Sleeping On It
Whenever I write words, be it an article for NewMusicBox, a post for my own website, or sometimes even emails, I usually allow a few hours—or preferably a day— to let whatever it is "stew," and then take another pass for editing purposes.
Mint Conditioner and Musical Kryptonite
Above are a few pages of sketches and notes from the making of Mint Conditioner for double bass and electronics – signed, sealed and delivered (several weeks ago) to exceedingly awesome bassist Logan Coale. True to the title, this piece starts out a tangled ball of knots, and by the end rinses out smooth and...
Your music is not your music
Last week I traveled with Molly and Brian to SUNY Fredonia, where we talked with students, played in and coached rehearsals, and had a concert sponsored by the Ethos New Music Society which included several compositions of mine, as well as works by Per Boland and Lei Liang. Thanks to Rob Deemer for being a...
Listening fast
Well, it’s official. My brain has automatically switched into archetypal back-to-school mode. I am craving fresh notebooks and new shoes. ******* To be honest I haven’t been feeling very talkative lately, so I’ve been keeping things on this side of the firewall. During July and August I took a break from composing to focus on...
Five Thoughts On Making Electronic Music
So a few months ago I served as a panelist for an electroacoustic music competition. It was fun, and quite revealing, and I found myself oscillating (ahem) between joyful giddiness and abject horror as I listened to a big pile of recordings. I’ve been trying to concoct a witty, Letterman-style top ten list that would...
Video Insights
Thanks to Bernard for pointing me to his video on the New York Philharmonic website. That our musical institutions are providing a deeper look into the creative process through media and technology is a Very Good Thing. I like B.’s description of the significance of bells and how that plays out in the piece he...
Hair, Heat, Radio Music
There really aren’t enough good things to say about a hairdresser who truly understands one’s cowlick situation. Mine also happens to be an up-and-coming DJ and producer! August! To be honest, I’m not really a fan. Hot, sticky, even thoughts seem a bit stuck in the air… I find myself just waiting for September to...
