Composer and drummer John Hollenbeck seems most content when faced with musical uncertainty. In this article he discusses his composing process, the challenges of organizing tours both in the U.S. and abroad, his thoughts on genre definitions, and the role of spirituality in his music.

Drawing from an eclectic stylistic palette as he tackles an equally diverse roster of topics—from fossil fuels to the experiences of soldiers at war and at home—David T. Little demonstrates himself to be an artist with open ears and passionate convictions.

Composer/librettist Stephen Schwartz and lead soprano Lauren Flanigan describe how they came to work together on Séance on a Wet Afternoon. Read the interview…

Coming to the USA from Serbia not only jump started Aleksandra Vrebalov’s compositional career early on, it also transformed her and led her to write deeply emotional music which, even though it clearly echoes the centuries-old traditions of her native land, she probably would not and could not have composed had she stayed there.

In many cases, the aural images John Luther Adams creates can be directly traced to the powerful natural world that surrounds him in his home state of Alaska, a landscape that has undeniably left its imprint on his work. More broadly, however, Adams uses composition as a way to explore and understand the world around him, regardless of borders real and imagined.

Austin, Texas-based composer John Mackey has been composing almost exclusively for concert band since 2005, and the medium has become his musical calling card.

Gamelan Son of Lion founder Barbara Benary’s generous approach to music-making is akin to parenthood. Read the interview…

As a co-founder of the New Amsterdam record label and the NOW Ensemble, composer Judd Greenstein thinks deeply about the changes he wants to see in the field and dedicates his time and talents to putting them into action. He is by turns idealistic and pragmatic, motivated by a desire to challenge artists and audiences, but also to keep pace with economic and social developments. “The world that we as composers and performers were operating in expanded exponentially,” Greenstein explains. “Now the conversation is with everyone.”

Mikel Rouse has been making extremely complex music using the language of contemporary popular culture decades before “bandsembles.” Read the interview…

Upon first listen to composer Oscar Bettison’s music, most striking are the strangely disconcerting yet beguiling sound worlds that are created with relatively standard instrumental forces.