Behind The Tracks: ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ - Fortress Of Solitude (Single) (2025)

Writing "Fortress of Solitude" was like finally finding the right words for something I've been trying to express my whole life. As someone who discovered their autism in adulthood, this song became more than just music – it became my way of processing and accepting who I am.

The opening lines, "Crystalline walls of silence rise, Where memories dance behind my eyes," reflect those moments when I need to step back from the world's overwhelming nature. These aren't walls of isolation; they're boundaries of self-preservation and understanding. Every word in these verses came from years of trying to understand why I experienced the world differently from others.

Musically, I wanted to create something that reflected this duality of experience. The verses float on cinematic, almost ethereal landscapes – those quiet moments of self-reflection. But when the choruses hit, the heavy guitars crash in like waves of revelation. It's this constant dance between introspection and expression, between quiet understanding and powerful self-acceptance.

I remember writing "Between reality and Inner Space, Where Vulnerability Finds Its Place" shortly after my diagnosis. It was this moment of clarity – understanding that this space I'd always created for myself wasn't about being antisocial or different; it was about having a necessary sanctuary where everything made sense.

The orchestral elements meeting classic rock wasn't just a stylistic choice – it represents how my mind processes things. Sometimes it's the delicate, intricate patterns of the orchestral arrangements, other times it's the raw power of distorted guitars. Patryk's bass work was crucial here; he understood exactly what each moment needed, whether it was holding down the heavy choruses or weaving melodic lines through the quieter passages.

"Architectural landscape of soul, Where broken fragments become whole" – these lines are particularly meaningful to me. Before understanding my autism, I often felt like scattered pieces trying to fit into a world that wasn't built for me. This fortress, this sanctuary I've built, isn't about hiding. It's about having a space where those pieces can come together naturally, without forcing them into shapes they weren't meant to take.

The bridge section, with its ethereal instrumental break before declaring "No walls can imprison, No darkness divide," represents that breakthrough moment of self-acceptance. It's about realizing that creating space for yourself isn't the same as cutting yourself off from the world.

Every line in this song tells a part of my story – from the initial confusion of feeling different, through the revelation of diagnosis, to the final acceptance and celebration of who I am. The pre-choruses speak about vulnerability, but they lead into choruses full of strength and certainty. That's the journey I've been on – learning that vulnerability and strength aren't opposites, they're part of the same process of self-discovery.

The final whispered words "Solitude... Sanctuary..." weren't just an outro choice – they're a reminder that sometimes we need to embrace our solitude to find our strength. This fortress I've built isn't a prison; it's a launching pad, a place where I can be fully myself before engaging with the world on my own terms.

"Fortress of Solitude" is more than just another song in my catalog – it's my declaration of self-acceptance, my musical autobiography, and hopefully, a bridge for others who might be on similar journeys of self-discovery.