Episode 1: The good, the bad and the lovely

I thought I'd try a little thing, called an 'email episode' which basically lets you know what I've been up to. Don't worry, I'm not disciplined enough to keep up any regular thing, so they'll be sporadic and spontaneous, little chunks of my life shared with you all.

Maybe, just maybe, you'll read about something that interests you, or maybe you want to get involved in..and if so, my efforts will have been successful!

Maybe I'll keep you up to date with the bad news too..just so it doesn't sound like life's a breeze for a freelance composer.. yeah right! haha.

Right, so three paragraphs and you've not learned anything yet.. Well. Let's begin. 

1. The Society of Brilliant Ideas.

Since leaving New York last year I returned to Auckland inspired to make some things happen - I wasn't sure what then, but the big thing turned out to be 'The Society of Brilliant Ideas'  which is an artist's and musicians workshop space on the 6th floor of 35 High St. This little creative hub is now home to my new studio, which I painted red, and filled with my favourite things..books, little music boxes, instruments..comfy couch etc..

The SOBI space is filled with 20 artists, working in different disciplines from music to jewellery and fabric art.

We have been donated a fridge, a smoothie maker, and a toasted sandwich maker. All of this makes me very happy, and; I look forward to 'going to work!'

2. Short film scores completed recently.

Earlier this year I completed the score to the supernatural drama 'The Off Season' directed by Michael Lonsdale.

This was a score which I blended a muted palette of electronic tones with strings and piano. The finished film was mixed in dolby surround sound, which was a fun experience. A still from the film is attached.

I also have just finished a year-long process of creating a score for 'Moonfishing' directed by David Michael Friend.

I met David whilst in New York and we worked together on a live puppet theatre show. Moonfishing is an amazing puppet film supported by the Jim Henson foundation, and executive produced by Heather Henson, his daughter. 

The music is an important part of the film as there is no dialogue. The score uses mainly live instruments with

The film will hopefully come to the NZ/NY film festivals in the near future. A still from the film is attached.

3. Made in NZ

On May 7, the NZ Symphony Orchestra will perform 'The Legend of the Trojan Bird' in their NZ Music concert at the town hall. This will be the NZ public premiere. The concert will be a bit different this year as the NZSO collaborateswith Video artist DNation . The artist Robert Appierdo is working on some visuals appropriate to the trojan bird music.

Hope to see you there if you're in Wellington.

The bad news is, winter is coming.

NZSO's concert isn't coming to Auckland.

My internet is really slow, in fact it's actually lagging to keep up with my typing. That's why this email has taken forever already.

That's all! phew.

www.thislife.org   Some of the most challenging, intriguing, informative and entertaining podcasts available on the net.

John Adams 'Harmonielehre' - a really choice orchestral piece

There's a new crepe/french food place just a few doors up from Real Groovy on Queen st. Try it, it's cheap and delicious.

Giapo on Queen st near Borders does a brilliant dark plum gelato at the moment.

Try baking this Lemon Cake . It's delicious. And you don't need as much oil as it says..try using some sour cream like I did.

Taika Waititi's BOY movie. Brilliant.

Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr Fox. Great soundtrack too.

Anti-fashion League is having a clearance sale. Buy up on some cheap tees (NZ only sorry!).

In Praise of Slow. by Carl Honore. 'How a worldwide movement is challenging the cult of speed.' Perhaps 

my ISP has been reading this. 'an epiphany for those of us who have forgotten how to look forward to things

or enjoy the moment when it arrives.' - Glasgow herald.

Freecycle.org - a worldwide site that provides people with free stuff that other people don't want.

Instructables.com -a site with a step by step guide on how to make everything you ever dreamed of.

Well, this has turned out to be rather juicy and informative. How about replying and giving me somegood advice - like your new favourite band, the latest recipe you love, your opinion on my rambly episode..or a photo of yourself with your new hairdo. Perhaps you'd like some music written for something. Dropme a line or give me a call.

It'd be nice to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

Claire.