With Orphée, Rustboy and Mashk deliver their first full-length album as a duo — a ten-track body of work that unfolds with patience, cohesion, and emotional depth. While both artists are established in their own right, this collaboration feels less like a strategic alignment and more like a natural evolution of a shared musical language.
Rooted in classical sensibility yet shaped through analog synthesis and modern production aesthetics, Orphée is not designed as a collection of club singles. Instead, it embraces long-form storytelling — subtle harmonic development, cinematic pacing, and a sound palette that prioritizes atmosphere over immediacy. The result is an album that rewards attentive listening and reveals its nuances over time.
In this conversation, Alex (Rustboy) and Harold (Mashk) reflect on the decision to commit to a full-length format, their creative process across distance, and the sonic architecture behind the record.
You’ve already worked together before — what made you commit to a full-length album rather than continue releasing singles or EPs?
Harold:
We simply enjoy making music together. One track led to another, and after a while the idea naturally emerged: why not create a full album — without pressure, without rushing — and just see where it takes us?
Alex:
Interestingly, the initial idea actually came from fans quite some time ago, I believe. But at a certain point, it simply felt like the right moment to finally do it.
Many producers believe an album needs a narrative or emotional arc. Was there a guiding concept behind Orphée, or did the direction emerge organically?
Harold:
I’d say there are conceptual ideas within individual tracks rather than one strictly defined overarching narrative. Some influences came from literature we had read, and certainly from our shared affinity for classical music. The common thread is inherent in our aesthetic and our sound — that’s why it emerged naturally rather than through planning.
Alex:
Beyond music itself, what non-musical influences shaped the atmosphere of the album?
Harold:
Everything can be a source of inspiration — exhibitions, literature, photography, sports, travel. Ultimately, it’s anything that moves me emotionally.
Alex:
During this period, I finally read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. While working on one track, I suddenly realized: this is The Alchemist. That moment strongly influenced the sound design of the piece.
A full-length project allows for greater experimentation. Did you consciously push beyond your comfort zones?
Harold:
I always try to move beyond my comfort zone — that’s one of the reasons I love collaborating with Alex. We constantly encourage each other to explore new harmonies, melodies, arrangements, and rhythmic ideas. It’s never premeditated; it happens organically through our exchanges.
Alex:
Where do you see your sound within today’s electronic music landscape?
Harold:
We never aimed to create hits or club tracks. We focused on making music that reflects who we are — sensitive and emotional pieces that take the listener on a journey. And I include us in that journey: the music has to transport me first.
Alex:
Let’s talk gear. Which instruments or tools defined the album’s sonic identity?
Alex:
We used a lot of piano and Solina — that became something of a running joke. Beyond that, I mostly relied on my existing setup: extensive use of the ARP Odyssey (probably 80–90% of the “Orphée” track), Prophet-10, PolyBrute, OB-6, Hydrasynth, and System-8. The U-He Diva plugin was also used frequently, along with a Behringer Oberheim SEM clone for arpeggios.
Harold:
The piano is central. Then some favorite synths: Moog Minitaur for bass, Solina for pads, TB-303, various Prophet models, and the DX7.
Both of you share a deep appreciation for classical music. How does that influence your compositional approach?
Alex:
Most of the tracks actually rely on very classical harmonic structures.
Harold:
For me, that heritage is completely natural — it’s part of my DNA, just like jazz. It forms the foundation of my musical language.
You collaborate remotely. Did distance shape the album in unexpected ways?
Alex:
No major surprises — we worked as we always do: sending ideas back and forth, slowly turning them into finished pieces.
Harold:
There’s always a certain excitement when Alex sends over an idea — sometimes just a loop. Even that sparks my curiosity immediately. Our exchange is incredibly natural and effortless. We share the same sensibility and approach — that’s the foundation of our collaboration.
What strengths does your partner bring to the table?
Alex:
Our collaboration feels natural because we share the same sense of musical beauty. Our ideas complement each other effortlessly. Harold’s melodic and harmonic instincts are exceptional — I’m always excited when a new folder of ideas from him arrives.
Harold:
As always, we followed our favorite recipe: no stress, no rush, no pressure — and see where it leads. This album had been dormant within us for a long time. We were both ready.
Finally — what would you like listeners to take away from Orphée?
Alex:
Artist: Rustboy & Mashk
Title: Orphee
Label: Infinity Artifacts
Format: Digital
Release Date: February 20th, 2026
Cat No: IA004