2023 Interviews
The Other Artists That Inspire My Music
I wanted to share the music of other artists who have inspired, helped and supported me along my musical journey. These composers come from all over the world and have created some beautiful work. I asked them whether they would be interested in an interview and they agreed. The answers they have provided have not been altered by myself in any way and I have shared some link to their music as well. I plan to add articles once a month. So without further ado, let's meet them.
ANA REBEKAH
ANA REBEKAH IS A SWEDISH PIANIST AND COMPOSER WITH INFLUENCES FROM CLASSICAL MUSIC, JAZZ AND A TOUCH OF NORDIC SOUND
My favourite pieces by Ana - Live In Harmony
How/when did you start playing the piano? Do you play any other instruments?
I started taking piano lessons when I was 6 years old and when I was 9 I started playing the violin but quit after a few years. However, singing has always been an important instrument for me, and when I was 6 years old, I was sure I would be a singer when I grew up. So over the years I have combined my singing with piano and I am also a singer-song writer in Sweden with several albums behind me.
Do you have a favourite key to play/compose in?
I try to vary keys and I've also heard that certain keys create different feelings and expressions to suit different genres. So it depends on what I want to achieve. But I have a few favourites: G major, D minor, B flat major and D major. F major is also ok.
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
Yes, many times.
What time of day and what time of year are you most inspired to write music?
It's easier for me to work at the beginning of the day and Autumn is a very inspirational time of the year. But you also have to write music when you're not so inspired and that is something that you have to learn to do.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
I often have an idea. It can be a feeling or an idea of how I want to play. Then I start improvising at the piano. I almost always work thematically with different themes that recur in different variations. Then it's about setting the shape of the piece and how I should best portray the different themes and which different playing styles I want to use. Then I usually leave it for a day. When I play it the next day, if I still like it I know it's worth recording!
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
I've played a little guitar but I would like to get really good at it. Pipe organ would be fantastic to be able to play. I am extremely impressed by those who can play the pipe organ.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
Right now it is “Always With You”. I like the meaning behind it and how I worked with different variations on a theme and the harmonies.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Live your dream. Stop comparing yourself to others because everyone is unique so believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to make mistakes but learn from your mistakes and they will take you a step forward.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
2023 is the year that my music took off and I started working with several different record labels which have helped me reach out more widely with my music. One big moment was when “For A Brief Moment” ended up high on Apple Music's biggest editorial piano playlist (piano chill). It was an important milestone during the year and gave me greater courage and confidence. but the absolute best moments are when people contact me and tell me what my music has meant in their lives. How they felt a peace in their heart and how the music lifted them in difficult situations. That's exactly why I'm doing this.
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
Less is more. Keep it simple and instead be extremely careful to get all the details right.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
“Always With You” is my own personal favourite release.
I have to say two releases this year as I can't choose between them
“Memory Lane” by Listening Wind
“More Human” by Lars Jansson and Rasmus Thomsen
SIMON LOWY
WITH A BACKGROUND IN JAZZ PIANO COVERS, SIMON CHANGED DIRECTION DURING THE PANDEMIC AND NOW COMPOSES MODERN CLASSICAL PIANO PIECES.
My favourite piece by Simon - Thank You For You
How/when did you start playing the piano? Do you play any other instruments?
When I was nine years old, my father asked me if I would like to take piano lessons. If I agreed, then the expense of buying the piano would be justified. I still have that same piano today. I played clarinet too but it did not offer the same exploratory depth that I found on those 88 notes!
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
The first piece I recall other than just experimenting with composition in a flippant way was when I was a teenager. Our school was planning an end of year musical and needed original input. It was a sweet lullaby for 2 AI robots who were falling in love!
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
Yes, I was resident pianist in various hotels, to include the London Savoy, I’d mostly play covers, requests etc but would often drop in one of my own pieces and they were well received. Also I played a couple of solo recitals at the Fairfield Halls Croydon.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
Good question. My main approach is to improvise and if I like what comes through I develop the idea. Recently I’ve discovered some old scribblings I made years ago and those initial thoughts had not been developed. So it’s been a treat to revisit those old ideas and find something new and exciting after so long.
What other artist has inspired your music the most?
