The ‘Superpower’ That Enables Renowned Cellist Hauser To Tap Into His Creativity

Imagine making music that captures the gamut of human emotion—from elation to sorrow, nostalgia to anticipation. Internationally renowned cellist HAUSER understands the magic of his category-defying craft—and the headspace he needs to embrace in order to create those dazzling compositions he shares with the world.

“It’s such a blessing to be able to play cello, there are not any barriers at all,” HAUSER says. “You don’t need translation, you don’t need to explain anything and people of any culture, any background are equally drawn to it. Some things you can’t express with words.”

From exuberant arrangements of pop and rock songs as part of the duo 2CELLOS to his passionate solo performances and albums—his most recent, the Latin pop and jazz-infused The Player, was released in September via Sony Music Masterworks—Hauser covers the gamut.

“I play those beautiful, slow romantic melodies that are sad, I play those crazy rock’n’roll songs, I play Latin songs for dance parties, and I do some soundtrack music and some classical music. The thing that matters is the emotions you put into the performance, that’s what the audience can relate to. My show is a like a whole journey. They cry, they smile, they dance, they laugh.”

He first experienced the transformative power of music as a young child growing up in Croatia, when he became infatuated with the cello and began to explore his passion.

“When I was a small child I was very shy,” he says. “I didn’t talk much with other people, so music was perfect for me. I entered my own world where I could express all my emotions. It was my safe space and every time I went on stage, this is where I showed my personality the most and where I felt most comfortable.”

Feeling at ease in his personal life was more of a challenge. “It took me a long time to feel comfortable off stage, many years to not feel awkward in normal life situations. And now I’m really proud that I did this work to get here,” he says.

“It sounds simple, but it takes a lot of work to come to a comfort level in your own skin. Everyone has to find their own way to transmit their emotions. I never really watch TV. I spend a lot of time in nature. I walk a lot. I listen to music—and this is all so great for my mental health. We have so many influences all the time, especially with social media. It’s a crazy time. There is so much information, so much noise around, so you really need to find your own peace.”

For HAUSER, the ability to be at peace with himself is not only foundational to his personal care but a necessity in his creative process. It’s a state of being he calls a “superpower.”

“If you are a creative person and want to brainstorm and come up with new ideas, you have to have your own space and quiet. If you’re constantly distracted you will never be able to come up with anything creative. If you’re always surrounded by people and in places where it is noisy and loud, it’s so unhealthy,” he says. “It is in a way a superpower—being comfortable with yourself. You can make miracles. You can be super productive and can find real joy.”

With a touring schedule that finds him frequently crisscrossing the globe, HAUSER has made a practice of embracing the simple pleasures.

“A hot cup of coffee in the morning, sitting on the terrace listening to good music, walking on the beach. It’s the small things that really make all the difference, not chasing something external all the time. Those simple moments that might even seem boring—this is where the real magic is. When you can be peaceful with yourself.”

Sharing his art with fans is both a grounding and joyful experience. And, not surprisingly, he receives bountiful feedback.

“I hear so many stories, and they are so touching because many people say they were healed by the music. That’s the best compliment you can get as an artist, that you are able to change lives and make someone’s life better by making music. It truly has an impact.”

Imparting the beauty of instrumental music on the next generation has become a north star for HAUSER, and is at the center of the Hauser Music Foundation, which aims to develop educational music programs for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience them.

“We are not doing enough to access our emotions through music,” he says. “Many young people don’t even know about the great masterpieces and we need more than ever to educate them to start listening to and appreciating beautiful music, classical music, instrumental music. It’s very important for their development and wellbeing.”

Mind Reading (formerly Hollywood & Mind) is a recurring column that lives at the intersection of entertainment and wellbeing, and features interviews with musicians, actors and other culture influencers who are elevating the conversation around mental health.