Musicians & composers

Viv Albertine’s brilliant memoir of creative frustration

“Every day the task seems hopeless and I feel like giving up.”

Nov 14, 2022 •

Pat Metheny’s compulsive productivity

The jazz guitarist’s amazing pre- and post-show routine—plus, a request for your patronage!

Apr 18, 2022 •

A megalomaniac with extremely low self-esteem

Nick Cave’s songwriting routine

Sep 27, 2021 •

Erik Satie: “An artist must regulate his life”

Presenting the composer’s “precise daily schedule” on this 155th anniversary of his birth

May 17, 2021 •

Duke Ellington’s hungry ear

A trove of quotes on the great jazz musician's composing process

May 3, 2021 •

Ennio Morricone’s “mysterious process”

Plus: Advice on kindling your own excitement

Jul 13, 2020 •

John Cage on music and mushrooms

“I have come to the conclusion that much can be learned about music by devoting oneself to the mushroom.”

Jun 29, 2020 •

Giuseppe Verdi could only compose in the country

"Somehow there everything comes at once, quite without effort, and I am more contented."

May 25, 2020 •

Grace Jones’s dressing-room necessities

Plus: Advice on figuring out what your “thing” is

May 18, 2020 •

Joseph Haydn could not be idle

"The distribution of hours and the resultant order might seem machine-like to some of my readers."

Mar 23, 2020 •

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