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Photo – Allissa Oughtred

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Photo – Allissa Oughtred

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Acclaimed pianist and post-classical composer Rose Riebl is set to release her highly anticipated cover of the 1982 classic ‘Mad World’ by British band Tears for Fears. The transformative interpretation marks the debut release from [ B E N T : a shape ], a new label founded by visionary Ben Pierpoint.

Sharing her deeply personal connection with the record, Rose details “six years ago I was asked to play ‘Mad World’ at a dear friend’s funeral. It was a packed St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, and a room full of heartbroken people.  After the burial there was a huge storm, and walking home through the rain I knew I had to record this version that night, while his soul was still close by.  

“I adore Tears for Fears, and this is such a simple, beautiful, haunting song.  While my version is instrumentally closer to the Gary Jules’ cover, it’s the original lyrics that capture an alienation many of us have felt at the edges of. In my version I came back to them a lot, and wanted to express the fractured / fractal nature of a city through the echoing, splintering piano layers; loneliness through the sparse piano sections; the finality and inevitability in that low, deep octave drop.”

Further speaking to the long awaited release of her rendition, Rose shares “this song has been waiting for the perfect moment and release partner.  It’s meaningful to me to be releasing with Ben and an Australian independent label. This song is dedicated to Daniel Christidis and his beautiful family.”

As the creative force behind the label, Pierpoint aims to champion neo-classical, post-classical, and ambient music, providing a home for unique and genre-defying projects. “I’ve been toying with the idea of creating a label-home for neo-classical, post-classical, and ambient music for 5+ years. So here it is, a home for those albums and side projects that are just a little bit bent,” said Pierpoint. “Meeting and working with Rose Riebl was the catalyst I was waiting on to press the go button. Rose has developed a distinct voice within the genre, creating stunning sonic universes for the audience to dive into and engage with.”

Ben Pierpoint, who also manages talents such as  Ngaiire, GODTET, Jamaica Moana, Alex Turley, Dino Dimitriadis and Wallace, built Ben Pierpoint Management with the ethos of being a natural extension of the artist. With a focus on nurturing lifelong careers, the launch of [ B E N T : a shape ] solidifies his vision to invest deeply in his artists and their projects.

“The heart of [ B E N T : a shape ] is to develop a community of artists and composers undefined by genre. It’s to find and develop an active audience of music lovers not bound to one formula, style or algorithm.” Pierpoint added. “It is a testing ground for ambitious side projects, exploration and cross-artform collaboration. With projects spanning from post-classical to electronica, [ B E N T : a shape ] isn’t dictated by data and analytics, it’s led by unique storytelling, daring originality and uniquely defined artistic voices.”

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About ROSE RIEBL:

Rose Riebl is an Australian pianist and post-classical composer whose music has captivated audiences worldwide. Her work bridges the intimacy of solo piano compositions with cinematic soundscapes, creating fragile, soulful pieces that guide listeners into emotionally resonant spaces. Rose’s debut album, ‘Do Not Move Stones’, received widespread critical acclaim, including four stars from the Irish Times, and notable support from Clash Magazine, RUUSH, and the Sydney Morning Herald, who have praised her ability to craft atmospheric, emotionally rich soundscapes.

She has performed her compositions to sold-out audiences across Melbourne, Sydney, Paris, London, and Reykjavik. In 2022, Rose released the ‘Reykjavík Sessions’, recorded at Harpa Concert Hall with Björk’s artistic director Bergur Thorisson. This work was followed by her EP ‘Earth Moves’, solidifying her reputation as a distinct voice in contemporary classical music.

In addition to her recorded works, Rose’s music has featured in prominent film and television projects. She scored the Emmy Award-winning documentary Harley and Katya (ABC, Netflix) and the internationally toured Planet Wind. She continues to be a sought-after composer for visual media, with her second album ‘Dust’ scheduled for release in early 2025.

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Follow ROSE RIEBL
INSTAGRAM – FACEBOOK

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