Mark J Soler, an independent artist from Lyon, France, is a software engineer, musician, composer, and producer. Now based in Paris, he creates most of his music there. His influences span Black American music, jazz, funk, R&B, hip hop, progressive rock, and classical music. He draws inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Bach, and Pink Floyd, embracing a broad spectrum of musical styles in his work.
Released on Jan 4th, 2026, “Walking in the City,” the second track from Mark J Soler’s Walks EP, immediately immerses the listener in a reflective urban soundscape that is both cinematic and intimate. Inspired by the artist’s walks through Paris, the song transforms an everyday activity into a deeply spiritual and musical experience, capturing the energy, beauty, and subtleties of city life. From the opening ambient textures to the understated percussive elements, Soler draws the listener into a rhythm that mirrors the cadence of walking. Each melodic motif and harmonic layer evokes introspection, nostalgia, and gentle contemplation, reflecting the inner-life themes that underpin the EP. The track’s flowing instrumentation communicates optimism and acceptance while acknowledging the complexity of human emotion, allowing listeners to feel the city’s pulse without ever stepping outside. Soler’s use of space and timing turns seemingly ordinary footsteps into a dynamic narrative, highlighting the transformative potential of both music and movement.
Melodically and harmonically, “Walking in the City” is a masterclass in subtle emotional storytelling. Gentle melodic lines ripple over soft chordal foundations that shift between major and minor tonalities, creating a delicate balance between reflection and uplift. The harmonic progressions are smooth and natural, echoing the continuity of a meandering walk through streets filled with fleeting impressions and quiet observation. Instrumentation is precise and restrained, giving each sound its own room to breathe while contributing to the song’s immersive atmosphere. Listeners can sense the layers of thought embedded in the track, desires, regrets, and moments of acceptance gently unfolding as the melodies evolve. The song’s introspective quality invites repeated listening, revealing new textures and emotional nuances with each pass, cementing Soler’s skill at translating inner life into sound.
Rhythmically, the track thrives on subtlety and intentionality. Anchored by mid-tempo percussion that mimics the natural cadence of walking, the rhythmic elements maintain momentum without overpowering the melodic content. Light taps, soft shuffles, and layered textures provide depth and movement, enhancing the organic feel of the composition. Atmospheric synth pads and spatial soundscapes complement the rhythm, creating a layered, cinematic auditory environment that evokes both motion and stillness. The interplay of rhythm and melody is unpredictable yet cohesive, reflecting the city’s vibrant and often chaotic energy. Every percussive accent, every melodic breath, is carefully calibrated to convey both the physical act of walking and the contemplative journey of the mind.
“Walking in the City” transforms everyday urban walks into a cinematic, introspective, and spiritually immersive musical journey.
Daniel – Dulaxi Team
From a production standpoint, “Walking in the City” exemplifies Soler’s mastery of sonic balance. Each instrument occupies a precise space, allowing clarity and richness to coexist seamlessly. Ambient synths, subtle electronic textures, and warm harmonic layers work together to evoke spatial awareness, as if the listener is strolling through streets and open spaces simultaneously. The track succeeds as both a sonic meditation and a cinematic portrayal of urban life, reflecting vibrancy, introspection, and serenity in equal measure. For anyone seeking music that is emotionally immersive, intellectually stimulating, and spiritually resonant, Walking in the City is an essential listen, a soundtrack for reflection, a companion for urban exploration, and a testament to Mark J Soler’s ability to transform simple walks into profound musical journeys.
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