Shows
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 052 - Lucia Lucas - Adding Depth to VillainsOn todays episode, we interview world renown baritone singer, Lucia Lucas. We talk with her about her life, how she got into opera, studying french horn, and how being a transgender opera singer has added more depth to her portrayals of some of the greatest villains such as Don Giovanni. She also has some inspiring words for anyone feeling like they can’t be their true selves and the freedom they will have once they have had personal acceptance first. Guest:Lucia LucasPersonal Links:Per...2022-04-1157 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 050 - Jimmy Lopez - Finding Your VoiceToday we have the absolute pleasure and honor of talking to rising classical music star composer, Jimmy Lopez. We discuss his humble beginnings in Lima, Peru, his education in Finland and California, and his advice for composers that want to have performances of their music but are finding many doors closed in their faces. We also talk about how he found his own voice while thousands of miles away from home. Personal Links:Personal Website - www.jimmylopez.com Twitter - @jlopezbellido Instagram - @jimmylopezbellido 2022-03-2845 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 051 - Steve Marz - Loving Oneself and Finding PurposeToday we talk with Steve Marz! Steve is a musician originally from Boston and making his way with some great songs. We talk about religion, the infamous Boston accent, the bands he played with, moving to Denver, being true to oneself, and being a performer in a pandemic world. We talk about being grateful during the hardest times and how music is one of the best forms of catharsis. Steve is a wonderful songwriter with his first album “Pathways” to be released soon after being recording in Chicago. His newest project “Night Routine” is in the demo phase but should b...2022-02-1447 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 049 - Team Louie - Tik Tok Cat RapperToday we have a wonderful episode with the suddenly viral and extremely humble, Louie Benson, a.k.a. Team Louie. We discuss his attempted stand up comic career, how he got into music, his love for rap, his alter ego The Party Planner, and, ultimately, how overnight he became a viral sensation. Louie is an amazingly humble person and a complete crack up. We know that you will love this episode and he will definitely be someone that we look forward to hearing more from. Guest:Louie Benson, a.k.a. Team L...2022-01-311h 12
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 048 - Alex Millar - Self Made is a Toxic MythWe are back with another amazing episode and inspiring interview with the Tik Tok star and core figure to the band Vattica, Alex Millar. Today we talk to Alex about life, music, and Tik Tok video success. Alex is best known for the segment, Self Made is a Toxic Myth, where Alex debunks the American myth that if you work hard enough you will make it to the top of the music world by yourself. Alex is inspiring, and truly gets Hillary and I going about helping out our musical world and treating it more like a community rather...2022-01-1958 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 047 - King Konye - Creating a KingdomToday we have the great honor to introduce and talk with a young rapper from New York, King Konye, as well as have a guest co-host, Abigail Montgomery. We get to talk with King about his musical dreams, creating a following, and dive deeper into what he enjoys in life. Thank you so much King and thank you Abigail for jumping in and helping out. Guest:King KonyeMusic Included in this Episode:The Trial from the album The Four Idols performed and composed by A...2021-12-1757 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 046 - Doug Bielmeier - Drone Electronic MusicIn this episode we have the wonderful honor to talk to Dr. Doug Bielmeier. We get to talk with him about electronic and electroacoustic music. We also talk about his brand new record out “Ambient Works”, his previous albums, and the importance of the genre in the musical world. Not only is Doug a wonderful composer but he is also a host of his own podcast. Make sure to check it out with the link in the artists profile! Guest:Doug BielmeierPersonal Links:Website - www...2021-12-161h 10
Her Music AcademiaDiscovering Your Unique Compositional Process (with the Sounds of the World Podcast!)Episode five of season three, during which we chat with Dr. William Montgomery and Hillary Lester of the Sounds of the World podcast! They tell us all about how they met and started their own music podcast, about their own compositional styles and methodologies, and about their favorite instruments to write for. Check out their show wherever you get your podcasts!
