Rettward von Doernberg

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rettward von Doernberg, rvd@thecaravel.net, https://rettward.com

Rettward von Doernberg Releases Dual-Version Single “Perfect” — A Soundtrack for Late Summer

Berlin, August 22, 2025 — German composer and producer Rettward von Doernberg today presents his new single “Perfect” released in two striking versions: a radiant Pop Mix and a guitar-driven Alternative Mix. Both versions capture the spirit of late summer and invite listeners to let go of heavy concerns, savor the moment, and enjoy life as it comes.

“Sometimes it’s important to stop worrying about the world and just be present,” says von Doernberg. “That’s the message of ‘Perfect’: right now can truly be enough.”

The Pop Mix is full of bright synths, dance-pop rhythms, and uplifting a cappella passages—designed as a sing-along track for good times. The Alternative Mix leans into rock, with a clean guitar riff, band energy, and a soaring guitar solo at its heart.

The Guitar That Came Back

The origin of “Perfect” is deeply personal. As a young musician, Rettward von Doernberg sold his first electric guitar, a decision he later regretted. Years afterward, on a milestone birthday, an old friend surprised him by returning that very instrument.

Von Doernberg carefully restored it, removing rust, restringing it, and adjusting its setup. When he began playing, his hands instinctively produced a melody he had never played before.

“Every time I touched the guitar, the same phrase appeared as if the instrument was reminding me of it,” he recalls. “Eventually, I recorded it on my phone. That became the seed of ‘Perfect.’”

The guitar motif, heard at the opening of the Alternative Mix, became the foundation for both versions of the song.

AI as Partner, Not Replacement

The track was shaped with the assistance of artificial intelligence, though von Doernberg is clear about the role AI plays.

“People think AI makes music effortless, but it doesn’t. It can be frustrating, and it takes patience. But it also saves a lot of time. For me, it’s like having a creative partner who gives me raw ideas to shape. That’s where the real fun begins.”

The Alternative Mix was completed first, after a long and sometimes difficult process. Curious about what the song might sound like stripped down to vocals and melody, von Doernberg experimented further and produced the Pop Mix.

An Artist in Motion

“Perfect” arrives during an especially productive time for Rettward von Doernberg, who has been releasing a new piece of music every week on his Bandcamp page. His catalog is vast, with music featured on radio, in television and film, in video games, and performed by both small and large ensembles. These performances also gave him his earliest experiences as a conductor.

Von Doernberg studied at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and the University of California, Los Angeles, learning from legendary composers including James Newton Howard, Alan Silvestri, and Hans Zimmer.

About Rettward von Doernberg

Rettward von Doernberg is a classically trained composer, producer, and arranger whose work spans pop, rock, electronic, and cinematic genres. Known for blending tradition with innovation, he continues to explore new possibilities in sound—whether through instruments of his past or technologies of the future.

“Perfect” is now available on Bandcamp.

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