Nathan Felix

"The Only Composer that Matters"

* FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24TH 2023 - THE ARTIFICIAL HEART DOCUMENTARY

I'm in Hong Kong for Thanksgiving playing some shows with my old band The Noise Revival Orchestra. While on my flight here, I made this documentary about my immersive opera I did in Louisville at the Speed Art Museum. Check it out!

_____

* SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12TH 2023 - GOING TO HONG KONG!

I'm doing a reunion tour with my old band that I wrote for and sang in for 10 years, The Noise Revival Orchestra, in Hong Kong later this month. It'll be a good break for me after composing for and directing five operas this fall. The band is what initially launched me into classical music which then sparked an interest in opera!

_____

* FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10TH 2023 - LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY

4 down & 1 more to go! I'm off to Louisville to start production for my 5th different opera of the fall. It's been a lovely tour seeing them all come to life. This one is titled, The Artificial Heart, & premieres Friday November 17th at the Speed Art Museum --- after Louisville I've tacked on a few 'non-opera' shows in Hong Kong & San Antonio. Details coming soon but for now if you have friends or family in Louisville please share this link on the event with them - https://bit.ly/3QcNzAb

_____

* THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2ND - THE DAILY PROGRESS
Thanks to Jane Dunlap Sathe at The Daily Progress for interviewing me for the premiere of my immersive opera, All is Apathetic in Love & War, that premieres this Friday at the Fralin Museum in Charlottesville Virginia!

_____

* TUESDAY OCTOBER 31ST - THE PAÑOS PROPHECY DOC

I made this short documentary on the production of my opera, The Paños Prophecy, that premiered at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque last week. I hope you enjoy!!!

_____

* THURSDAY OCTOBER 26TH - ABQ JOURNAL

Thanks to the Albuquerque Journal for interviewing me about my new immersive opera, The Paños Prophecy, that premieres on Saturday! I can't wait to see and connect with the community!

_____

* WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 25TH - NEW MEXICO LIVING

Always fun going on KRQE. Thanks Stephanie Chavez for having us this morning to promote our Saturday immersive opera, The Paños Prophecy, that premieres at the National Hispanic Cultural Center this Saturday October 28th. The event is 1-4pm and the opera is at 3pm

_____

* THURSDAY OCTOBER 12TH - THE CADENCE OF LIFE DOCUMENTARY

Excited to share this short documentary I made about the process of bringing my immersive opera, The Cadence of Life, to life last week in Des Moines at Anderson Gallery at Drake University. Check it out!

_____

* THURSDAY OCTOBER 5TH 2023 - TIMES DELPHIC

The press keeps rolling in & I'm feelin' it! Thanks to Isabella Ksiazak at The Times Delphic for the interview and support. Click on the image to read the full story...

_____

* OCTOBER 4TH 2023 - DSM MAGAZINE

Thanks to DSM Magazine for the great interview and preview of The Cadence of Life. Click on the photo to read the article!

_____

* TUESDAY OCTOBER 3RD 2023 - WE ARE IOWA
Thanks We Are Iowa for having us on this morning. What a joy meeting & chatting with Chenue Her about the premiere of The Cadence of Life this Thursday October 5th at Anderson Gallery on the Drake University campus

_____

* SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH - GLORY GONE DOCUMENTARY

I have even more content from my production on Glory Gone earlier this month in Albuquerque for hispanic heritage month. Watch the cast talk about their experience working on their roles.

_____

* THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH - GLORY GONE

I'm thrilled to kick off my fall season in Albuquerque this with the premiere of my opera, Glory Gone, at the Maxwell Museum. Glory Gone explores themes of “restoring voices and the search for one’s purpose and identity in the face of racial discrimination,” says the composer.