There are many, but I would have to single out George Shearing. He could deliver so much with such ease and economy that it was mesmerising. I had the pleasure of touring the USA for a month with George when he headlined with the BBC Big Band. I worked on their production team. The Band had a great influence in introducing me to great jazz standards and gave me the chance to meet many celebrated performers. I also wrote a piece for the band called “Esperanza”
The composer who has inspired me the most is John Barry. His stirring melodies are born out of uncomplicated origins yet they stimulate complex emotional undertones. An art, a sign of a true master.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
The guitar. As the piano instils the need to play chords and to give a complete performance , it’s the obvious choice. Plus it’s a lot more portable!
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
There are personal pieces, such as “Gaynor” written for my wife, “To have and to hold” and “For Jenna and Jesper” written for our daughters’ marriages. But I have to say my favourite is my recent release “our Butterfly”. In it I believe I’ve caught the flight of the butterfly and conveyed the connection to lost loved ones often associated with visits from butterflies. I hope!
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
No advice on artistic self discovery because I’ve enjoyed the journey and wouldn’t want to tamper with that. But I would suggest interacting with as many musicians as possible and get your music heard sooner rather than later. Accept rejections, and keep moving on.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
My highlight was being featured on BBC R3 "In Tune" and they also asked me to record a vocal introduction to the piece, and I found that a fun experience.
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
People often tell you to be true to yourself, and I think this year that thought resonated fully with me, and although I love to be influenced by other artists I recognise that I know what I know and I stick to that.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
My own favourite track was "Our Butterfly" which was very personal, and I was pleased with how it evolved in production and then how well it was received.
It's SOOO hard to choose a track by another artist, but if forced to name one, then it's "Beauty" by Oscar Mallen who burst on to the scene with this delicately played, heartfelt "beauty" :)
https://www.instagram.com/simon.lowy/
MATTHEW AVERY
MATTHEW AVERY IS A COMPOSER OF MINIMALIST PIANO AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC FROM SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.
My favourite piece by Matthew - Sinking
How/when did you start playing the piano? Do you play any other instruments?
I used to play guitar in punk bands throughout my high school and college years and really felt happiest when I was making music. I later began to focus more on the piano and I have been seriously working on piano/instrumental music since 2015. My love of minimalistic and emotional movie soundtracks is what first inspired me to begin composing songs on the piano.
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
It is such a wonderful feeling when you first sit down at the piano and hear the notes somehow come together in a way that makes you say “hey, this sounds pretty cool!”. Like many of my ideas, my first song came to me randomly and I believe it was a little bit messy with a fast and epic sound.
What time of day and what time of year are you most inspired to write music?
I would say that inspiration can happen at any moment and sometimes when I least expect it, but some of my best ideas have come late at night. There is something special about sitting alone in the dark and playing the piano.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
Most of the time I just sit down at the piano and experiment with different patterns of notes or chords until I find something that sounds interesting to me. I usually record my initial ideas and later revisit those and see where I can change things or further develop songs. Sometimes I’ll have a certain feeling or mood that I want to capture and use that as the guiding force when composing a new song.
What other artist has inspired your music the most?
Clint Mansell is one of my favorite film composers and in particular his soundtrack for the movie “The Fountain” was one of the biggest inspirations for me to start composing music. It perfectly captures a beautiful sadness with minimalist piano and strings. My favorite solo piano artist is the German composer Lambert who is similarly able to capture raw beauty and emotion through the sounds of the piano.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
I think it would be great to be able to play the cello because it is one of the instruments that can elevate an instrumental movie score to make it feel even more expressive or epic.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
“With You” is my favorite song I’ve written mainly because it captures a moment of happiness and there is a sort of consistent natural flow throughout the track. Funnily enough, my second favorite track I’ve written is the exact opposite of that one and the saddest song I’ve ever written called “Disintegrate”, which I released through my alternate artist page- Cillian O’Mara. Both of these songs were born out of strong emotions and maybe that is why they are still my favorites.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Play piano as much as possible and experiment with new ways of playing and different combinations of notes. Write music that resonates with you first and then be open to making changes, collaborating with others, or completely reworking songs to be able to reach a larger number of listeners. Perhaps most importantly, set aside time to sit down at the piano and see where it takes you without any expectations or intentions of recording a song.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
My personal musical highlight in 2023 has been composing new music for next year (a new EP and also potentially a new full length album). I really enjoyed pushing myself and spending many hours at the piano experimenting with different ideas and finding a more peaceful sound in many of the songs.
