Music Well – Dosia McKay, Composer, Painter, Writer

Reflections on Art and Life

Unconventional

When I talk about Endless Immersion, I’m supposed to have an elevator pitch to capture your attention in one sentence. I don’t have it. I don’t even know what genre … Continue reading

June 3, 2015 · Leave a comment

Jackpot – New Composition Inspired by a Visit to a Casino

It is odd to imagine that a quick stroll through a casino would become an inspiration for a new composition for a chamber group, yet the surround-sound cacophony of blips, … Continue reading

May 25, 2015 · Leave a comment

Glossolalia Premieres in China

NeoQuartet is taking Glossolalia to China to the Beijing Modern Music Festival, marking the premiere of my music on the 4th continent. http://neoquartet.pl/ http://www.dosiamckay.com/glossolalia.shtml http://bmmf.org.cn/EN/CalendarDetail.aspx?id=540

May 21, 2015 · Leave a comment

Taking Musical Chances, Reaping Musical Rewards

More than a year ago I took a chance on a string quartet from Poland I have only heard in recordings. I flew in to Gdańsk, we met in person … Continue reading

May 13, 2015 · 1 Comment

“Unveiling” for String Orchestra

“Unveiling” written for string orchestra is an exploration of layers of sounds. Beginning with one solitary note, new aural strata gradually unfold in which multiple layers of counterpoint constantly shift, … Continue reading

April 30, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion Installation

Endless Immersion Installation – the colors morph, merge, dissolve, and drift away. Just like the music. I’ve had a great response to a private showing of the installation. Each guest … Continue reading

April 24, 2015 · 1 Comment

Endless Immersion Download

Can you download single tracks of Endless Immersion? Yes, you can. There are only two of them. Each one is a seamless one-hour immersive experience, and you can preview them … Continue reading

April 20, 2015 · Leave a comment

Submerged – New Music for Piano Solo

“Submerged” is one of my early compositions for piano solo. Ever since a pianist friend played for me “The Sunken Cathedral” by Claude Debussy in ninth grade, I felt enchanted … Continue reading

April 19, 2015 · 2 Comments

Cello – A Guarded Love

The more I play the cello, the more I love it. But if it loves me back, it does so in a guarded way. I have to spend many hours … Continue reading

April 15, 2015 · Leave a comment

Dear Fans, I Need Your Help!

Dear Friends and Fans, I need your help! Please help me spread the word about my new album “Endless Immersion”. I have no agent, no publicity firm, and no organization … Continue reading

April 13, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion – A Sonic Experience

Endless Immersion is out as a 2-CD set and an MP3 download. If you are looking for a truly unique sonic experience, look no further. http://tinyurl.com/kge5osr

April 10, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion is Live!

Endless Immersion is live! Today I am sending out all pre-orders and new orders. Are you ready to be immersed? http://tinyurl.com/kge5osr

April 9, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion – First Impressions

“I am speechless”, “This is what music is supposed to be”, “I drove and don’t remember how I got home”, “I was so relaxed, I didn’t want to stop listening”, … Continue reading

April 7, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion Installation and the Magic Algorithm

The Endless Immersion installation and the creative process of composing the music for this unique environment. I discuss the double stereo loop design and the capabilities of the magic algorithm. … Continue reading

April 5, 2015 · Leave a comment

Times of Solemnity and Reflection

Times, seasons, holidays, remembrances. It’s good to have days set aside for reflection and solemnity. Though our perspectives of the World may differ, we share the the joys, sorrows, and … Continue reading

April 3, 2015 · Leave a comment

Recording Studio Fashion

More studio fashion and drama. Clothing should always match the hardware. April 9 – Only 7 days left to the release of the Endless Immersion Album. http://www.dosiamckay.com/endlessimmersion.shtml

April 2, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion – New Album of Experimental Music

Endless Immersion, a new album of experimental music is set to release on April 9, 2015. Endless Immersion – The Concept I want to challenge the traditional way we listen … Continue reading

March 25, 2015 · Leave a comment

Recording Studio – Inspiring Spaces

Beautiful space at the Echo Moountain Recording Studios in Asheville where I recently worked on Endless Immersion. We didn’t master in this exact room, but I like to peek in … Continue reading

March 24, 2015 · 1 Comment

Testing the Quadraphonic Setup

A pair of new JBL studio monitors aka high fidelity speakers to complete the quadraphonic setup for the Endless Immersion installation. I tested them yesterday with one stereo layer of … Continue reading

March 20, 2015 · Leave a comment

Mastering Endless Immersion

With sound engineer Julian Dreyer at the Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville during the mastering session for Endless Immersion. We worked together on the final mix concentrating on proper … Continue reading

March 15, 2015 · 1 Comment

Surround Sound or Double Stereo?

