldovin and the Lunar-Mist Production & Quasar Records team.

You can also find Astral Aurora on Bandcamp and Instagram.

Article and interview by Radu Mihai

Translation by Ana Taralunga and Stefania Marinescu