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
I've learned to embrace the spaces in between the notes and incorporate quiet moments within some songs.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
My favorite neoclassical release of 2023 was "Herb" by Sturm and Linus Alberg because it beautifully mixes piano and strings to create a calm and sad atmosphere.
My favorite of my own releases for 2023 is my song "Aglow" out November 10th. It is my favorite because it has a light and warm melody and relaxing flow that I have loved ever since I first played it a year ago.
JIMMY'S
JAIME MARQUEZ IS KNOWN BY MOST AS JIMMY AND HE GOES BY THE ARTIST NAME "JIMMY'S". HE IS A MEXICAN COMPOSER OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, MAINLY PIANO PIECES. HIS WORKS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE BUT ALSO FROM HIS PERSONAL LIFE EXPERIENCES AND FEELINGS.
My favourite piece by Jimmy - Milk and Honey
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
The first complete piece I composed is a song called “A New Heart”. The sound or vibe of the song is inspired from a minimalistic piano piece called “Dearly Beloved” from Yoko Shimomura which was one of the songs that made me fall in love with music when I was little. As for the meaning behind the song, I wrote it after a time of big suffering in my life, so it is a symbol of new beginnings, based also on Psalm 51 from the Bible. There’s still not a professional piano recording of it yet but there’ll definitely be one soon!
Do you have a favourite key to play/compose in?
I’m always playing and improvising on Eb but the final versions of songs usually end up in other keys like C and G.
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
Only twice when I was attending a music school, I loved the feeling but it’s not something I’m aiming in the future since I have a slight hearing loss problem in both ears, so I’m most likely keeping everything virtual to take care of them.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
Most of the times I improvise until something comes up! But sometimes I take chord progressions from songs that I love and make something new out of them.
What other artist has inspired your music the most?
Among my hobbies, there’s playing video games and watching Anime so (long story short) I’m always listening to Japanese composers like Nobuo Uematsu, Yuki Hayashi, Joe Hisaishi, etc… I really admire them, composing emotive and heartfelt pieces that can tell stories through their melodies just like they do is one of my goals with music.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
Definitely the guitar! It can do some things that the piano can’t but I’m not sure I want to invest a lot of time into learning to play it nowadays, I’ll probably stick with the piano for now.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
“A New Heart” definitely! It’s especial since it’s the first song wrote and it’s on Eb which is my favorite key. So far I’ve only got old and low quality videos of me playing it and a LoFi version of it but the complete piano version will be recorded eventually.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
To be more decisive, making music my work by connecting with others through it has always been my dream but it took quite long before I really started trying. Still, better later than never. :)
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
I think that a personal highlight would be definitely the fact that, thanks to music, I've gotten the chance to meet other talented and intelligent artists that have taught me a lot in different ways. Being able to connect and learn from others that have similar passions and goals like I do is something precious to me.
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
That there's always someone out there that will enjoy or support what you do, that's something beautiful and I'm extremely grateful for it. I want to keep doing my best to support and give back in any way I can.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
Mine was definitely the song "Inside Out". While creating that song I was thinking on how music can manage to express what sometimes words can't. It's a special song for me and I wanted to make it sound as heartfelt as possible!
As for my favorite release from another artist, usually Spotify Wrapped always helps me with that one haha but if I'd had to think of one right now, it would be "Find the Flame" by Masayoshi Soken. I feel a burst of energy and determination flowing inside my veins while listening to that one.
https://www.instagram.com/jimmys.atelier/
YAKOV BERGER
YAKOV BERGER IS AN ISRAELI PIANIST AND COMPOSER WHO FOCUESES MAINLY ON SOLO PIANO MUSIC.
My favourite piece by Yakov - Wasted Tears
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
The first piece I can remember I composed was a piece I composed when I was 15, and I remember it because I found a video of me playing it while answering your questions. I don’t really remember what inspired its creation as it was a very long time ago. I remember I always liked to improvise and compose more than learning to play other composer's pieces.
Do you have a favourite key to play/compose in?
I like to improvise in A major and F minor.
If we talk about composing, I think having a “favorite key”, it’s the wrong way to look at composing. Every key has its own sound and atmosphere. The same melody will sound different in a different key. It very depends on the feelings I’d like to express, and how the melody sounds when I’m playing it.