_____

* MONDAY AUGUST 21ST - FALL 2023 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT

Fall 🍁 2023 • No hometown performances but I’m thrilled to be sharing my work in new 🏙️ markets. My summer was spent writing ✍️ 14-16 hours a day to complete 5 new operettas & personally I think it’s some of my best work to date. Now the fun part of staging, directing and producing begins. Let’s conquer the world 🌎 one show at a time bb 🙌🏽

_____

* MONDAY MAY 29TH - ATLANTA OPERA

Earlier this spring it was announced that I'm a finalist for the 96-hour opera project with the Atlanta Opera that takes place in June. Well I just wrapped my touring season of 25 shows in Austin, Iowa City, Columbia and Orlando and guess what's next?! Atlanta here I come. Click on the image for more details...

_____

* SUNDAY MAY 28TH 2023 - EPIC VIDEO AT THE STANLEY MUSEUM

Ok, so you gotta check out this intro made epic by my friend Stephen Carlock's killer voice over! This was such a fun group to work with and they all really helped push the limits of my immersive works. I'm hoping to get back to Iowa City next year. Stay tuned...

_____

* MONDAY MAY 8TH 2023 - COLUMBIA DOCUMENTARY

I'm excited to share this documentary I made on the process of bringing my immersive opera to life in Columbia South Carolina in April. I hope you enjoy!!!

_____

* MONDAY MAY 1ST 2023 - OPERA PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Thanks to Emily at the Daily Iowan for coming and reviewing my immersive opera at the Stanley Museum!

_____

* THURSDAY APRIL 13TH - COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART

I'll be in Columbia next week starting rehearsals for my next immersive opera production! Thanks to the Daily Gamecock for the article about it! Can't wait to experience Columbia

_____

* FEBRUARY 22ND - BORDERLAND

This is what's up! Panoramic Voices slayed this past weekend! We made magic. Check it out...

_____

* FRIDAY FERUARY 10TH 2023 - AUSTIN BORDER STORIES

Special thanks to Adam Bennett and Sightlines for the great write up on the backstory behind my new composition. It premieres Saturday February 18th at KMFA. Get tickets HERE. And click on the image to read the full story!

_____

* SUNDAY JANUARY 29TH 2023 - SPRING SEASON

A lot variety for this spring. 100 piece choir, 2 immersive operas, a silent opera & everything in between. It all kicks in Austin with Borderland featuring Panoramic Voices on Feb 18th. Tickets available HERE

_____

* TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29TH - SYMPHONY #3 ALBUM ART WORK

I'm more than thrilled to be releasing my new album, Santa-Almada, on December 9th. Choral group, Inversion Ensemble, sang it so beautifully. I have a pre-order on Band Camp (click on pic below) where to can preview some of it. Artist, Michael Carnes created such beautiful artwork for the album.

_____

* FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11TH - RIBAS-DOMINICCI ON TPR

I made this short film on last Friday’s premiere of Ribas-Dominicci, at Texas Public Radio. Lucianna Astorga & Pedro Carreras talk about portraying their respective characters.

_____

* MONDAY NOVEMBER 7TH 2022 - FALL SEASON OVER + NEW ALBUM COMING...

That's a wrap on my 2022 fall season 😅 - 8 concerts. 5 cities. 3 different operas. 1 week off and I start composing for my 2023 spring season where I'll be presenting new works in TX, IA, GA, SC, NY and FL. BUT before I see ya'll next year, I'll be releasing a live album of my choral symphony, Santa-Almada, on December 9th 2022. Here is the first of a few promotional trailers...

_____

* FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST - MALINCHE SA DOC

Best cast chemistry! 🧪 What a blessing to get to work in creative spaces & get to connect and laugh so much. Check this new 3-minute video we just released. Special thanks to San Antonio Museum of Art for letting me produce my ideas in their beautiful spaces. This was collab #5 with them 🥂 To many more!

_____

* TUESDAY OCTOBER 18TH 2022 - THE PAISANO

Great review from The Paisano for last Friday's opera performance at the San Antonio Museum of Art

_____

* WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH 2022 - COCO CHANEL IN ORLANDO

What a pleasure talking with Seth Kubersky over at the Orlando Weekly. We talked about why I love coming to and working in Orlando as well as the up coming premiere of my brand new opera No. 5, an opera about the loves of Coco Chanel.

