Files
Download Full Text (23 KB)
Abstract
Back to Blue is a five-song EP developed as my Culminating Experience at BerkleeNYC to explore emotional and existential unrest through a genre I define as Cine-folk, a blend of cinematic textures and folk songwriting. This project was motivated by a need to process personal and collective uncertainty while clarifying my artistic identity and establishing a foundation for sustainable creative work. Each track confronts a different internal tension, from spiritual doubt to societal anxiety, tied together by a cohesive sonic and emotional arc. Throughout the year, I wrote, arranged, produced, recorded, and mixed the EP, collaborating closely with violinist Keris Choi and drawing from coursework in production, mixing, engineering, and visual media. I recorded over 700 violin layers and used Pro Tools and analog gear to create an intimate yet expansive sound marked by ambient imperfections and emotional grandeur. This process helped me define my Unique Cohesive Sound, develop fluency in studio workflows, and grow from a songwriter into a fully self-sufficient artist. The challenges, technical issues, burnout, and post-grad pressure, became part of the project’s emotional core. Back to Blue stands as both a personal reflection and a professional launchpad, signaling the beginning of my career in music.
Publication Date
7-1-2025
Campus
New York City Campus
Specialization
Songwriting and Production
Keywords
cinematic folk; songwriting; violin; mixing; existential
Recommended Citation
Steil, Thomas. “Back to Blue.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2025. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-cmat/172.