“I think that exploring new sounds is something that our future audiences deserve because there is so much more to say.”
Erich Stem’s music has been described as “sophisticated and intriguing” (Washington Post) and “unique and beautiful” (Boston Theatre Review) and has been performed in the U.S. and in Europe by groups such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Aurelia Saxophone Quartet, and SOLI Chamber Ensemble. Stem’s music has been recorded on labels such as New Dynamic Records, Challenge Records, and Navona Records, and has been featured on more than 40 radio programs across the country. He founded, directed, produced, and composed music for New Dynamic Records, which has released music by 60 living composers worldwide, including 42 world premiere recordings. Stem is also writing music for orchestras around the country that represent the towns or cities where those orchestras reside in a project called America By: A Symphonic Tour. His latest project, Solo Series, has resulted in collaborations and national tours with Backun Clarinets artist, Carrie RavenStem and National Symphony Orchestra percussionist, Scott Christian.
Before this episode, Erich and I had never spoken outside of interactions on social media. However, from those interactions, I had the sense this would be a fun and welcoming sort of conversation. That proved to be very true! We have already agreed to have him back for a Part 2, and since I am announcing that here in writing, it definitely has to happen.
Erich is the type of musician who not only creates opportunities for himself but creates opportunities for other musicians. From our conversation, it seems clear to me that when he sets out to do something, he makes it happen. We go into great detail about the many of those opportunities: starting a record label, founding the A/Tonal Ensemble with his wife, America By project, and other topics like the future of college music program curriculums, comedian Jin Bruer, and so much more on episode 19 of The Making Noise Podcast.
I hope you enjoy!
Follow Erich’s Work: http://www.erichstem.net/
America By Project: http://www.americaby.com/
A/Tonal Ensemble: http://www.atonalensemble.com/
Interview with Lilly Kodayama http://americaby.com/bainbridge/surviving-internment/
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where you can listen to music, purchase scores, and learn how to commission a new piece for your ensemble.