_____

* SATURDAY JULY 30TH - OPERA IN ORLANDO

Next up is my new opera No. 5 about fashion designer Coco Chanel. Tickets are on sale for our October 1st premiere at Timucua Arts Foundation as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. It stars soprano, Molly Ann Anderson as Chanel (young), Claire Hodge as Chanel (older), Jacob Pence (Boy Capel) and mezzo's Sarah Purser and Madison Marie McIntosh. It'll be exciting to see friends and the Orlando community!

_____

* AUGUST 24TH 2022 - FALL SEASON BB!

Summer is over! Time to ditch the heat and go to concerts! Looks like it’s a Texas 🤠 and Florida 🐊 fest for me this fall 🍁 with 3 different operas, a procession for Dia de Los Muertos and an audience interactive piece 🙌🏽. Ticket 🎫 links in my TOUR section or click on the photo!

_____

* AUGUST 5TH - IMMERSIVE AT THE HARN MUSEUM

Back on March 10, 2022 I had the pleasure of activating the Harn Museum of Art with one of my immersive operas for their Museum Nights program. It was my first time to Gainesville and I made so many new friends and hope to get back in the future 🥰

_____

* TUESDAY AUGUST 2ND - OPERA FILM SERIES LAUNCH

Looking to combine my love of 🎥 and opera 🗣I decided to start a new film series to showcase the different personalities of singers I get to work with. The 1️⃣ first film features Madison Marie McIntosh, mezzo-soprano who I’ve had the privilege of working with in both NYC 🌃 and ABQ 🌵

_____

* FRIDAY JULY 22ND 2022 - DAILY LOBO

Thx 🙏🏽 to the Daily Lobo for interviewing us about 𝘓𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦 - 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳 | 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳. Opening night was a smashing success 💫

_____

* WEDNESDAY JULY 20 - TRAITOR | SAVIOR

We are inching closer to the premiere of my opera La Malinche - Traitor | Savior. Today we marked, blocked and filmed at the Albuquerque Museum. This cast has really put in the work and it's going to be a treat for those that get to witness one of our two performances. We premiere the work this Thursday July 21st (6:30pm) & on Sunday (1pm). I'm feeling very blessed!!!

_____

* WEDNESDAY MAY 25TH 2022 - LA MALINCHE ABQ

I cannot wait for rehearsals this summer for the premiere of a new opera I was commissioned to write and direct for the Albuquerque Museum of Art about La Malinche. I'm working with an all-star cast featuring Lucianna Astorga (La Malinche), Madison Marie McIntosh (Hernan Cortes) and more! La Malinche: Traitor | Savior will premiere on July 21st (6:30pm) and a matinee will follow on July 24th (1pm). Both performances at the ABQ Museum are free and open to the public! Also today is my bday 💝

_____

* TUESDAY MARCH 8TH - 2022 SO FAR...

FL > NM > WA > Hitting up new markets in 2022 to premiere new operettas as well as my hometown Austin where I’ll premiere my 3rd symphony in May. Let’s go!

_____

* MONDAY JANUARY 3RD - HAPPY NEW YEAR

I've been laying low since Orlando. Resting and reloading for 2022. Music has provided opportunities for me to travel and foster new friendships and for that I'm most thankful. Having my family join me in Orlando made this opera about my grandmother that much more special.

_____

* WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 24 2021 - SA REPORT ARTICLE

Thanks to Nicholas Frank for the thoughtful review and insight into my new album, Texas Skies. I chuckled when I read the first quote from my mom! She had adult things to consider but I had nowhere to be so I could let my mind drift as a 6 year old in the back of our Suburban and soak in the surrounding landscapes. It's a great read when you have the time.

