Here we are in 2025. I will oblige to the Larry David rule, and will refrain from wishing a “Happy New Year” after January 7… Oh wait, I just did!
Well, my mind is not at rest (it never is). I’m working on different projects, including the translation of three new books, plus ongoing work with video game localisation. Also, some new music is brewing. It will be for a new record of library music and it will be instrumental, film music-style. It’s a real challenge. In a way, it’s like writing the score for a movie that doesn’t exist (yet?), and that kind of writing process forces me to approach things a bit differently. It pushes me out of the comfort zone.
More news on the music front — I will once again open for a Stick Men show in Italy. Looking forward! It will happen in Carrara, on March 19. I will be playing with EUGENE on keyboards and Alessandro Inolti on drums. Maybe I’ll see some of you out there [EDIT: Sadly, Alessandro won’t be available on that day, because of another commitment. It will be Eugene and I… with a very special guest].
I did mention that I’m working on the Italian localisation of video games, and I will take the chance to tell you that I’ve been playing a wonderful game called Disco Elysium. Ever heard of that? It came out in 2019, although there’s a “final cut” version that was released some time later, in 2021. To make a long story short (and it’s a very long story), Disco Elysium is a groundbreaking role playing game that made me feel things — a lot of things. I finished my first run yesterday night. It broke me, but also made me laugh and gave me hope. It’s all of these things combined. It’s a pretty immersive experience that deals with life, death, politics, abuse, religion, esotericism, and more. You might want to give this game a chance. I won’t tell you more about it, as I think it’s better to approach it without knowing too much — actually, the less you know, the better and more immersive the whole experience will be. Go for it and trust me, will you? And if you know the game and have played it, care to share your takeaways with me?
Ciao for now.
Marco Machera 