MEGALOPOLIS

Emil Miszk presents MEGALOPOLIS, the debut release from his new international project MODULAIRE. Bringing together musicians from across Northern Europe, the album blends contemporary jazz, improvisation, contemporary classical music and cinematic writing in a large-ensemble work exploring the relationships between individuals, communities and the increasingly complex world they inhabit.

Set for release on October 9th 2026, MEGALOPOLIS introduces MODULAIRE as both an ensemble and a long-term artistic platform connecting musicians, institutions and audiences across Northern Europe. A co-founder of Alpaka Records, Miszk has built a reputation through ambitious cross-border collaborations and modular ensemble projects that balance detailed composition with improvisation and collective interaction.

The project developed over several years as Miszk brought together the different strands of his work as a composer, improviser and bandleader. Rather than presenting a fixed musical vision, the music is built around trust, allowing performers to respond to one another while shaping each performance through listening, risk and shared responsibility.

Drawing on contemporary jazz, free improvisation, contemporary classical music and film-inspired orchestration, the album moves between expansive ensemble writing and open improvisation. Miszk cites Frank Zappa's approach to form, contrast and large-ensemble composition as a key influence, combining carefully structured writing with the unpredictability of improvisation.

Inspired by the complexity of contemporary cities, MEGALOPOLIS treats the ensemble as a network of independent voices whose meaning emerges through their relationship with one another. The compositions provide clear architectural frameworks while leaving space for spontaneity, creating music that evolves through interaction as much as written material.

Rather than offering straightforward narratives, MEGALOPOLIS invites listeners into music that changes with each performance and rewards close attention. The result is an ambitious large-ensemble debut that reflects Miszk's belief that difference is not something to overcome, but the material from which new musical possibilities can emerge.
credits
released October 9, 2026

Emil Miszk - Trumpet
Patrycja Wybrańczyk - Drums
Steinar Heide Bø - Drums
Kertu Aer - Double Bass
Håkon Huldt-Nystrøm - Double Bass
Sondre Moshagen - Piano
Emil Bø - Trombone
Maria Dybbroe - Alto Saxophone / Bass Clarinet
Viktoria Holde Søndergaard - Vibraphone
Jorik Bergman - Flutes
Per Åke Holmlander - Tuba
Jonathan Sandqvist - Bassoon
Krzysztof Stencel - French Horn
Aleksandra Panasik - Oboe
Krzysztof Hadrych - Guitar
Aleksander Rewiński - Voice

Recorded at Polish Radio Studio S4/S6, Warsaw, by Piotr Taraszkiewicz, October 8–11, 2025.
Assistant engineer: Michał Wójtowicz

Mixed by Ingar Hunskaar
Mastered by Andreas LUPO Lubich
Cover art and design by Ada Zielińska
Released by Alpaka Records