What time of day are you most inspired to write music?
I’m most inspired to write music at night. I can say I’m a night person in every way.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
The first and only method I know is just to start. I never have a clear structure of what I want to do. There is no recipe. Sometimes it’s a result of improvisation, and sometimes it’s starting from an idea of a story I’d like to tell or feelings I’d like to express.
What is your favourite piece of music written by someone other than yourself!?
I’m listening to different kinds of music, from pop to classical music, and my “favorite piece” depends on the day, the hour, and the mood of the moment. I can’t tell you what my favorite piece is because each day it’s a different piece.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
I guess Drums.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
My favorite piece of music is a piece I haven’t written yet. I don’t like to look back and deal with things that are already done. As I finish a piece, I'm starting to think about the next piece. If you are saying to me “you must take down all your music forever and stay only with one piece”, I will choose “Plastic Birds”.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Ignore your fears, ignore your self-judgment, and don't compare yourself to others.
FRANCISCO CASAROTTI
FRANCISCO CASAROTTI IS A SELF-TAUGHT PIANIST & COMPOSER BASED IN MONTREAL WHO FINDS INSPIRATION IN NATURE & LIFE EXPERIENCES. HIS MUSIC IS INFLUENCED BY ARTISTS SUCH AS LUDOVICO EINAUDI, JOEP BEVING AND ALEXIS FFRENCH.
My favourite piece by Francisco - Motion
How/when did you start playing the piano? Do you play any other instruments?
I started playing the piano around the age of 18 after discovering Ludovico Einaudi. At that time, I was a drummer in a punk band and I had never imagined that I would ever play the piano. That’s why I always say that Einaudi’s music changed my life. It really did. I also played the guitar in my teenage years.
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
It’s a very simple piece called ‘Farewell’ which I never thought I would release. Back then I was just playing the piano as a hobby and I didn’t really think I could/would become a composer. It was just my way of testing the waters and to see if I could actually come up with something original. I ended up releasing that piece in December 2020 as my 4th single.
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
Not yet. I did perform many times when I was a drummer but always as a band, never alone. It’s a matter of time before I start playing concerts and I’m very much looking forward to it.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
I can either just sit and improvise until I like what I’m hearing and then build that idea, or have random bursts of inspiration that come to me. Now if you ask me what inspires me, It’s usually other music, nature and life experiences.
What is your favourite piece of music written by someone other than yourself!?
Hard to just pick one… but probably "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
The accordion because I grew up listening to my dad play it and I always loved it.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
I have to go with "Timeless", which also happens to be my most popular one. It’s my favorite because of the way I came up with it. It’s just one of those ideas that luckily come to you with no effort. I remember sitting at the piano, remembering old memories and thinking about how far I’ve come and how some memories always stay with us, no matter how much time has passed. When I snapped out of my thoughts, I noticed that I was playing a melody on repeat. I wasn’t even conscious of it, I was on auto-pilot, daydreaming… I stopped for a second and thought "what is this?" – I immediately recorded that idea on my phone and a few days later it became my original piece "Timeless".
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Stop waiting for the perfect moment or circumstances to go after your dream. Perfectionism is an illusion. You’re just scared, and that’s ok. Just believe in yourself. Put one foot in front of the other and trust the process. You got this.
ALANNA CROUCH
ALANNA CROUCH IS A YOUNG BRITISH PIANIST AND COMPOSER OF NEOCLASSICAL, CONTEMPORARY AND CINEMATIC MUSIC. SHE HAS A PASSION FOR STORYTELLING AND HAS PRODUCED A GROWING CATALOGUE OF EMOTIVE PIECES AND FILM SCORE COMPOSTIONS.
My favourite piece by Alanna - House With The Shingle Roof
How/when did you start playing the piano?
For as long as I can remember, my parents have always had a piano in the house. When I was around 3 years old I would watch cartoons and then try and play the songs from them on the piano by ear! After a few months of me doing this, my parents decided I should take lessons (as apparently this wasn’t typical 3 year old behaviour!)
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
When I was around 6, I was gifted a book to write music in. I think the first piece I wrote was just a mixture of arpeggios and scales. Obviously not my best work! I’m not sure why I created it, but I thought it would be something fun to try and do!
