Modern Tales Releases Stunning Debut Album 'Stars Align'

Jonas Rathsman and Franz Novotny joined forces for a new project this year, Modern Tales, and just dropped their debut album under the alias.

Brothers Jonas Rathsman and Franz Novotny debuted their collaborative project Modern Tales back in January and have captivated dance music lovers ever since. The two artists have both become renowned for their individual sounds over the years, but it took time during the pandemic for them to find synergy and strike a chord together in the studio. But once Modern Tales found their groove it was off to the races as they began to produce track after track in the span of just two week’s time. The result? Stars Align – their debut album that has found a home on RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue

“Monster” was the aforementioned lead single from Stars Align that arrived at the beginning of the year, which was followed by “Wide Awake” just a few short months later. Both gave fans a glimpse of the soundscapes that would come on their debut album and now, the ten-track ride filled with enchanting melodies and stirring vocals can be listened to in its entirety.

This album holds a special place in our hearts as it encompasses cherished moments that have shaped our journey as Modern Tales. It all began when we, as brothers, made the decision to create music together, and that moment sparked the birth of our musical collaboration.

These moments, all interconnected, serve as irrefutable evidence of the wonders that can unfold when cosmic forces align. Through this album, we pay homage to the profound bond of brotherhood, celebrating the synergy and creativity that arise when like-minded souls come together.
Modern Tales

The lead track “Pretty Little Thing” is stripped back, opening with piano notes before Franz Novotny’s vocals arrive front and center and synths begin to build to create anticipation for the rest of the album. Tracks like “They Can’t Take Away The Sky,” “Brother,” and “Lean On Me” are story-driven at their core, putting an emphasis on the duo’s depth in songwriting. Other tunes on Stars Align, like “Together,” “Lost In The Future,” and the album’s final track, “Coming Back 4 You,” showcase Modern Tales’ sound design as they layer in groovy elements, organic percussion, and other delightful elements to leave a lasting impression.

If there’s one big takeaway from Stars Align, it’s the dynamic nature of Modern Tales’ creative spirit as they offer everything from soul-stirring vocals to vibrant dancefloor-ready cuts. Give their album a listen on Spotify or your preferred streaming platform, and let us know your thoughts on Twitter!