About Emil Adler

Musical Career with October Project

Emil Adler serves as the composer and keyboardist for October Project, a band formed with lead vocalist Marina Belica and vocalist/lyricist Julie Flanders, known for piano-driven pop-rock and intricate vocal harmonies.[1][2][4][14][18] The group has released albums including The Book of Rounds, featuring collaborative rounds and choral elements.[8][9] Adler's compositions have appeared in film and television, such as "Return to Me" from Baywatch to Blown Away.[15]

Collaborative Songwriting and Poetry

Adler partners closely with Julie Flanders, setting her poetry to music in songs like "Doubts," "Believe," "This Is For You," and "Grace."[8][12][13][17] They co-founded the annual October Project Poetry Contest, now in its 8th year, fostering new poetic talent.[6][18] Interviews highlight their organic creative process, emphasizing emotional resonance over commercial motives.[5][7][9]

Choral and Communal Projects

Adler has composed for global initiatives like the "Return To Me Worldwide Choir," uniting singers across cities, and "A Choir of Joy," inspired by pandemic-era balcony singing.[3][11] Works like The Book of Rounds promote group singing and harmony.[8][9] These projects reflect a focus on music's power to connect people worldwide.[2]

Recognition and Innovation

An Emmy winner, Adler's scores include animated pieces like "Doubts" with Phoebe Cavise.[14][17][18] October Project defies genre labels—folk-pop, folk-rock, New Age—while maintaining a devoted fanbase without heavy marketing.[5][16] Recent activities include concerts, blogs, and multimedia content.[19][20]

Artistic Philosophy

Adler's work explores themes of faith amid doubt, love, guilt, comfort, and transcendence, often through Flanders' introspective lyrics.[13][17] He views music as a blessing and communal response, as noted in interviews.[2][5]