Rettward von Doernberg

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Rettward von Doernberg Releases New Single “Looking for You” — A Gentle Song About Seeking Closeness

Berlin, September 19, 2025 — Composer and producer Rettward von Doernberg today releases his new single “Looking for You,” a warm, intimate pop song that asks listeners to cherish the relationships that matter — and, if they haven't yet found that special person, to go looking for them.

After several releases that grappled with heavy themes, von Doernberg purposely stepped back this time to write something tender and melodic. The new track favors uncluttered arrangements — gently strummed steel-string guitar and light ukulele touches, a plaintive male vocal and close, heartfelt production that bring the lyrics and longing to the foreground. The result is a catchy, heartfelt song that feels both personal and universal.

“I wanted to make something that feels like a conversation between two people,” von Doernberg explains. “This is about appreciating the company you already have, and for those who haven’t found that person yet, about having the courage to go look. It’s honest, simple, and hopeful.”

A Smooth Collaboration with AI

“Looking for You” was created in collaboration with artificial intelligence, but unlike some of his previous experiments, von Doernberg gave the system much more freedom this time. He provided the lyrics and general direction, then let the AI explore possibilities before guiding it toward the final arrangement. The process was unusually pleasant and fast — a creative partnership that felt relaxed and cooperative.

“I was surprised by how effortless it felt,” he says. “This time the AI behaved like an equal partner — offering ideas that I could take or leave. There wasn't the usual friction. It felt like writing a song with a friend.”

Simple Tools, Big Heart

Musically, the track leans on intimate textures: close-recorded acoustic instruments, a melodic vocal line, and arrangements that leave space for emotion. The song's simplicity is intentional — von Doernberg wanted listeners to hear the yearning in the voice and the warmth of the instruments without distraction.

“There’s power in restraint,” he notes. “You don’t need a wall of production for a song to land. Sometimes a ukulele and a steel-string guitar and a voice are all it takes.”

An Artist Always on the Move

“Looking for You” arrives amid a period of sustained output: von Doernberg has been releasing a new track every week on his Bandcamp page, a practice that keeps his creative muscles active and invites listeners to follow a steady stream of new ideas. Over the years his music has been heard on radio and television, in films and video games, and performed by ensembles both small and large — experiences that also gave him early opportunities to conduct his own work.

Trained at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and the University of California, Los Angeles, von Doernberg has studied with eminent film composers including James Newton Howard, Alan Silvestri, and Hans Zimmer. That background informs his craft even in these quieter, more personal songs.

About Rettward von Doernberg

Rettward von Doernberg is a classically trained composer, producer, and arranger whose work spans pop, electronic, ambient, and cinematic idioms. Combining traditional technique with a willingness to experiment with new technologies, he creates music that feels both handcrafted and contemporary.

“Looking for You” is now available on Bandcamp.

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