_____

* WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17TH - AUSTIN CHRONICLE TEXAS SKIES

Thank you to the Austin Chronicle for the wonderful story on the making of Texas Skies, my new album written for two pianos and featuring pianist, Timo Andres. Texas Skies comes out this Friday November 19th on all streaming digital platforms!

_____

* TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2ND - 4-HARPSICHORD CONCERTO

It's time for the 'live' premiere of my 4-Harpsichord Concerto in San Antonio on Friday November 12th at the San Antonio Museum of Art! SAMA filmed this comprehensive video on the making of my concerto. Check it out. RSVP at this LINK

_____

* SUNDAY OCTOBER 3RD - NEW YORK CITY

I'm really excited for my first concert in New York City in 15 years! Back then I was playing in a punk band at CBGB's & fast forward to 2021 as I present my immersive opera on Thursday Oct 28th at The High Line Nine gallery in Chelsea. RSVP FREE HERE

_____

* WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 6TH 2021 - BLACK NEON ROSE ON THE RADIO

This Saturday at 7pm Texas Public Radio is broadcasting, Black Neon Rose, my harpsichord concerto for 4-harpsichords, strings and choir. Tune in to KPAC 88.3 FM and KTXI 90.1 FM (in the hill country) or TPR.org

nathan-felix-black-neon-rose-texas-public-radio

_____

* SATURDAY OCTOBER 2ND - 2 OPERAS IN ORLANDO!

Excited to be presenting two of my operas (Ribas-Dominicci & The War Bride) on December 10th at Timucua Arts Foundation. Tickets just went on sale! Starring Sarah Purser Bojorquez, Molly Ann Anderson, VoxOCCO, etc. Ticket link here - https://timucua.com/event/live-at-timucua-ribas-dominicci-the-war-bride-in-person/

_____

* FRIDAY OCTOBER 1ST - NEW FILM EXHIBITION AT FORSYTH

My new film exhibition is coming to Forsyth Galleries this October to January in tandem with Jorge Villarreal's 'Sink Series'! Stop by College Station Texas to be amazed!

_____

* SATURDAY MAY 1ST - RIBAS-DOMINICCI

What a wonderful experience from start to finish. I'm proud of the entire cast and the production team at Texas Public Radio. Please enjoy the 'virtual' premiere of my newest chamber opera, Ribas-Dominicci, and let's hope for an in-person premiere of the full-length in the future!

_____

* WEDNESDAY APRIL 28TH - SA EXPRESS NEWS 'RIBAS-DOMINICCI'

Thank you San Antonio Express News for interviewing the Ribas-Berrain family. Blanca pours her heart out in this story and it's such a wonderful and endearing read. Link on the link for the full story.

_____

* MONDAY JANUARY 4 2021 - REMEMBER THEIR NAMES

Excited to have my film, Remember Their Names, selected to screen at the "Life Screenings International One - Minute Film Festival. The screening is on Saturday January 9th at 4pm EST with a virtual Q/A to follow! Remember Their Names is the 1st of 6 editions of an art piece for the BLM movement. These are 9 of 54 people that are passionate of the movement. These first 9 are in the San Antonio/Austin TX area. The next 9 will be from the Brooklyn/NYC area.

_____

* FRIDAY OCTOBER 30TH - SIGHTLINES ALBUM REVIEW

Thanks to Josh Figeroa and Sightlines Magazine for the interview and review of my new chamber opera, Öcalan. Click on the image below to read the article. The article include music videos you can listen to and watch as well!

_____

* WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14TH - TEXAS PUBLIC RADIO
I always enjoy dropping in to talk with Texas Public Radio and Nathan Cone. Listen or read about our conversation on my new operetta, Öcalan.

_____

* MONDAY OCTOBER 5TH - ÖCALAN PROMOTIONAL TRAILER

In 2 weeks my new opera album comes out on all digital platforms. I'm really excited about this new work that was recorded in Austin in March right before COVID shut down the world. Here is an insight...