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
I’ve played quite a lot of my pieces at informal music recitals to see how an audience might respond to them and I’ve also played a select few at more formal live performance venues (Savile Club, Crazy Coqs, Bluthner Piano Centre and Royal Albert Hall) all in London. I feel very lucky to have been able to play my own pieces in front of these audiences as most people probably wouldn’t be able to have these opportunities! It was quite daunting for the more formal concerts because of the high expectations of a performance in a place like that; the informal ones were my favourites because I felt more comfortable and like the audience wouldn’t be such harsh critics!
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
I usually wouldn’t have a clear structure unless I was writing something that someone else had commissioned for me to compose with specifically different sections. I like to look at images while I compose. When writing music, if I don’t have an idea or picture in my mind before I play, I think of emotions I want the piece to convey and I find paintings to be inspired by. This helps me to create what I would think the background music of the painting would be if it was alive! I almost always just stumble onto a good idea when I play. I could improvise something that I'm not very fond of but then when I listen back there is usually a good idea somewhere in there for me to take and form into something better!
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
I don’t think I have a favourite piece. I come up with too much music to just have one favourite (but ones I do like have usually been created while I was looking at paintings and collaborating with artists.) If it’s not abstract, I imagine what music would be playing in the background if the painting was actually a movie, with scenes playing out in front of me. Now that I think of it, I’ve realised I do have a favourite: it’s a piece called ‘Figura com reposteiro’ (which is Portuguese for ‘figure with curtain’.) I take the names of the paintings when I can't think of another title. This adds a connection to my piece and the art. I came across this painting on Google Arts and Culture. The face in the painting looked so sad, like there was nothing left for her, and after I read the description I realised why! I then came up with the music based on the mood of the painting and the dull colours; I tried to imagine how she would feel in the situation she was in, and bring it to life! I kept the painting in front of me while I was recording and found new details every time I looked up at it.
What other artist has inspired your music the most?
I mostly take inspiration from 20th century French composers like Ravel, Satie and Debussy. I love the harmonies that they use which are usually unlike any other composers I’ve played and listened to. Debussy in particular was ahead of his time with the modern sounding pieces he would compose! It’s hard to believe that they’re from over a hundred years ago as they sound so new and unusual!
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
I already play or have played quite a few instruments: the clarinet, flute, recorder, violin and viola. (Recently I've taken up three more instruments that I’ve always wanted to play. These are guitar, ukulele and drums!) One instrument that I’ve always wanted to play for as long as I can remember is the harp. It both sounds and looks magical, as if it’s from another world. Whenever I’ve seen someone play it, they’ve always looked like their arms and fingers were just gliding across the strings as if they were running their hands through water… just beautiful!
What time of day and what time of year are you most inspired to write music?
I would say any time except for in the early morning! I could be practicing a piece of someone else’s music at any time of the day but then have to dash upstairs to my keyboard as I’ve come up with an idea that I can’t let go to waste! I do think that I write more in autumn. I find that this season is quite comforting in a way and feeling it start to get slightly cooler from the summer makes me want to stay inside a bit more and compose!
ADRIEN DE LA SALLE
ADRIEN DE LA SALLE IS A MONTREAL-BASED NEO-ROMANTIC COMPOSER, PIANIST, AND CLARINETIST.
My favourite piece by Adrien - Faint
How/when did you start playing the piano? Do you play any other instruments?
I can't remember a specific age when I started playing the piano. My parents both played the piano, and I've always been curious about this big piece of furniture that played notes in the living room, so I guess my environment got me into it quite naturally. I never took piano lessons, instead, I learnt the clarinet, which played a big role in my writing approach.
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
I can think of one "piece" that my brother and I invented when we were discovering the piano. We called it 'La Bataille' which means 'The Battle' in French. It was quite epic and it mainly consisted of octaves. We had a lot of fun!
Do you have a favourite key to play/compose in?
I often start composing in Dm, or Gm, but the final piece can be in a totally different key. It always ends up being the key that I feel most comfortable singing. I try to hear my inner voice and trust it more than my hands when it comes to finding a key.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
Most of the time I'm improvising and I stumble onto something. I also use my phone a lot to record any idea that went through my head during the day.
What other artist has inspired your music the most?
