(le) poisson rouge

Having studied classical piano for ten years, Dusseldorf-based pianist / composer Volker Bertelmann’s work as Hauschka is based upon a playful exploration of the possibilities of the 'prepared' piano – an adventurous intervention into the preconceived idea of the piano as a pure-toned, perfected instrument simply waiting for a gifted virtuoso to play on it. His resulting tracks are vivid, unconventional pieces made in a spirit of playful research-enthusiasm. Prior to his involvement with FatCat, Hauschka released two albums on the Karaoke Kalk label - 'Substantial' (2004) and 'The Prepared Piano' (2005). Volker is also a member of Music A.M., a collaboration with Stefan Schneider (To Rococco Rot) and Luke Sutherland (Long Fin Killie); and of the electronic / club tracks duo Tonetraeger, with Torsten Mauss. Since ‘Room To Expand’, Hauschka’s cultural stock has increased considerably, based particularly around the revelation of his live performances, including rapturously received support tours in the USA with Múm, in Japan with Colleen, and a debut, sold-out London show with Max Richter. Where the previous album appeared almost in isolation, ‘Ferndorf’ arrives with a coherent extended campaign including increased live activity, a digital single, and a video triptych by Japanese animators Overture (responsible for Múm’s ‘Rhubarbidoo’ video).