williammontgomerycomposer.com
thehealthymusiciansite.com
soundsoftheworldpodcast.com
Timestamps:
Hillary's background: 2:42
Bill's background: 7:40
How they met and started their podcast: 13:52
How they each compose...2021-11-0555 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 045 - Anthony Parker a.k.a. Wordsmith - Combining Hip-hop and Classical MusicToday we are in Baltimore speaking with singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and all around inspiration Anthony Parker, a.k.a. Wordsmith. We speak to him about being a military child, writing hip-hop music that is relatable for those that haven't grown up in the quintessential neighborhoods, using your position for positive change, and much more. Anthony also drops volumes of knowledge on us about music, life, and in general. We also speak with Anthony about his collaboration with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, James Lee III, and Marin Alsop. This would produce an amazing piece that was premiered on June 19...2021-08-091h 08
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 044 - YoonJae Lee - Creating Musical SpaceToday we have the honor of speaking with conductor/arranger YoonJae Lee! YoonJae is a Korean American and currently lives in New York City. We talk with YoonJae about discussing musical topics and mental health on Clubhouse, connectivity of classical music, individuality versus group, music appreciation, arranging the giant Mahler symphonies for chamber orchestras, and his fantastic group Ensemble 212. YoonJae is a wonderful conductor, a musical activist, and a self described “art”-repreneur. Make sure to listen to this episode!Guest:YoonJae LeePersonal Links:www...2021-08-021h 05
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 043 - Vic Ritchie - Any Given SinToday we are in the Maryland/Virginia area speaking with the lead singer of Any Given Sin - Vic Ritchie! We talk with him about our mutual friend (and previous guest) Dusty Grant, the formation of Any Given Sin, Vic’s song writing process, our favorite beers/liquor, practicing and producing music during the pandemic, talk about hip-hop and rock music, as well as trash on Drake. This episode was a blast to do and Vic was wonderful! Make sure you check him and Any Given Sin out on the YouTube link below as well as at one of th...2021-07-2644 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 042 - Tom Morrison - Big Sky ComposerWelcome to the Big Apple! We have a very special guest and special host today! Our special co-host today is Abigail Montgomery, Bill’s wife. And we are talking with composer Tom Morrison. He is a good friend of Hillary’s from the University of Montana where he started as a forestry major but then quickly found a place within the music studies. Hillary, Abbie, and Tom chat about readjusting to the city, cheating on your therapist, Tom’s piece Big Sky Music, creating poetry with A.I., flashbacks to Warp Tour, and so much more. All rabbit holes are fo...2021-07-191h 01
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 041 - Marwan Mrag - Tunisian RapperWelcome to Sousse, Tunisia! Today we speak with the fascinating and so humble rapper, Marwan Mrag. He started as a b-boy with numerous groups and eventually worked up to being featured with other rappers from around the Tunisian area. We saw him featured on a song via Instagram and knew we had to know more about him. This is his first ever interview outside of Tunisia and we couldn't more excited and honored to be a part of his rise! Marwan's flow is insane and he mixes Tunisian, Arabic, and English together in a stream of lyrics that boggles...2021-07-1246 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 040 - Austin Franklin - Composer InterviewWe have come to the deep south where we have the wonderful opportunity to speak with Austin Franklin. Austin is from Jasper, Texas, by way of Oklahoma, but went on to Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and is currently at Louisiana State University where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Experimental Music and Digital Media. His music is ethereal, sublime, serene, and tense. We discuss his early life in music and how he came to be a composer. We also talk about his album recently released, The Four Idols. So pull up some crawfish and an ice cold...2021-07-0553 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 039 - Glory St. Germain - Overcoming AdversityWe are in the Great White North speaking with teacher and business woman Glory St. Germain. Glory St. Germain is the Founder/CEO and International Bestselling Author 50+ Ultimate Music Theory Books & The Power of WHY. She is also the Host of the Magic of Music Movement Summits, Expert Coach & Course Creator - UMTC Elite Educator Program. Glory brings remarkably successful teaching experience to the development of the Ultimate Music Theory Program, Ultimate Music Teachers Membership, and Online Courses, including her Signature Course the UMTC Elite Educator Program. Glory is a Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner (NLP) which she incorporates into her teacher t...2021-06-2858 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 038 - Jerod Tate - Combining Indigenous and Western Classical Music (Part 1)Today we are in Oklahoma where we have the distinct honor of speaking with Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and premiering the first part of a two part interview. Jerod is a member of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma and proudly represents his traditions. He is also a wonderfully gifted composer and performer that works to combine his Native American traditional music upbringing with a Western Classical Music education. We talk about this duality and living in this gray area of music fusion, his family upbringing, his music, and his thoughts on cultural appropriation. We also take some wonderful side trails...2021-06-211h 13