I would say Chopin because he's the one that taught me the beauty of romanticism. But my music would clearly not exist without the influences of Muse, Debussy, Joe Hisaishi, and Ólafur Arnalds.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
The cello, because it's incredibly expressive and close to the human voice.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
'La Vallée du Vent' because it was the most obvious and sincere composition I've ever made. I had so much fun exploring harmony in order to bring these arpeggios to life and tell a story that moves me.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Make stuff. Make errors. Don't be obsessed with quality. Trust time, and you'll realize who you are without thinking about it. When it's you, it cannot be more perfect.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
There has been a few milestones for me this year : Several editorials on Pandora and Spotify + reaching 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
I learnt a lot about my own style, and got more comfortable releasing music that is not necessarily fit for editorial playlists. I stopped using the word "neo-classical" to describe my music and started using the word "neo-romantic" to emphasize on the role of the melody in my composition approach, and the inspiration from Chopin. It all clicked for me when I listened to Alexandra Stréliski's album "Neo-Romance" and fell in love with it. 2023 has been a liberation for my music, and I'm grateful to my label Aemeralds for supporting this style.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
My own favorite release is my indie EP "Particles". In particular, the tracks "Ashes", "Droplets" and "Particles" are very dear to me. I got the chance to compose for renowned violinist Karl Pestka, which was a fulfilling experience.
To me, Felix Rösch's album "Fragmente" is total masterpiece, and I sincerely wish him great success.
TIFFANY HOBSON
TIFFANY HOBSON IS AN AMERICAN PIANIST AND COMPOSER. HER MUSIC HAS A MINIMALISTIC NEO-CLASSICAL SOUND WITH TENDER AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING MELODIES.
My favourite piece by Tiffany - Lost Without You
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
The first piece I remember composing was for my Grandfather who had just passed away. I was just eight years old and it was the first time I had lost someone close to me. I was sad and being able to express my emotions through music by sitting down at the piano and doing something for my Grandpa helped me through that time.
Do you have a favourite key to play/compose in?
I typically enjoy composing in a major key i.e. C major, D major or B flat major.
What time of day and what time of year are you most inspired to write music?
I enjoy writing music in the afternoon or late at night after my children are asleep. The house is so peaceful at that time and luckily I have headphones to plug into my silent yamaha piano so I won't wake them up! The different seasons of the year inspire me to write different kinds of music. In the winter it is more melancholy, the spring is more hopeful, the summer is more light and fun, and the fall is more contemplative. I enjoy all the seasons and all the different emotions and musical inspirations they give me.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
I generally like trying to tap into a certain emotion or experience when I sit down to compose. It usually helps inspire the melody and the chord progression. I've found that improvising yields better results for me because I don't force myself to stay in a certain box or stick with a certain structure. Instead I can let the music flow how it would like to.
What is your favourite piece of music written by someone other than yourself!?
I've been inspired by a lot of musicians and a lot of different composers but the piece of music that affected me the most as a young girl and that I still love to play now is "Jessica's Theme" from the Man From Snowy River by Bruce Rowland.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
I would really love to learn to play the guitar.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
It's hard to choose a favorite! But I do love the song "Tenley's Theme." I wrote this song for my daughter and I was able to collaborate with friend and guitarist Ken Verheecke. It's always fun to write a song with someone else and the guitar part that Ken added to the song made it so beautiful!
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Believe in yourself! Try new things, study music you love, and enjoy the process. Art and composing shouldn't turn into a competition, it should be a way to share your heart and soul with others. Be genuine as you work to improve on your talents.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
My own highlight was following through with my goal from January to release 12 original compositions.
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
I learned that the songs I tend to connect with most are the ones others also connect with most. Sometimes I try composing in a different style just to try something new but it may be better to stick with what moves me.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
My favorite release was ‘Strength’. I feel a lot of peace and comfort after I play it. My favorite release from another artist was ‘Freedom’ by Pieter Savenberg. I love his style and calming melodies!
LISE JONSSON
LISE JONSSON IS A COMPOSER AND PIANIST FROM NORWAY. HER MUSIC IS INFLUENCED BY SEVERAL GENRES SUCH AS NEOCLASSICAL AND AMBIENT. THE MAIN FOCUS IS TO CREATE SOLO PIANO PIECES, BUT SHE ALSO CREATES MUSIC WITH DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS.
My favourite piece by Lise - Empathy
How/when did you start playing the piano?
