The Words At Play: Visual EP

Visual EP / 24 May 2026

The Words At Play: Visual EP is a 16-minute short film composed of five interconnected music videos mirroring the EP of the same name by Michael J. Keplinger (MJK). Written and directed by MJK, the film moves between narrative fragments and subjective imagery, forming a quiet meditation on language, memory, and emotional inertia.

The chapters were released on YouTube from 24 May through 27 September 2026.

The Chapters

The Words At Play
Rêverie To Zoë
Ember
S8/Underground
The Words At Play Reprise

Writer, director & editor Michael J. Keplinger
Producers Michael J. Keplinger & Simona Ascher
Director of photography Niklas Strahammer
Set designer Simona Ascher
Gaffer Sophie Schaller
Dolly grip & lighting technician Alexandra Bogner
Still photographer Patricia Melicha
Music written & produced by Michael J. Keplinger
Music mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios

Watch & Listen

The concept EP

The Words At Play

Extended Play / 31 July 2026

Festivals & Screenings

Die Landjäger Kürzestfilm Festspiele (Austria, 2026)

16 Press Mentions

fsm (Film, Sound & Media), 29 September 2026
musicbiz. Made in A. Michael J. Keplinger: The Words at Play (Rola Music)
darkstars.de, 20 August 2026
Michael J. Keplinger mit neuer EP & Kurzfilm [read]
Der Haubentaucher, 6 August 2026
Tonträger des Sommers [read]
mica – music austria, 3 August 2026
Michael J. Keplinger – „The Words At Play“ [read]
CityGuide Rhein Neckar, 31 July 2026
Michael J. Keplinger – Ember [read]
OÖ Nachrichten, 31 July 2026
Mit Herz und Leidenschaft / Kopfhörer #191: Ein Linzer und seine Leidenschaft [read]
Volume, 31 July 2026
Michael J. Keplinger. The Words At Play. [read]
European Indie Music Network, 30 July 2026
Formula Indie Sessions Interview with Michael J. Keplinger [read]
CityGuide Rhein Neckar, 25 July 2026
„Musik braucht Zeit, keine Abkürzungen.“ Michael J. Keplinger über Kunst, Klang und die Kraft einer Vision [read]
X-ACT Music Magazine, 27 June 2026
Michael J. Keplinger – neue Single „Ember“ und neue EP – „The Words At Play“ [read]
CityGuide Rhein Neckar, 26 June 2026
Zwischen Melancholie und Hoffnung. Michael J. Keplinger entfacht mit „Ember“ ein stilles Feuer.
Volume, 26 June 2026
Michael J. Keplinger. Ember. [read]
Volume, 22 May 2026
Michael J. Keplinger. The Words At Play. [read]
CityGuide Rhein Neckar, 22 May 2026
Michael J. Keplinger – The Words At Play
indienoxzine, 22 May 2026
On This Track #14: Michael J. Keplinger – “The Words At Play”. Language as Reflection, Time as Atmosphere. [read]
OÖ Nachrichten, 29 September 2025
Wie ein Linzer Musiker in die legendären Abbey Road Studios kam [read]