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 037 - Ulises Ramirez - Mariachi MusicWe are in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in our latest episode. We get to connect with Bill’s old college friend Ulises Ramirez. We talk with him about his musical upbringing, playing drums/trumpet, the pressures of growing up as the child of immigrants, and mariachi music. From his upbringing in Montana/Idaho to being thrown in to the deep end at University of Indiana in Bloomington, we discover a rich history and talent that seems almost natural for Ulises. We find the difference between Norteno Music and Mariachi Music, and try to figure out why Ulises went vegetarian. Ulises is a...2021-06-1458 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 036 - Liz Jackson Hearns - Teaching the Trans VoiceToday we are in Chicago talking with our dear friend and inspired vocal teacher, Liz Jackson Hearns. Liz Jackson Hearns, MM (she/her/they/them) is the Co-Founder of The Voice Lab, Inc. in Chicago; co-author of The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices, Co-Founder of Resonate, Chicago's all-trans chorus; Co-Founder of Trans Turning Point, a wellness fair for trans/gnc folks and trans-owned businesses;, and a voice instructor specializing in trans and nonbinary voice. Singers and voice users from all environments seek out Liz's teaching to illuminate traditional pedagogy with new scientific discoveries and methods in a joyful...2021-06-0751 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 035 - Shawn Renzoh Head - Shakuhachi FluteWe have a very special guest here today from Japan, Shawn Renzoh Head. Born in St. Charles, Missouri, he began his musical education at 10 where he started on viola. He was introduced to music composition quickly after and began composing for ensembles at 15. Within a year, he had music performed throughout America and Europe. At 18, he discovered a passion for the shakuhachi while traveling throughout Asia. He soon became the youngest non-Japanese shakuhachi master in history. He earned his shihan, which means master, under Michael Chikuzen Gould. In 2019, he received the distinct honor of becoming an OSS Tai Shogun...2021-05-311h 13
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 034 - Tatev Amiryan - Echoes of ArmeniaOur guest today, Tatev Amiryan, was born and raised in Armenia in the Caucus Mountains. She has received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in music composition and music theory at Tchaikovsky Special Music School and in composition and musicology at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia and holds a doctorate of music arts degree in music composition from the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Drama. Her music is substantially influenced by traditional Armenian folk and sacred music. She uses the musical language of her heritage to compose and perform new works. She has composed...2021-05-241h 04
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 033 - Dorothea Taylor - The Matriarch of PercussionOur guest today is Dorothea Taylor. She was born and raised in Michigan and started playing drums at 13 when she joined a drum and bugle corps in her hometown. She got her first set of drums in high school and joined a band after she graduated, playing five nights a week. She started teaching drumline for her high school’s feeder program when she was 17 and has been teaching ever since. She has played in a variety of bands including polka, rock, theater groups, symphony orchestras, jazz trios, and accompanies school concerts when an experienced drummer is needed. She’s fo...2021-05-171h 19
Sounds of the WorldSpecial Episode with Dusty Grant!We have a very special episode today. We get to talk to an amazing and up-and-coming musician Dusty Grant. We talk about his latest single "Through the Cracks", divorce, what is manly, jiu jitsu, being an artist in the modern world, Covid, and so much more! Make sure you go check him out and listen to all his music! You can find him on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, and many, many more. This will also be one of our very first multiple chapter episodes. Look for another, more relaxed chat with Dusty in the very near future! 2021-05-0339 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 032 - Kurt Skrivseth - Rolling with the Pale PeopleToday is a very special episode and comes to you completely unedited. We meet Hillary’s dear friend, guitarist/bassist, and funny man Kurt Skrivseth. He was born and raised in Missoula, Montana, and overcame a sever spinal injury at birth to perform with some of the biggest names, including Snoop Dogg and Slash, and co-founded the punk-cabaret-rock-opera group Pale People. We came to this episode with an idea of questions and topics to cover but we are quickly sidetracked by Kurt, and our dirty minds.Guest:Kurt Skrivseth...2021-04-261h 36
