So, here we are in 2025. I will abide by the Larry David rule and refrain from wishing anyone a “Happy New Year” after January 7th… Oh wait, I just did!
My mind never really rests, does it? I’m currently juggling a few different projects, including the translation of three new books alongside my ongoing work in video game localization. On top of that, some new music is brewing. It’s an instrumental, film-score-style project for a new library music record, and it’s proving to be a real challenge. In a way, it feels like composing the soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist (yet?). That kind of creative process forces me to approach songwriting from a totally different angle and definitely pushes me out of my comfort zone.
More news on the music front: I will once again be opening for Stick Men here in Italy! I’m really looking forward to it. It’s happening in Carrara on March 19th, and I’ll be sharing the stage with EUGENE on keyboards and Alessandro Inolti on drums. Hope to see some of you there! [EDIT: Sadly, Alessandro won’t be available that day due to another commitment. It will just be Eugene and me… plus a very special guest!].
Speaking of video game localization, I wanted to take a moment to tell you about a wonderful game I’ve been playing called Disco Elysium. Ever heard of it? It originally came out in 2019, followed by a “Final Cut” version in 2021. To make a long story short (and it is a very long story), Disco Elysium is a groundbreaking RPG that made me feel a whirlwind of emotions. I finished my first playthrough last night. It absolutely broke me, but it also made me laugh and gave me hope—all at the same time. It’s a deeply immersive experience that tackles life, death, politics, addiction, religion, and esotericism. If you haven’t yet, you should really give it a chance. I won’t say any more, because I truly believe it’s best to go in blind; the less you know, the more powerful the experience will be. Trust me on this one. And if you’ve already played it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Ciao for now.
Marco Machera 