INAL BILSEL

Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow

Discover the soundtrack to a fable above the clouds...

Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow is a cinematic, fairy-tale inspired concept album five years in the making. Drawing on the evocative language of soundtracks, it weaves intricate instrumentation and rich textures into a story of wonder and magic.

Follow the story of Lulu and the fantastical world she visits every night until dawn.

Read the story while listening to the music and discover the many details within the music.

Read Short Story

AUDIOPHILE RECORDING

"Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow" is a labor of love for the discerning listener. Mixed meticulously over the course of a year, the album was crafted with audiophile setups in mind, inviting listeners to experience it as a cohesive whole.

Every track was mixed in pristine 96kHz audio, utilizing Softube’s emulation of the SSL 9000K console for a lush sound. Reverberations from LiquidSonics and precision tools like Tone Projects added depth and texture, while the mastering—handled by the legendary Bob Katz—ensures an impeccable dynamic range.

This deliberate choice of preserving dynamics mirrors a cinematic experience, allowing the quietest moments to breathe and the climaxes to soar. While some may perceive the album as quieter than others, this is an intentional feature designed to elevate the listening experience. Whether enjoyed on high-end speakers or simpler setups, the album promises a memorable sonic journey that rewards repeat listen.

"I am mesmerized! You are a great orchestrator, you have a great sense of tone, depth, balance, and stereo image. I can tell that your album is telling a mythical story, without words but with vocal sounds that are used orchestrally in a beautiful, evocative way. [...] You have achieved mix Nirvana!"

Bob Katz

"These latest works highlight Bilsel’s continuous exploration of musical boundaries, opening the doors to an innovative, emotionally rich, and multi-dimensional sonic world."

-Mete Hatay

"The album resembles fine silk, its melodic and atmospheric structure offering a glimpse into a vivid, otherworldly realm."

-Helena Lynch (Voxwave Magazine)

"Sometimes, the world around us calls for a pause and a gentle shift to a different frequency. This album embraces those moments, offering a breath of fresh air and quieting the noise of daily life."

-Natali Abernathy (Indie Boulevard)

Inal Bilsel is a composer and producer whose music blends cinematic storytelling, jazz fusion, and ambient textures, crafting sonic landscapes that feel dreamlike and deeply introspective.

Born in Nicosia in 1983, Bilsel’s artistic path has been shaped by his deep connection to Cyprus, the spectral remnants of the past, and the evocative power of sound. He studied composition at Eastern Mediterranean University before earning his Master’s degree at Royal Holloway, University of London. His orchestral work Nilay’s Dream won the Notion Composition Competition in 2007, leading to a recording with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. He later completed a PhD in Music Composition at Royal Holloway, where his research explored Narrative Concept Albums, Nostalgia, and Hauntology, themes that continue to shape his artistic vision.

His debut album, A New Beginning (Sony Music Turkey - 2009), marked his transition into computer-aided music production, fusing electronic and acoustic elements into cinematic compositions. His second album, Paradise Lost (Sony Music Turkey – 2018), expanded on this vision, featuring live string recordings from Istanbul and a diverse ensemble of musicians, further establishing his eclectic and expansive sound. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the concept of the album featured an intricate storyworld.

Beyond his solo work, Inal has composed original scores for Cypriot short films, created immersive sound designs for art exhibitions, and performed at festivals both solo and with his band Nostalgia For The Future. His Tales From The Future audio-visual show was particularly influential in his hometown of Nicosia, introducing his music to a new audience and solidifying his reputation as an artist unafraid to push creative boundaries.

His upcoming fairy-tale inspire concept album, Once Upon a Cloudtop Meadow (March 2025), continues this journey, blending cinematic orchestration with playful experimentation, found sounds, and ethereal textures. The album reflects his fascination with storytelling through sound, using unconventional musical forms and instruments that carry a sense of narrative and place.

Alongside composing, Inal shares his passion for music through teaching, offering courses on mixing, arranging, and the history of Western music. His work extends into visual arts, deepening his exploration of how sound interacts with memory, space, and the passage of time.
Whether through filmic soundscapes, experimental textures, or intricately arranged compositions, Inal Bilsel’s music is an invitation into otherworldly realms.