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 031 - Annie Nikunen - Dancing Through MusicWe are in New York City again and we have the wonderful opportunity to talk with Annie Nikunen. born in Northport, New York, and now lives in New York City. She received a BA in music theory and composition at Barnard College/ Columbia University, and pursued flute performance at the Manhattan School of Music. She was referred to as the “best flute player in the state of New York” by The Observer and is a founding member of the New York City based new music group Blackbox Ensemble. They have recently begun performing again and was featured in The New...2021-04-191h 20
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 030 - Bahar Royaee - Electronic Music from IranWe are in New York City today and we have the wonderful opportunity to talk with Bahar Royaee. Originally born and raised in Iran, she moved to the United States to pursue a music education. She received her Master’s of Music in composition from the Boston Conservatory, where she studied with Felipe Lara and Marti Epstein. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in composition at The Graduate School at CUNY where she studies with Jason Eckardt and Suzanne Farrin. She was the runner-up in the National Sawdust’s 2018-19 Hildegard Competition and has won the Roger Sessions Memo...2021-04-121h 10
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 029 - The Riverview Band InterviewWelcome to Little Rock, Arkansas. Today, we have the privilege to speak with Jacob and Tyler from the pop-punk band Riverview. They are based out of Arkansas and they bring an energetic and interesting blend of emo and pop punk that creates a unique and undeniably distinct sound. They have released their single, Knuckles. We talk about how the band started, the story behind Knuckles, whether classic rock is worth listening to, and we find out more about the guys than some might want to hear. But they are an awesome band with so much talent. We can’t wa...2021-04-051h 12
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 028 - Jennifer Jolley - #Composerfails and Community EngagementWelcome to Lubbock, Texas! We have the honor to talk with composer and cat lover, Jennifer Jolley. We discuss being Korean but cooking poorly, musical security blankets, learning from Frank Ticheli, composing for band, finding your voice, and celebrating all your fails! You’ll love the message that she shares and feel the encouragement that we could all use.Guest:Jennifer JolleyJennifer Jolley’s website: www.jenniferjolley.com Music Included in this Episode:The Eyes of the World are Upon You by Jennifer Jolley...2021-03-291h 10
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 027 - Logan Kendell - Canyonlands and CocoaWe are out of the cold and into the warmth with a stop in St. George, Utah. Here, we will marvel at the red dirt and the many bluffs looking over the Virgin River, and talk with an incredible singer/arranger/song writer Logan Kendell. In this episode, we will talk about living in Boston, music you think is amazing when you’re a kid but you don’t understand the double meanings until you’re an adult, Twilight, Logan’s albums, his influences, handmade instruments, and his latest tasty endeavor. Check out his amazing arrangements and original songs.2021-03-221h 20
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 026 - Tõnu Kõrvits - Estonian Classical MusicToday we travel to Tallinn, Estonia, and we have the honor of speaking to the wonderfully humble and fascinating composer known for his choral, and string works, Tõnu Kõrvits. We talk to him about how he started creating his style of music, favorite rock bands, growing up in the USSR, being an Estonian composer, and highlighting some of his music! Guest:Tõnu KõrvitsTõnu Kõrvits website: https://www.emic.ee/helilooja/tonu-korvits-estPhoto credit: Jacob CochranMusic Included...2021-03-1549 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 025 - Jonathan Scales - Steel Pans ReimaginedOur episode today is coming to you from New York City! Today we meet Jonathan Scales! He is a master steel pan performer and has changed the way people think about the instrument. What is usually thought of as a Caribbean instrument for resorts, something to listen to while sipping pina coladas, or samba music of Trinidad, Scales takes the instrument and reinvents the entire genre. We talk to him about his musical background, stalking Bela Fleck, discuss his album "Pillar" and highlight a few of his works!Guest:Jonathan Scales2021-03-0851 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 024 - Mara Gibson - Where Art and Music IntersectWe are in the “Red Stick” today; Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Not only is it home to the LSU Tigers (GEAUX TIGAHS) and Southern University Panthers, but it is also home to our next guest: Mara Gibson. She is originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, and eventually went on to Bennington College and then SUNY Buffalo where she completed her Ph.D. She has received grants and honors from the American Composer’s Forum, The Banff Center, Louisiana Division of the Arts, ArtsKC, Meet the Composer, the National Endowment for the Arts, ASCAP, the MacDowell Colony, and Yale University. Her music has been p...2021-03-0153 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 023 - Alan Theisen - THEisen JournalToday we are in Asheville, North Carolina, to talk with saxophonist, composer, music historian/theorist, and scotch/whisky lover, Alan Theisen. We discuss his early life as the only musically inclined person in his family, studying at Southern Mississippi and Florida State, musical theater, failing up, avant punk music, over analyzing yourself, Hamilton, and the top 5 Scotch or Whiskies under $100!! This was a lot of fun and Alan is such an easy person to talk with. Get ready to laugh, be inspired, and to fall head first into projects.Guest:Alan Theisen2021-02-221h 03
