Isse Maraà, a Croatian music maestro, returns on December 20th with the ‘Transcendent Dreams’ EP. Well-known for creating immersive experiences, the artists continuously pushes the boundaries with his own approach and once again creates a superb combination of futuristic and progressive house sounds.
This EP is a journey from dark and mesmerizing grooves to arpeggios and ethereal melodies that are expertly mixed to produce a beautiful, otherworldly ambiance. The first release on his own imprint, Vizia, we thought it was the perfect time to chat with the artist about all things EP/label, his Croatian background, and plans for the future!
WWD: ‘Transcendent Dreams’ is a striking name for an EP. What inspired the concept behind the release, and how does the title tie into the music?
The title ‘Transcendent Dreams’ came naturally from the music itself. The music had a futuristic, mystical, and almost otherworldly vibe that felt like a natural fit for the entire EP. I wanted a title that reflected the music’s ethereal beauty and current sound, and ‘Transcendent Dreams’ ended up being the best fit to bring everything together.”
WWD: The EP moves from dark grooves to ethereal melodies, creating a journey-like experience. How do you approach storytelling through your music?
That’s right! I always aim to tell a story with my music, creating a journey where many things unfold, much like the chapters of a book. I love the approach to music that elicits a wide range of emotions, from beautiful, ethereal melodies and pads to dramatic, dark drops. This dynamic combination is what makes creating music so enjoyable for me.
WWD: You’ve mentioned creating “otherworldly ambiances” in your music. Where do you draw inspiration for these immersive soundscapes?
Inspiration can come from many different sources. I enjoy listening to a variety of music, often unrelated to dance music. Sometimes, I hear intriguing sounds on the radio, and an idea strikes me, I grab my phone and hum the melodies that come to mind. I live in a constant state of inspiration, where anything around me can spark creativity. Traveling to different countries and experiencing diverse cultures is also a fantastic way to ignite inspiration.
WWD: The arpeggios and progressive sounds in this EP feel futuristic yet emotionally grounded. How do you balance technical complexity with emotional resonance in your tracks?
Achieving the perfect balance is key to finding the right sounds that complement each other and create a cohesive vibe. It’s not always easy, but once you understand what you’re doing and how to make everything work together, it becomes much more manageable. However, the emotions are the most crucial factor. If the music I’m working on gives me chills, I know I’m on the right path because my feelings never steer me wrong.
WWD: ‘Transcendent Dreams’ marks the debut of your new label, Vizia. What motivated you to start your own label, and what vision do you have for its future?
I believe this EP is the perfect way to launch my label, something I’ve been planning for a long time. It’s futuristic, dreamy, euphoric, and progressive, exactly how I want to present my record label to the world.
What motivates me is the freedom to create without limitations. These days, it’s incredibly challenging to get a track signed by a major label without an established background. I don’t want to rely on endless waiting and rejections from emails. I believe in my music and the music of other artists, so I wanted to create a platform where inspiration can be expressed freely and promptly.
Beyond the music, I handle all the visual concepts for my label myself. This creative aspect is something I genuinely enjoy, and having a record label allows me to work on multiple dimensions, not just music, but also visual design, artist collaboration, and management. I thrive on the multifaceted nature of this work.
Vizia will undoubtedly be a platform for showcasing new and upcoming artists and their music, and I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead.
WWD: Vizia aims to discover and present innovative sounds. How do you plan to curate the label’s releases, and what qualities do you look for in artists and tracks?
We’ll take things as they come. The first few releases will be my own, to give the record label a strong start. After that, I’ll gradually begin accepting demos from other artists and potentially signing some great music. I believe that building a positive and supportive community will help everyone grow together. There are so many talented artists out there who haven’t yet had the opportunity to release their music, many of whom have incredible tracks just sitting in the background, waiting to be heard. I want to change that and give them the platform they deserve.
WWD: You’ve mentioned Vizia as a platform for storytelling and building a community. How do you envision fostering a connection between artists and listeners through the label?
Vizia is intended to be more than just a label; it is a platform for narrative and connection. I want each release to feel like a chapter in a greater story, including both artists and fans. Music has the ability to elicit emotions and ignite imagination, thus my goal is to ensure that every music released on Vizia resonates strongly with listeners.
To establish a relationship between artists and fans, I plan to create interactive experiences such as behind-the-scenes content, artist spotlights, and discussions about the inspiration for the music. Social media and digital platforms will play an important role in fostering a community in which artists can share their tales and listeners may participate directly in the creative process.
WWD: You’ve described your music as immersive, futuristic, and emotionally charged. How has your sound evolved over the years, and what has influenced this evolution?
My sound has evolved significantly over the years as I’ve grown both personally and musically. When I first started, my music leaned heavily on experimentation, as I was trying to find my unique style. Over time, I became more focused on creating immersive, futuristic, and emotionally charged sounds that reflect not just the trends in electronic music but also my own experiences and inspirations.
A big part of this evolution has come from constantly exploring new genres and techniques. I’ve drawn inspiration from a wide range of music, from classical and cinematic scores to modern electronic and even non-dance genres. This diversity has allowed me to experiment with different emotions and soundscapes, blending ethereal melodies with dramatic, driving drops to create a dynamic, storytelling approach in my tracks.
Traveling and immersing myself in different cultures have also played a huge role in shaping my sound. Each place I visit brings new energy, ideas, and perspectives that naturally find their way into my music. Also, advancements in technology and production tools have given me more creative freedom to refine and push my sound to new levels.
In the end, my music has changed to reflect my intention to engage listeners more deeply and take them on an emotionally stirring and futuristic journey.
WWD: As an artist from Croatia, how has your background shaped your approach to music and your identity in the electronic music scene?
That’s quite a story! Over the years, I’ve played countless residencies in my home country and around the world, exploring a wide range of musical styles; from house and hip-hop to techno and beyond. This experience has been invaluable, not only in honing my technical skills but also in understanding the crowd and the dynamics of nightlife.
I can’t deny how much I’ve enjoyed those days. They’ve shaped who I am today, providing me with a wealth of experience. Now, I’m fully focused on two projects with a clear musical direction, which truly represent my identity.
I believe every artist or DJ should explore the variety this industry offers. It’s through that journey that you discover the path you’re most passionate about and define what you truly love and enjoy.
WWD: The underground music landscape is constantly evolving. Where do you see the direction of progressive and futuristic house heading, and how do you see Vizia fitting into that evolution?
That’s correct, and I’m truly excited about what the future holds. What I love most about the progressive house style is its consistency and authenticity. This genre has always stayed true to itself, thanks to the incredible artists who have been consistently delivering amazing music for years. They honor the genre’s identity without straying too far from its roots, which is what makes it so special and unique, and I am glad that I am able to deliver music to that world.
Of course, there are always new innovations here and there, but progressive house never feels outdated, it only gets better and better with time.
As for my record label, my dream and vision is to one day host my own events under the Vizia brand, which means “Vision” in my language. I’ve planned everything around this name with a long-term perspective, envisioning the next 10–15 years. I’m confident that with hard work and dedication, I’ll be able to bring this vision to life and achieve what I’ve imagined.
WWD: Sounds amazing! Congrats on the label and thanks for the chat, Isse 🙂
‘Transcendent Dreams’ is available here