_____

* THURSDAY OCTOBER 1ST - STÊRK TV

It's been a thrilling ride, promoting my new album, Öcalan, that comes out on October 15th. It's an honor to connect with activists and passionate supporters in the Kurdish struggle for freedom and autonomy. Click on the picture below to see my TV interview. And preview/pre-purchase the opera/album at nathanfelix.bandcamp.com

_____

* WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD - OPERA WIRE

Excited to release my new chamber opera inspired by Kurdish Political Activist, Abdullah Öcalan. Pre-order music on Bandcamp - https://nathanfelix.bandcamp.com/album/calan

_____

* FRIDAY JUNE 17TH - AUSTIN CHRONICLE STORY

The Austin Chronicle interviewed me about my creative ventures during the pandemic. They highlight my transition to making experimental films, my new music surrounding social injustice and my background growing up in Austin. (click on image for full story)

_____

* FRIDAY JUNE 17TH - OPERA SINGERS TAILGATING

I'm extremely proud to release this video in conjunction with the Austin Chronicle's story on my experimental film series. Watch as two professional opera singers, Kathleen Shelton and Abigail Benke, take you on a journey through Cleburne Texas like you've never seen before.

_____

* WEDNESDAY MAY 20TH - EXPERIMENTAL QUARANTINE FILM

I woke up and wanted to make more films, so I started filming what I do in quarantine. Why not right? Q1: Drinking Coffee / Q2: Shaving / Q3: Reading page 214 Kurt Vonnegut. Click on video or visit YouTube.com/NathanFelixTV

_____

* TUESDAY MARCH 17TH - OPERATION LOCKDOWN

It's been an unprecedented time for everyone with cities and countries on lockdown. There is so much uncertainty in my life and career as an artist. As we all wait to see how all unfolds, time to reflect is abundant. For starters I'd like to share a teaser from my Alien operetta last fall. This teaser was created by director, Deepak Chetty, in an effort to bring the performance to New York, Los Angeles and Europe, but those efforts are on hold. I pray this piece and my public performances will see the light of day on the other side of the tunnel. For now, I hope you'll enjoy. And if you find it in your heart and have the means, any donations are welcome via Paypal button above or Venmo @NathanFelix. All donations are appreciated as supplemental income while I wait out the storm.

_____

* NOVEMBER 22ND - DAILY TEXAN

_____

*SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 2019 - KMFA

You know why Austin is cool? Because we have an amazing classical music station that loves to cover the vibrant local classical music community. Yes there is NYC and L.A. and Chicagobut for a once sleepy town in the middle of big 'ole Texas? I'm proud. I couldn't imagine growing up in any other city.

_____

* OCTOBER 18TH - [nothing]

_____

* SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15 2019 - FILM EXHIBITION

My first film exhibition will be on display for all of October at Damas Space in San Antonio. Here is a snap shot from the first shoot today. It'll be experimental and you don't want to miss it!

_____

* TUESDAY JUNE 18TH - THE MAKING OF...

It's short but I wanted to share a trailer I made for a mini-doc I'm stitching together from the process of diving head-first into composing, directing and producing my silent headphone opera, THE WAR BRIDE. I hope you enjoy this sneak peak via the following trailer. The full documentary should be ready in early 2020.

_____

* TUESDAY MAY 28TH - BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

And that's a wrap! What an amazing month in Orlando for Fringe festival. I worked with an amazing team that sang so well for 14 performances of our immersive "silent" headphone musical!

_____

* WEDNESDAY MAY 1ST - DIY CLASSICAL MUSIC

This Saturday May 4th, 6-Pianos in Surround Sound is here at Sawyer Yards (1502 Sawyer St). 7PM. It's free and open to the public and we'll have free wine, whiskey and beer. Jesse Sendejas at the Houston Press interviewed me for this wonderful encapsulation of the heart and soul of the project. Click on the photo for the entire story.