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 022 - Paul Novak - Feathery ComplexityIn today’s episode, we are in the “Windy City”, the “City of Big Shoulders”, or more commonly Chicago! He is originally from Reno, Nevada, but now lives in Chicago where he attends the University of Chicago in pursuit of his PhD in Music Composition. I met Paul when he was just in high school and he blew me away with his musical knowledge and insanely deep musical intuition. He is a brilliant composer and we know he will be a big star very soon. He was recently the recipient of the American Composers Orchestra’s 2020 Underwood Commission for a new work t...2021-02-1555 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 021 - Catherine Likhuta - Composing for the Wind WorldIn today’s episode, we travel to the “Land Down Under” but not before we make a short pit-stop in Kiev, Ukraine. Catherine Likhuta comes from Kyiv, Ukraine, but currently lives in Brisbane, Australia. She received her bachelor’s degree in jazz piano from the Kyiv Gliere University and a post-degree in music composition from the Kyiv Conservatory. She has since gone on and recently finished her PhD at the University of Queensland. Her music has been performed all over the world including Canada, the US, Brazil, Europe, and Australia. She is also a performing including on the premiere and CD r...2021-02-081h 08
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 020 - Matthew Lau - Contemporary PercussionToday’s guest comes to us from Hong Kong. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Contemporary Percussion Performance from Stony Brook University in New York where he studied with Eduardo Leandro, and a Master of Music degree from NYU where he studied with Jonathan Haas, Simon Boyar, and James Saporito. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Hong Kong Baptist University and maintains a private teaching studio. He was also the winner of the 2018 Hong Kong Arts Development Award for Young Artist and a finalist in the 2016 Italy Percussive Arts Society Competition in the Vibraphone Ca...2021-02-011h 22
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 019 - Joshua Trentadue - Composing in a New MillenniumToday we travel to Connecticut to talk with a young and inspiring composer. Joshua Trentadue enjoys exploring philosophical and spiritual views on humanity, nature, and life itself. He balances contemporary and evocative textures with unconventional and experimental soundscapes. He has been performed by the Zenith Saxophone Quartet, Sputter Box, and The ____ Experiment. He is a founding member and current board member of the Millennium Composers Initiative. We talk about piano living in the concert/wind band world, working with living composers, getting into composing, and how to be flexible as a composer in a Covid world.2021-01-251h 11
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 018 - Joel Thompson - Fighting for Community One Note at a TimeIn today's episode, we travel to New Haven, Connecticut to talk with a composer born in the Bahamas but raised in America. Joel (pronounced Joe-elle) Thompson talks to us about composing for voice, how composing can release the inner feelings that you might have, social awareness, and how to build a better community through music. Joel is an amazing composer and was such a warm person to talk to. We hope that you will enjoy this episode and make sure that you engage with the community around you even through these Covid times.Guest:2021-01-181h 05
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 017 - Bryan McAllister - Politics in MusicToday we are in the wonderfully beautiful Long Beach, California. We speak with an inspired musician/composer/producer, Bryan McAllister, about finding your way in life, working on cruise ships, meme music, human rights, baseball, GIF culture, and making cultural changes while not self-hating. We also discuss his album "Very Stable Genius". I’ve known Bryan for many years and his abilities at the keyboard are some of the best I have ever heard and seen in my life. In fact, the only real issue I find with him is his love for the World Champion Dodgers.2021-01-111h 12
