Rumen Boyadjiev is a composer and co-founder of the enormously popular progressive rock band FSB, founded in 1975. He has composed more than 250 songs and arranged upward of 600 for the repertoire of the FSB and other Bulgarian pop singers. He has written music for films and documentaries, for the theatre as well as children's music. The official signature tunes for the Bulgarian National Radio's Horizont channel and for the 8 o'clock news on Bulgarian National TV are all his.

Rumen Boyadjiev is also the founder of the Counterpoints music label and is holder of a host of awards, among them World Music Master of the World Masters Committee, a Crystal Lyre in the pop and rock music category, a Golden Age for special merit in the development and popularization of Bulgarian culture and art, a Grammy award (jointly with the FSB and Jose Feliciano) and many more.

Rumen Boyadjiev's first solo album - White, featuring 14 new songs - is a project that has been in the works for a long time. Here is Rumen Boyadjiev himself talking about the message he wants to convey, inspiration and the verses by Daniela Kuzmanova:

“This is my first solo album after so many years as a musician. I have not released a solo album before because the FSB has always been a priority. After 20 years of silence, I waited for the band to get several projects ready, so it could rise back to the position we would all like to see it in. We had several big concerts, recorded a DVD, launched the FSB Symphony programme and the Wolf Times concert programme. Once this was done, I decided to release an album of the kind of music I want to make, with a message I think I have the energy to convey. The title was my starting point so all of the music flowing from it can address this symbol. My idea is to remind listeners there are human pursuits other than mere survival. There is light, love and happy times among people. Everything is in our own hands. The title White is what drives the music in the album forward. I am very choosy when it comes to lyrics and Daniela Kuzmanova knows how to convey a message in words so it can be clad in music. It is her strong point. This is my first solo album and I would very much like it to be a banner, a motto of everything I am as a musician. I am thankful for the lyrics she wrote, words I myself sing. In this project we are definitely on the right track.”

Here is how Rumen Boyadjiev describes his style, the way he works and what things are close to his heart:

“I have never given much thought to styles but it definitely is not progressive rock, with just a few exceptions. It seems to me this is not the time for that kind of music. My urge is to do what comes to me naturally and to never follow set patterns. Mine is “Rumen Boyadjiev” style. The initial idea, the feeling you have, the energy you want to share - that is talent and it must be channeled. There are many talented people who are unable to channel their energy properly. When I have an idea I don't just bring it out, I give it words, put it down on paper and pass it on to people who can get a feel of it and can multiply my idea adding words, arrangement, instruments.”

“White is not a commercial project,” says Rumen Boyadjiev. “To try and release discs in Bulgaria borders on insanity. But crazy things have a special kind of intensity. The album conveys my view of the world, of sound, of musical instruments, of singing, of verse and my idea of the most beautiful way to reach out to people, to bring them a message of tranquility. It is like some medicine and I am sure that is precisely the effect it has. I have an understanding with American producers and we shall release the disc wherever we can or wherever there is an international music exposition. The first single is called I can't believe it and it is about a love affair that is over with no drama. The song is for all people who want to go on with their lives. The premiere of the album will be in the autumn, probably at the end of October.”

The audio features the following tracks:

- Melon;

- Up high by Rumen Boyadjiev and Konstantin Tsekov, performed by FSB;

- Wolf times, music Rumen Boyadjiev, lyrics by Georgi Kushvaliev, performed by FSB;

- Stretching out two hands by Rumen Boyadjiev and Konstantin Tsekov, lyrics by Evtim Evtimov, performed by FSB;

- White, clips from Rumen Boyadjiev's solo album.

English version: Milena Daynova