_____

* MARCH 13TH 2019 - TEXAS SKIES

Texas Skies is a composition written for 2 pianos and quadraphonic speaker set that I premiered in Denmark at SPOT Festival in May of 2018. The pianists featured are Tanja Zapolski and Rikke Sandberg as seen in this video. In order, the four movements are: West Texas, East Texas, The Panhandle, The Border. Texas Skies will be performed for the first time in Texas at Flight Gallery in San Antonio on Friday March 22nd!

_____

* JANUARY 12TH 2019 - KEEP COMPOSERS WEIRD

My residency for composers was featured on KMFA. Check it out!!!

_____

* DECEMBER 4TH 2018 - MOTION CAPTURE

This was a very exciting project I had to keep under the wraps but now that the live premiere is out of the way, I wanted to share the video for a music collaboration I did up in Austin with the Motion Capture and Dance departments up in Austin at UT. It was my first time collaborating with both Mocap and dance and I'm really excited about the outcome. Check the video when you get a chance. Props to Deepak Chetty for the amazing directing and Dorothy O'Shea Overbay on the choreography.

_____

* WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7TH - TEXAS PUBLIC RADIO
AMAZING article from Texas Public Radio that perfectly encapsulates what I'm trying to accomplish not only with my headphone opera but in my music career as a whole. Thanks to Nathan Cone for taking the time to interview me.

_____

* SUNDAY OCTOBER 28TH - THE WAR BRIDE

I am thrilled the time has finally come to premiere my headphone opera titled, THE WAR BRIDE. This is the story of my late grandmother, Jean Groundsell, who grew up as a poor teenage British girl living in Chichester when WWII broke out in England. Follow her brave journey as she boards the S.S. Saturnia and ventures to America in 1945. The concert is November 10th at Hemisfair Park during Luminaria Festival. Two performances run at 7:30 and 8:30. See map just below for exact location of THE WAR BRIDE in Hemisfair Park.

_____

* WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24TH - MUSIC IN THE PARK

_____

* WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 10TH - DENMARK & YACHTING & RENEGADE

OK, so I have to admit that I really dig that the Current called me a "Renegade" composer. That just has a ring to it and I'd never give myself a nickname. I also really dig the way that the visual component for Yachting with the Kennedy's came out. I mean those gold toilets look siiiick! Here I am in Denmark hanging with such an amazing array of talented composers and feeling good about the immersive experience that came out of the performance last Saturday. If you came, I hope you took something home with you. And if you didn't...well...tough luck! But you can read the Currents preview HERE. And click on the photo below to see some of the action. After Denmark I have concerts coming up in Orlando and in San Antonio. Here they are... (for addresses of performances go to my TOUR page

October 20: Immerse Festival in Orlando - new choral work titled Orlando Unite
October 27: Music in the Park in San Antonio - new works for percussion on bamboo, megaphone choir and more 6 sided keboard
November 10: Luminaria Festival in San Antonio - Premiere of my Headphone Opera

_____

* MONDAY MAY 21ST - ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

I had 3 intimate concerts at SPOT Festival in Denmark and what a great surprise to have journalist, David Fricke of Rolling Stone Magazine fame, pop into one of them. I ran into David later at the festival and we had some good conversation about music. While I know, modern classical music is not David's preferred choice of music, it was nice to hear him compliment the piece so eloquently. What he shared I'll save as private....

_____

* APRIL 30TH 2018 - MUSIC FOR DOG TOYS

Here is an audience participation piece using dog toys, magazines, pens and voice. I did with From Those Who Follow the Echoes at San Antonio Museum of Art last month.

My fave part is around the 1:40 where a combination of the dog toys and whistling created such a reverberous sound!

_____

* WEDNESDAY APRIL 18TH - ADAGIETTO (NEW SINGLE)

I released my first new recording since my symphony, Neon Heaven in 2016. This is a new single called Adagietto. It's sung in Italian by Candice Jackson. Adagietto will eventually be for full symphony and choir for my 3rd symphony. I just need to find the money to record this new symphony but this give you an idea. Here is the video shot at Cacophony Recorders in Austin, TX. If you'd like to purchase the track it's on iTunes & for streaming on Spotify.

