Wave Hello to Magic Mood Records
Combining years of experience, personal taste, and a desire to do right by independent artists, Joel Trzcinski is spearheading a label focused on experience, collaboration, and experimentation.
It’s a gloomy day on Lake Eerie. Joel Trzcinski joins ambient artist Shores of Echo and two videographers to shoot a music video for a song called “Of Shelter.” And in that spontaneous moment of creation, Trzcinski finally understands that these years of experience in the music industry have been building up to Magic Mood Records.
As one half of electronic duo Bliss Nova, Joel understands the unique challenges of independent artists developing their songs into a fully realized creative package. Since releasing their first EP in 2015, the band has blossomed into a sought after regional act. Through partnerships with publishing companies and labels, the band has been able to have their music featured on Rick & Morty, as well as Adult Swim. The impetus for starting a label was to have a home base for Bliss Nova.
But now, Joel sees an even broader path ahead. I spoke on the phone with Joel just before the Thanksgiving holiday, and I could hear in his voice the passion for helping artists achieve their creative vision. He recalls, “I could not have done what I just did any year prior to this. The pandemic afforded a lot of time to reflect, and to rethink music as I’d done it before.” He’s always considered himself more of a tastemaker and cultivator than a musician, though it’s not affected his performance with Bliss Nova. With Magic Mood Records, he now has the chance to curate a group of likeminded artists into a growing collective.
Reflecting on the music video shoot with Shores of Echo, Joel says, “We were exploring the possibilities of the song. I remember in the moment feeling so lucky to be watching a team work on experimental ideas. That’s when it started feeling real and special – I get to be part of arranging these unique experiences for artists.” Not only is Joel looking to help artists with their creative process, but he’s also hoping to expand Magic Mood Records into curating exclusive, one-of-a-kind live events with artists on their roster. In an era of fast-moving, impersonal communication, Joel has a vision for something more down to earth and intimate.
While Joel has spent much of his career so far in electronic music, he’s open to approaching other genres, saying, “The aesthetic is wide open, with a variety of interest. I’m not biased towards any particular things, but I know what I like.” And it’s with that confidence that Joel is bringing Magic Mood Records into the world. Combining years of experience, personal taste, and a desire to do right by independent artists, Joel is spearheading a label focused on experience, collaboration, and experimentation.
Stay up to date with Magic Mood Records at https://www.magicmoodrecords.com
Stream and purchase the new Bliss Nova “Silence” EP, and the new Shores of Echo self-titled album.