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 016 - Dad Bodi - Life, Music, and ImageWelcome to the “City of Oaks”, Raleigh, North Carolina. We get to meet a wonderful hip-hop artist that goes by the name, Dad Bodi. There was not much on the internet about this wonderful young man, so we did a bit of a change to our interviews. This episode is a biography episode where we discover his background, how he got into rapping, discuss a few songs, and what it was like to have his music on Patrick Cc’s, a YouTube personalities, video that has been seen nearly 100,000 times. We also talk about dream collaborations, and favorite food. Enjoy...2021-01-0445 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 015 - Quinn Mason - Composing from YouthToday we travel to north Texas and speak with Quinn Mason. Quinn is a wonderful composer that is more accomplished at his young age than many older composers. We discuss his life, love of classical music, YouTube stardom, and Stravinsky. We also talk about new music, the future of the classical music world with new and upcoming composers, and where you can hear more of his music. So grab your Wranglers, your Cowboys jersey, and get ready to enjoy our interview with the Dallas superstar, Quinn Mason. Guest:Quinn Mason - https://masonianmusic.w...2020-12-2851 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 014 - Tyson Davis - Musical Depictions of LifeWe have traveled back to America this episode with an interview with a young, up-and-coming composer from North Carolina, Tyson Davis. He began composing music at 8 and just graduated from the North Carolina School for the Arts where he made some seriously big waves with his music and artistry while studying with Lawrence Dillon. He began his first year of college at Juilliard this year and has many, many accomplishments. In 2019, he worked with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America and Antonio Pappano to premiere his work, Delicate Tension, that had been commissioned by the...2020-12-211h 05
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 013 - Eero Saunamaki - Reconsidering the RecorderIn today's episode we travel to Helsinki, Finland, to talk with professional saxophonist and recorder superstar, Eero Saunamaki. We ask him about his musical life, how he discovered his passion for the recorder, and techniques for the recorder (for any composers that are listening). But we will also ask him about what we can do to change the pre-conceived notions of the recorder as a baroque/medieval instrument, or torture device for parents of beginning music students. Enjoy this fascinating conversation with Eero and prepared to be dazzled by his abilities.Guest:...2020-12-1450 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 012 - Rob Deemer and the Institute of Composers DiversityToday we speak with Rob Deemer from the State University of New York in Fredonia. He is a music composition professor and head of the composition department at SUNY Fredonia. He is also the founder and director of the Institute of Composer Diversity. We talk about his musical education, and what inspired him to create the database of names and pieces. We discuss labels, expansions, and future goals as well. If you know someone that should be included, or if you want to be included, please visit: http://www.composerdiversity.com/ and fill out a submission form!2020-12-071h 15
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 011 - The Delta WavesIn our newest episode, we talk with a band based out of Chicago named The Delta Waves. They describe themselves as a Jazz/Funk/Pop/Soul Super Sexy Badass Fusion band. A "Vulfpeck + Snarky Puppy + Lettuce + The Fearless Flyers + Roy Hargrove. I was first introduced to this band after talking with their saxophonist Mark Lesser at Louisiana State University. We discuss how the band was created, their musical likes and influences, and how they are getting back into the performing world again after Covid. Be sure to listen for some original music that can't be heard anywhere else!2020-11-3051 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 010 - Anahita Abbasi and Niloufar Iravani - Iranian Composers in AmericaToday we have a wonderful double guest episode. We have the honor to speak two quickly rising stars in the contemporary classical music world, Anahita Abbasi and Niloufar Iravani. We talk about their music, their lives in Iran as well as in America/Europe, and the Iranian Female Composers Association (IFCA). In our discussions we destroy myths Americans might have of Iran and bridge the distance between our two countries.Guests:Anahita Abbasi - http://www.anahitaabbasi.com/Niloufar Iravani - http://www.niloufariravani.com/...2020-11-231h 09
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 009 - Brandon Jenkins and The Sonic Boom!In today's episode, we travel to Jackson, Mississippi, to talk with Mr. Brandon Jenkins, assistant band director at Jackson State University. We talk to him about the origins of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band programs, the founders of the art form, technique, and social reactions to what is still a predominantly minority system that has seen a rise in caucasian participation.Music:"Gin and Juice" - Broadus, Calvin Jr. (Snoop Doggy Dogg), Doggystyle. Produced by Dr. Dre. ©1994. Arr. Jackson State University."Elsa's Procession to t...2020-11-161h 15