I started playing the piano when I was 6 years old. I'm classically trained, but I can't read sheet music. I learnt and I learn everything by ear.
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
I composed my first piece when I was 12 years old. It was a waltz. I can't remember what inspired me. It was more the joy of creating something yourself. All these years later, I have had this composition in my head. When I started composing and recording regularly in adulthood I titled it Waltz Me To The Moon And Back Again. Now I have plans to remix it.
What is your favourite piece of music written by someone other than yourself?
One of my favourite piano pieces is Fantasie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor by Chopin.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
I would like to learn to play classical guitar.
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
I have only played for a large audience at college when I was studying. I have also played at family gatherings. But I feel that I am more of a composer than a concert performer.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
Almost all my compositions are created the moment I start to play by improvising. And I am driven by my feelings. It can be something I have experienced the same day or another day. I don't have any structure when I compose. The only structure I have is when I decide to make an EP, I choose a theme and stick to it.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
My favourite piano piece I have written is The Arrival Of Autumn. It's inspired by a forest near to my home that I often visit with my dog. The forest is beautiful and has inspired me a lot as a composer.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Believe in and be true to yourself.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
My biggest highlight in 2023 was probably when my piano piece Early Morning Walk passed 1,000,000 streams on Spotify in October. But an equally big moment was being part of a collaborative project "Keys for Peace" where part of the income goes to charity.
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
I've learned to be a little more patient and have more long-term plans. Work longer with each composition. I have collaborated with several people and learned that this gives common joy and belonging as a composer.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
My favorite release in 2023 was "Running in Norwegian Forests". A tribute to all the beautiful forests in Norway. "Peaceful Thoughts" with its beautiful melody by Listening Wind aka Marc Vliegen was also one of my favourites.
https://www.instagram.com/lise_jonsson_music/
KJELL SØNKSEN
BASED IN GERMANY, KJELL IS A CLASSICALLY TRAINED PIANIST WHO WRITES IMPRESSIONISTIC MUSIC
My favourite piece by Kjell - When The Rain Is Pounding
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
Hm, I composed some when I was around 15 years old. At least these were the first I wrote down. I always enjoyed improvising and all kind of melodies, so maybe way earlier. The pure, free & floating sound inspired me as well as film- and videogame music, I never lacked of creative ideas and fantasy. My two brothers also played, so there was a lot of piano music in my parent's living room and “fighting” for the seat.
Do you have a favourite key to play/compose in?
I prefer major flat ones. I love the feel and sound of Bb / Eb / Ab. Usually tend to stray from diatonic and play around with the magic of modal interchange.
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
Yes, for sure. I played in several bands, solo, theater, choir.
Nevertheless I haven't played a full solo concert of my piano creations. That's something on my wish list for the next years.
What time of day and what time of year are you most inspired to write music?
I'm more of a night person – there's space for music and creativity when everyone's sleeping. But in reality it's hard to execute.
I feel inspired through a lot of things in all seasons but when I have to name one, it's the melancholy of autumn.
What is your favourite piece of music written by someone other than yourself?
Sea Change by Stephan Moccio.
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
I usually just improvise. More than often some main figure comes out in a few seconds like how I'm feeling that day. Then I build around that idea. I don't follow rules as I'd call them a limit in the process of art. Sometimes I compose around a picture/cover, an idea or sentence, experience or a person. In my last release “The Waltz of Silhouettes” I tried to work with symbolism like the pattern of the right hand representing the falling snow, the left hand melody being the dance steps.
But mainly the pure beauty of sound is enough of me.
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
I think I go with “Watch The Time Go By” so far as I'm really touched by the main theme and chord progression of it as well the meaning behind it.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
Never stop or doubt anything you love – keep making mistakes.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
I vacillate between: being asked and wanted by so many high class labels and music supervisors and the placement of two spotify editorial placements. Anyway, a successful year.
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
Something that I was already aware of but came at it with new clarity.
