I'm a Finnish cellist and composer – and one of the founders of the cello rock band Apocalyptica. I've released three cello electro solo albums and have composed and performed music for films, games, radio, theatre, corporates and special projects. I've performed solo concerts in Europe and the US and in my career over thousand concerts in more than sixty countries around the world. In 2024 ...
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I'm a Finnish cellist and composer – and one of the founders of the cello rock band Apocalyptica. I've released three cello electro solo albums and have composed and performed music for films, games, radio, theatre, corporates and special projects. I've performed solo concerts in Europe and the US and in my career over thousand concerts in more than sixty countries around the world. In 2024 Pentatone released my crossover Bach Cello Suites – Six Shades of Bach.

As an acoustic and electric cellist I'm versatile and expressive with a producer mindset with 30 years of experience in cello recording.

As an arranger I use the full potential of my instruments to deliver music that serves the vision for the song.

As a composer I aim to find a unique sonic identity for the project. A versatile use of quintal harmonies can provide a more interesting start than the more traditional major-minor approach. The organic sonic quality of my Moogerfooger and Moog collection is unbeatable compared to digital instruments of the same type. Rhythms can emerge through electronic instruments, cello percussions and crosstalk.

I have my own small well treated studio with high quality gear where I work and record.

I also play the halldorophone, an Icelandic electro-acoustic feedback instrument with a distinctive sound between music and sound design known for the award winning Joker and Chernobyl soundtracks, composed by Hildur Guonadottir.

More music samples at my website maxlilja.com

Looking forward to enhance the emotional impact of your project!
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