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 008 - Casidy Reed - HERstoryA special cross-podcast guest! In this episode we talk with music educator and podcaster, Casidy Reed, about her life, being a female trumpet player, teaching in a Title 1 school, and her podcast: HERstory. We will learn about her strength, struggles with teaching in a Covid world, and what she wishes parents understood about teachers. Make sure you give her podcast a follow and listen to her amazing and frank talks with female musicians and educators about being a woman in the music world.Casidy Reed/HERstory: https://musicherstorypod.wixsite.com/herstory2020-11-0959 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 007 - Veronika Vitazkova - The FujaraWe travel to the mountains and hills of Slovakia today to talk about a fascinating instrument related to the flute and recorder. The fujara is also known as the overtone flute. We speak with Veronika Vitazkova who has recently felt some notoriety because of a video she had posted that was then distributed by ClassicalFM. We talk about the fujara, performing in these Covid times, and have examples of her playing. Enjoy!Hosts:William F. Montgomery: www.williammontgomerycomposer.comHillary Lester: www.thehealthymusiciansite.comSupport this podcast...2020-11-0255 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 006 - Chatori Shimizu - The ShoOur episode today is joined by the Japanese born - German residing composer, Chatori Shimizu. We discuss his life, moving often, piano, electronic music, gagaku, noise music, time identity theories, and the sho. Join us as we explore this fascinating instrument and approaches to time in music.Also, subscribe to our Patreon to hear extended discussions with Chatori, and questions from a few surprise guests. You'll also be able to hear longer examples of his music as well as examples of other pieces that we talk about. See you there!2020-10-2649 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 005 - Benjamin Staern - Seeing the Colors of SoundIn this episode, we have the honor of talking with Swedish composer Benjamin Staern. We discuss his youth, education, synesthesia, and his music. In particular, we talk about his first symphony, The Polar Vortex. We hope you enjoy learning about Benjamin's form of synesthesia and listening to examples of his music!*Contains mild adult language*Also, subscribe to our Patreon to hear extended discussions with Benjamin about composing and his compositional process. You will also be able to check out depictions of his synesthesia scales on the blog.2020-10-1948 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 004 - Hannah Selin and Hannah Nicholas - Wild EchoThis is a special episode where we have the pleasure to talk to Hannah Selin and Hannah Nicholas about their brand new beautiful piece for vocal, viola, and electronics called Wild Echo. This is a gorgeous piece that perfectly captivates our Covid times. From nature to soaring overhead, the piece is sublime, wistful, and entrancing. Make sure to go to their bandcamp site and download the entire piece. You won't regret it.Hosts:William F. Montgomery: www.williammontgomerycomposer.comHillary Lester: www.thehealthymusiciansite.comWild...2020-10-1249 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 003 - Nicole Casino - Making Her Own BeatToday we have the honor and privilege to talk with Nicole Casino. She is an extremely talented percussionist, patient and enthusiastic teacher, and now a CEO of her own business 92Creatives. In this episode we talk about life, Drum Corps, and being a female in a heavily male dominated art form.*Contains mild adult language*Also, subscribe to our Patreon to hear extended discussions with Nicole about Idaho/Montana, life, drumming, and more!William F. Montgomery: www.williammontgomerycomposer.comHillary Lester: www...2020-10-0558 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 001 - Bounce Music and Big FreediaToday we explore the lively city of New Orleans. Probably more famous for jazz, second lines, Mardi Gras, and beignets, the Big Easy is also the home for Bounce Music. We discuss it's beginnings, traditions, influence and cross platforms with other forms of hip-hop, and talk specifically about it's most famous artist, Big Freedia (Free-duh). Enjoy and L'AISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!*Contains adult language and discussion of sex*www.bigfreedia.comhttps://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/louisiana/new-orleans/articles/history-of-bounce-music/Support this podcast...2020-09-2836 min
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 002 - Elizabeth Knox: Nevertheless, She ComposedToday, we get to have the honor of interviewing Dr. Elizabeth Knox. We discuss her life, early music education, and her doctoral document that will surely become a pivotal piece of literature in the future; Nevertheless She Composed.William F. Montgomery: www.williammontgomerycomposer.comHillary Lester: www.thehealthymusiciansite.comNevertheless She Composed: www.neverthelessshecomposed.orgAmber Beams: www.beamsmusic.weebly.comMara Gibson: www.maragibson.comJennifer Higdon: www.jenniferhigdon.comRob Deemer: www.robdeemer.comInstitute...2020-09-281h 11
Sounds of the WorldEpisode 000 - Welcome and Introduction!Welcome everyone to Sounds of the World Podcast! Our mission is to travel the world exploring new cultures, listening to new music, and interviewing people to broaden our horizons and to introduce not just ourselves, but our listeners, the many wonderful sounds of the world. Each episode will be dedicated to a new genre, person, musical topic, or musical genre and will serve as just a taste test for everyone, including your hosts. We will then include links to the people we interview, important websites, and our Spotify playlist so that you can enjoy the full songs on your...2020-09-1720 min