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Josh Goldman
US artist
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Interview: 10 questions
1. When did you start making music, what is/was your motivation to do it?
I took piano lessons in elementary school and then became increasingly interested in music when I began playing guitar at the age of 13. Music / sound “turns me onâ€.
2. Tell me something about your living environment and the musical education.
I recently left New York City (to pursue new adventures) where I had been living for 8 years. My formal education includes a BM from New England Conservatory of Music (music performance) and a MM from Brooklyn College, CUNY (music composition). My informal education includes what I value most.
3. Is making music your profession? What is the context in which you practice music nowadays?
I guess you could say I’m a “professional musicianâ€. All of my income is related to music – composing / performing – but mainly teaching. “Profession†is such a work oriented word. I like to “playâ€.
4. How do you compose or create music or sound?
I try to create music / sounds that operate as an “extension of natureâ€.
5. Tell me something about the instruments, technical equipment or tools you use?
In general I use various microphones, various recording devices, various computers, various guitars and sounds that I’m attracted to / repulsed by – all the basic stuff.
6. How will new forms of media affect the production of music – in general? – For you personally?
New forms of media have and will continue to enhance the production of music. I fully embrace new forms of media but I’m a bit slow when it comes to incorporating them into my work – sometimes I get too comfortable using specific techniques / technologies. I have to force myself to push forward.
7. How about producing and financing your musical productions?
For the most part, I finance all of my personal projects. I keep the costs as basic as possible.
8. Do you work individually as a musician/soundartist or in a group or collaborative?
If you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
Usually I prefer to work alone. I like the purity that is accomplished by the single vision of an individual. Even when I do not have a great deal of expertise in an area – such as video art or poetry – I will create the video for one of my projects or write a poem (lyrics) to one of my songs. I’m perfectly comfortable being an amateur in certain situations. On other occasions I’ve been involved with what I feel have been successful collaborative efforts, especially with film / video artists. So I guess to answer the question – a little of both.
9. Is there any group, composer, style or movement which has a lasting influence on making music?
Not really – I enjoy the entire world of sound. Different styles / musicians (there are so many of them that I like) satisfy different moods / cravings on any given day.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a soundartist or musician?
I would like to continue to create and refine my work (moving closer to the “extension of nature†concept I spoke of earlier).