I've realized that I never update this thing. I do, however, update my website instead, so from here on out that's the place to check for anything I may have posted on here. The website is www.nickwritesmusic.com. Thanks for all the good times,
Nick
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Phase games, part one
This will probably end up actually being for vibraphone and piano. But I felt like posting this little sketch, because I think it's rad. Listen here.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Eeee gads
I haven't done the internet thing in a while (this keeps happening), this time because I've been composing, traveling, and moved into a new flat and don't have internet yet. There are various tidbits of good news though. The London Contemporary Chamber Orchestra gave a workshop to my piece Short Suite for Small Orchestra, and dug it enough to play it on their October 17 concert here in London. It was also performed by the Stranded Ensemble on June 8, and people seemed to like it a lot.
I'm writing a second, much harder piece for chamber orchestra derived from the same harmony as the third movement of the short suite. And some of the rhythmic ideas from the first. But the overall shape will be more of a single, through composed crescendo. Should be interesting.
I think I mentioned this on here already, but in August I'm heading to Dartington, in Totnes, to compose a piece for chorus to be performed by EXAUDI, conducted by James Weeks. I'm just gathering some ideas for that now.
And reading a bunch of theory books to bolster a few ideas about harmony. I'm just beginning to explore Rameau's ideas, and understand just how different French and German thinking has become. And believe it or not I'm working on adding a bit more of the German ideas to my music...we'll see how that goes.
I'm writing a second, much harder piece for chamber orchestra derived from the same harmony as the third movement of the short suite. And some of the rhythmic ideas from the first. But the overall shape will be more of a single, through composed crescendo. Should be interesting.
I think I mentioned this on here already, but in August I'm heading to Dartington, in Totnes, to compose a piece for chorus to be performed by EXAUDI, conducted by James Weeks. I'm just gathering some ideas for that now.
And reading a bunch of theory books to bolster a few ideas about harmony. I'm just beginning to explore Rameau's ideas, and understand just how different French and German thinking has become. And believe it or not I'm working on adding a bit more of the German ideas to my music...we'll see how that goes.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Remember When?
I got that letter saying ERM media wanted to put one of my pieces on one of their cds? Unfortunately I won't be able to do it, because they charge an inordinately large amount for recording.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the purpose of labels to pay for recording, and then they make money back by selling the product? Paying a lot (and way less than they wanted) for recording then selling it is something I can do myself. So what are they then, a distributor? Not if they're distributed by Naxos. I don't know much about business but I think if you've got a distributor, you aren't one. I believe all that's left for them to be is a middleman who takes money from people who don't know any better in return for basically nothing. Or I suppose you do get a recording, but again, you could do that on your own for far less.
Nonetheless it was nice to be noticed. Also, on that, anyone see the Ventura County Star yesterday?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the purpose of labels to pay for recording, and then they make money back by selling the product? Paying a lot (and way less than they wanted) for recording then selling it is something I can do myself. So what are they then, a distributor? Not if they're distributed by Naxos. I don't know much about business but I think if you've got a distributor, you aren't one. I believe all that's left for them to be is a middleman who takes money from people who don't know any better in return for basically nothing. Or I suppose you do get a recording, but again, you could do that on your own for far less.
Nonetheless it was nice to be noticed. Also, on that, anyone see the Ventura County Star yesterday?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Day off
I just put composite strings on my spruce top for the first time, and am a bit disappointed. The bass strings sound really thin. I've been told, however, they (unlike nylons) take up to 6 hours of playing to sound full. So hopefully they'll get better.
Also, I was at Foyle's yesterday and picked up a piece based on its title alone. It's called The Oceans of The Moon, by Carey Blyton (famous for writing Bananas in Pajamas), and is eight variations and a theme for guitar. And is a cool and fun little piece, even if it is on the "light music" side of things, whatever that means.
Also, I was at Foyle's yesterday and picked up a piece based on its title alone. It's called The Oceans of The Moon, by Carey Blyton (famous for writing Bananas in Pajamas), and is eight variations and a theme for guitar. And is a cool and fun little piece, even if it is on the "light music" side of things, whatever that means.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Email from ERM Media
Dear Maestro Norton,
It is with great pleasure that I inform you that your composition "DREAM LIGHTS (Riverbank)" was one of the scores chosen for the upcoming recording project MILLENNIUM PROJECT: MADE IN THE AMERICAS!
The amount of submissions was staggering with over 590 submitted!
Recording contracts and all paperwork will be sent out on Monday, March 23, 2009 and should arrive to you in approximately 2 - 4 business days. (We will also enclose a CD from Volume One of this terrific series!)
This is an extraordinary recording series! Radio and media play has never been higher with over 625 outlets worldwide and exposure is fantastic with worldwide distribution through Naxos.
The recording sessions will take place in the USA with the renowned Millennium Symphony from the end of April through the end of May. You will get as many conversations and discussions with the conductor as you need. (Of course, you may attend as well!)
Some deadlines to be aware of:
*** March 23, 2009: Contracts sent out from the ERMMedia offices.
*** April 3, 2009: All paperwork due back to ERM by April 3, 2009.
*** April 6, 2009: Press Announcement (Sent worldwide) of Pieces & Composers in Project!
*** April 24 - May 23, 2009: Recording Sessions to take place in Virginia!
*** July 1, 2009: Rough edits / rough mixes of your recording sent to you on CD-R (You will have input as to balances, etc.)
*** August 1, 2009: Liner Notes and Bios finalized. CD booklet sent out to composers for approval.
*** September 15, 2009: Release of MILLENNIUM PROJECT: MADE IN THE AMERICAS! Worldwide.
Once again, Congratulations! If you do not get your contracts and paperwork within one week from today, please call us immediately at xxx-xxx-xxxx or via email at xxxxx@ermmedia.org.
You can hear fantastic ERMMedia recordings through the ERMMedia RADIO at our website at www.numusicdirect.com
Congratulations!
M.J. Ainsely
ERMMedia
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