Talking to cyberspace

So I decided to start a music blog. I already have another one, but in it I pretend to be someone else, and really that's not very satisfying to express oneself. If you're curious, it's here.

Right now in Auckland I'm working from home as a composer. I also do gigs as a cellist in my string quartet/trio The blackbird strings.
I graduated from Auckland University in 2005 with my BMus Hons in composition. Whilst at university (I was there five years, 3 full time, 2 part time) I learnt a whole lot of stuff I've forgotten, and a few things that I've remembered. What they teach you at university is how to write traditional counterpoint and stuff, which is useful. Also they teach you a bit of history which is good.

What they don't teach you is how to be successful at your craft in the real world. This results in most people graduating and becoming accountants. This is kind of sad, but kind of good. Because a) there are hardly any jobs for composers anyway in NZ and b) it's not that hard to get a degree in composition and still be writing really bad music.

So a few years down the track, here I am. I write a number of commissioned works per year, and try and travel. I am writing more and more film scores, and loving that. I hope to take on a feature film soon. But I am waiting for the right one with the right director. I am not interested in scoring crappy films..

I am interested in writing music for commercials, a) because it pays damn well and b) because usually the ones who have a budget for original music are quite well constructed little short films. I recently did my first commercial scoring job for Saatchi & Saatchi. View it here.

Mainly, for the next 20 years or so, I want to travel a lot and write music for theatre, film, dance and concerts. I want to meet inspiring people and create amazing stuff.

Some things that I think make the world more interesting:

Royale Deluxe
Street theatre on a massive scale. Search for them on flickr too.

HERE arts centre
New York theatre that fosters lots of artists in residence.

threadless
T-shirts with a great global community of artist designers

Emma's blog
My sister's blog.

improv everywhere

Some music I'm enjoying right now:

Ingrid Michaelson (new discovery, a few gems in her collection.)
Lars Danielsson (great double bass player who has cinematic jazz arrangements.)
Arvo Paart - Tabula Rasa (old time favourite thinking music.)
Anika Moa (saw her live last night she was great. and funny.)
Sweeny Todd Soundtrack (oh it's great.)
Aimee Mann (lost in space album.)

Latest addictions:

Crispy noodles
Bounty bars
pineapple, with everything thai.
Heroes Tv show series one.
Threadless

Very special latest addiction that really is worth checking out:
www.thislife.org You can listen online for FREE to hundreds of these podcasts,
Ira Glass is GREAT. And they're totally informative on how weird america is, and people in general. Since I'm going there in september to live for a while, I am particularly intrigued with these.

Makes me laugh

The new Saatchi and Saatchi commercial I scored.

Makes me cry

Brass bands on Anzac day.


Advice for this week:

Tidying your room actually does make you feel better.


Claire