Interviews with musicians, composers and conductors
Long-term working relationships (for example, with my band) are essential in developing and supporting one’s own musical language. Every ensemble or orchestra has its own character: this is its strength and weakness at the same time. As a musician you always have respect for this – then you can create amazing results.
My music is not classified as “classical” or “pop” music but a hybrid of both. It has the accessibility, logic and shortness of pop music, and the philosophy, emotion and depth of the classical genre.
Say yes to most things, until you’re in a position to say no, and then recommend others for those things instead. Collaborate widely. Be hugely proactive. Put on your own gigs, start your own hubs/websites/record labels. Connect people and celebrate the success of others. Throw all the things you’re interested in into your work and don’t worry about trying to fit in a box.
Make music with musicians you admire, respect, and enjoy being around. Life is short; spend it with good and supportive people who inspire you to greater heights.
As a composer, success is writing a piece that I’m pleased with. The form makes sense, things fit together in a satisfying way, and the piece feels solid and cohesive, as well as being pleasant to listen to (or at least I find it pleasant to listen to). Other things that invoke a sense of satisfaction include challenging myself in some way and then fulfilling the challenge in the way I was intending to, or not quite fulfilling it but discovering something else along the way.
MEET THE ARTIST 