_____

* MONDAY OCTOBER 29TH 2017 - MELBOURNE 6 PIANOS

What a whirlwind! A day after my bus-opera I jumped on a plane to Australia, for two concerts for my 6-Piano Project. I haven't seen an ounce of Melbourne because it's been so crazy with set up and rehearsals! But alas, they are complete and they were wildly successful. Time for a few days of relaxation. Here are a few photos and a short video and then a few videos from the past for reference on the beginning of the 6-Piano Project that has now spanned 3 different countries and 4 different cities (Austin, Barcelona, San Antonio, Melbourne)...

_____

* MONDAY OCTOBER 23RD - OPERA ON A BUS REVIEW

_____

* TUESDAY OCTOBER 17TH - DIY COMPOSER PRESENTS OPERA ON A BUS

Thanks to James Courtney at the San Antonio Current for the write up today! Please take a gander if you have a few moments. It's been quite a process organizing it all and it wouldn't be possible with the dedication from all the singers and contributors in the choir this entire year.

_____

GO TO "BLOG" IN THE SIDEBAR FOR MORE POSTS

SUMMER 2014 (Blog Post 1)

* IN THE BEGINNING...

A teacher once told me that if you you are thinking something during class, chances are that many others are thinking the same thing. Well I can't really seem to find a composer that thinks the same way as I am thinking.

I read on every damn composer's site that they are an "award winning" composer and paint this picture of success. Then you listen to what they are doing and...

Well I've never won an award for anything besides a creative writing contest in high school that my journalism teacher entered me in, without telling me. I threw away the award..

And don't get me wrong, I've definitely experienced some amazing things in life because of music so it really paid off to learn a few instruments! Although now people tell me that I have certain successes because of my personality? WTF! I guess I have my moments, because I certainly love people and I love listening to stories. I think I have my moments where I really connect with people because I'm also certain there is a list of people that would say my personality does not attract people but more-so turns them off.

Back to music...so eventually I learned that any ole' Joe can pick up a guitar. That's why I hated playing guitar once I was in college. I needed a new fix. I hit the road touring the U.S. with my brother and best friends in a tribute to the D.I.Y touring culture of the 80's. This was a blast and I highly recommend this to anyone coming out of college. Why get a job when you can travel, play music, get in trouble, have adventures and see all the unique pockets our country has to offer. After 3 or so years of this I started growing and transitioning into a cinematic sound and outgrew our little punk band. I started a large orchestral based band and eventually started composing for film and now symphony orchestra. It took around 8 years to make that transition and even now I'm facing new challenges. The challenge of academia. Maybe I'm too amateur? But it's comparable to being in the twilight zone or in a bar of "independent" minded people all wearing the same black outfits. I mean, every composer I meet that has gone through the academic route in learning composition thinks, acts and sounds the same. They have to know this right? I even hear the same within film composing, in that the music or sounds that composers use have obviously been sampled and will eventually sound dated.

Maybe everyone has it figured out but I don't? I'm still on the journey but maybe one day I can look back and truly answer that question. I hope with this blog, that someone else out there can benefit from what I have to say. Although I'm not really sure what I have to say. But who cares. It's the wild wild west out there and the world keeps spinning. Someone else might have the deal or the money or the popularity but if you read between the lines I just described Milli Vanilli, Backstreet Boys, David Cassidy etc! Make the music and do everything yourself...

I'll rant here and there to keep things spicy. I tend to stick my foot in mouth but sometimes I'll also try to be politically correct just in case I decide to run for president one day. Don't expect perfect punctuation but do expect a ton of run-ons! I'm about producing and less about waiting until something is perfect. That's why my family calls me the rabbit. Oh, and I meant what I said about loving stories! So if you actually scroll this far and want to tell me your story, please do! I would love to hear from you...

__________