Take your time to feel and express yourself. In the end the only thing that is fundamental and substantial is your own musical passion and originality. Never choose the easy route and become replaceable.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
Mine: Conscious / Momentum
Other: That's hard. I hope it's okay to name 4:
All I hear Is Birds by Elliot Jack Sansom
The Boat Race - Frerick Den Haan
Beauty - Oscar Mallen
Mosaic - Adrien De La Salle ...and many more
https://www.instagram.com/kjell_soenksen/
LIANNE STEEMAN
I’M LIANNE STEEMAN, A 31 YEAR OLD PIANIST, COMPOSER AND PIANO TEACHER FROM THE NETHERLANDS. I'VE BEEN DEVELOPING MY PIANO PASSION FOR OVER 25 YEARS. TWO YEARS AGO, WHEN MY FATHER BECAME ILL, I FOUND A PASSION IN PARTICULARLY COMPOSING EMTIONAL PIANO MUSIC.
My favourite piece by Lianne - Turn Back Time
What was the first piece you can remember composing? What inspired its creation?
The first piece I composed was “Dream”. I wrote it when my father was diagnosed with incurable cancer. It was a present for his birthday. Eventually I started writing more and more pieces, eventually leading to a sheet music book “Close to my Heart” (available on amazon), especially made to honor my father. Unfortunately now he has passed away, and the grief of missing him inspires me to write at the moment.
Do you have a favourite key to play/compose in?
I adore keys with many sharps in it. For instance F# major is one of my favorite keys, “Dust to Bloom” is written in this key.
Have you played your music in front of a live audience?
When I was younger I performed a lot. I’ve played solo piano, but also as a soloist accompanied by an orchestra, in duets and in an ensemble. I picked up performing by doing live streams on instagram a few years a go, and from this year on I will start performing live with my concert partner Marzia (@marzia_piano).
What methods do you use to help you compose? Do you improvise and stumble onto something or go in with a clear structure of what you want to do?
I usually decide on a key and a chord progression first, looking for harmonies that suit the mood I’m in. Then I experiment with a main theme. If I ever get stuck, I just let the piece be for a few days or weeks, afterwards more ideas come to mind when I play it again. My most important strategy is writing everything down in sheet music instantly, looking at the music helps me write.
What other artist has inspired your music the most?
I take a huge example of the Dutch composers Ron Adelaar and Sacha Hoedemaker. Their music is amazingly beautiful and their performances touch me every time. I can only wish to become as successful as they are, and I’m thankful for the things I’ve learned from them and the support I’ve received from them.
If you could play any other instrument that you don’t already play, what would it be?
I have a crush on accordion. I actually had a trial lesson once, and I absolutely loved it. But there simply isn’t enough time to do it all!
What is your favourite piece of music you have written and why is it your favourite?
“Close to my Heart” is my favorite work. I wrote it for my dad, and it was one of his favorite pieces actually. He found this piece to be very soothing and peaceful. I played it for him on his funeral, as he wished. I even have the first 2 bars of the sheet music as a tattoo on my arm.
If you could go back and give yourself one bit of advice about making music what would you share with your younger self?
I would tell my self to follow my heart and not doubt myself. Piano has been my passion my entire life. But I never had the confidence or strength to actually choose it as a career path. So I studied medicine instead. Only after feeling miserable with my study for years, I realized composing music and teaching piano is what I was meant to do. I’ve never regretted the decision to fully commit to piano and leave my other career path behind for one second.
END OF 2023 UPDATE!
What was your own personal musical highlight in 2023?
It’s hard to choose my musical highlight of 2023, I was lucky to experience so many nice things, like meeting Elisa from @pianotaste to play piano on Utrecht’s train station with my piano friends Marzia & Cindy, but also concerts together with my concert partner Marzia, where I was able to play my compositions for a live audience. Currently, I’m working on my biggest musical business highlight of 2023, in December I will sign to be the owner of my own piano school!
What did you learn from your music in 2023 that you will take going forward?
I’ve learned that staying true to yourself is the most important. Due to some personal circumstances I was not able to release music every month, which was my goal at first. But sometimes it is just good to accept that, and choose quality over quantity. Also, I will keep writing about topics that fit my current life and mood, to really project myself as I am in my music.
What was your favourite release in 2023? One of your own and also one from another artist please!
My own favorite release in 2023 was “After the Rain”. It’s about finding the light again after a darker period in your life. I really feel empowered by this song, by the feeling that I’ve concurred the challenges of the past year.
My favorite release in 2023 by a fellow composer is “Saudade” by Vivian Roost. Coincidently I’ve used the same title some time ago. But this song really represents its true meaning to me, longing for something or someone. I just love how the song starts flowing at 1:12 , it’s a goosebump moment every time.