Homework for the Endless Immersion installation. It’s not a simple surround setup. I need two independent stereo systems playing simultaneously. I can’t say that I am bored. http://www.dosiamckay.com/endlessimmersion.shtml

March 8, 2015 · Leave a comment

I Want To Run Away

I just received the final proofs of the printed CD cover of my upcoming album and I just want to run away. No, there is nothing wrong with it. In … Continue reading

March 6, 2015 · Leave a comment

Grit and Glitz on Princeton’s WPRB Classical Discoveries

Today “Grit and Glitz” was featured on the Princeton’s WPRB Classical Discoveries hosted by Marvin Rosen during the “In Praise of a Woman” music marathon devoted to American women composers. … Continue reading

March 4, 2015 · Leave a comment

Work Hard, Play Hard

I am working non stop on this latest release, hoping to bring the music to life this April. Music is done, graphic design for the album cover is done. Now … Continue reading

March 3, 2015 · Leave a comment

Aurora – For Stereo Headphones and Closed Eyes

Aurora – Meant for stereo headphones and closed eyes. http://www.dosiamckay.com/lacrimosa.shtml

February 27, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion – Challenging the “Stereo-Types”

With sound engineer Julian Dreyer, trying different alignment patterns for the looping layers. There are so many interesting combinations, there is not enough lifetime to explore them all. We are … Continue reading

February 25, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion – Painting With Sound

Painting with sound – I spent a solid day in the studio working with the sound engineer. This project feels very much like painting to me. I stretched the canvas … Continue reading

February 24, 2015 · Leave a comment

Music in a Kaleidoscope?

I am putting finishing touches on Endless Immersion before I take it to the recording studio for final edit and mastering. Until today, the “kaleidoscope” design of the music was … Continue reading

February 20, 2015 · Leave a comment

Color Me Blue – New Music for Soprano Sax, 2 Vibraphones, and Bass

I am updating my score catalog and came across this fun piece for soprano saxophone, 2 vibraphones, and bass. Jazz meets counterpoint! http://www.dosiamckay.com/mp3/DosiaMcKay_colormeblue.mp3 http://www.dosiamckay.com/music/colormeblue.shtml

February 12, 2015 · Leave a comment

Bubble Tree – A Soundtrack to Short Film

The Bubble Tree – a soundtrack I composed a few years ago for this fun short film. I can’t decide if the movie is uplifting or depressing.

February 11, 2015 · Leave a comment

Expletivo – Music So Vulgar It Should Be Bleeped Out

This is high-brow art music, and so it is proper to hide behind a made-up Italian word like Expletivo, but the essence of this movement might be better expressed through … Continue reading

February 10, 2015 · 1 Comment

Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa – my most popular track on Soundcloud. And for a good reason. Double the fun on headphones.

February 6, 2015 · Leave a comment

Danse Macabre – Dance of Death

Here is a little treasure I dug up for you – “Danse Macabre” for piano trio (violin, cello, and piano) I composed a few years ago. The computer rendition is … Continue reading

February 5, 2015 · Leave a comment

Is Now Not Enough? – Where Music and Poetry Meet

Have you downloaded the free track from my latest album? “Is Now Not Enough?” – read about the inspiration behind the title. Please share, like, and comment. https://soundcloud.com/dosiamckay/is-now-not-enough-1

January 26, 2015 · Leave a comment

Mereise Ine Me – Free Download

For a limited time I am offering a free download of my track “Mereise Ine Me”. Please share with friends, like, and comment.

January 23, 2015 · Leave a comment

Being Uncreative

Today I was asked to please go to my studio and work. Apparently I am unbearable when I don’t create.

January 20, 2015 · Leave a comment

New Year, New Curriculum Vitae

New year, new Curriculum Vitae, or at least an updated one. I have done so much. I have done so little. Composer Biography

January 14, 2015 · Leave a comment

“First In Flight” for Vibraphone and String Quartet on NPR

It’s nice to be played on National Public Radio again. “First In Flight”, my composition for vibraphone and string quartet will be featured today on WUOT Knoxville’s Morning Concert hosted … Continue reading

January 9, 2015 · 1 Comment

New 3-Dimensional Music

If I have been quiet recently, it’s because I am working intently on new music. It’s a large-scale innovative project whose harmonic progression and formal design resembles some of my … Continue reading

January 6, 2015 · Leave a comment

Is Now Not Enough?

“Is Now Not Enough?” explores the restlessness and insatiability of the human spirit. The same invisible force that propels migrating birds and fish, seems to stir the imagination in search … Continue reading

January 4, 2015 · Leave a comment

New Printing of Glossolalia Goes to Poland

A new printing of Glossolalia has gone to Poland today. I hope my Polish Fans come to one of the concerts of NeoQuartet and buy some! http://www.dosiamckay.com/glossolalia.shtml

December 29, 2014 · Leave a comment

Glossolalia on WPRB Radio – Classical Discoveries

Today Glossolalia will be featured by Princeton’s WPRB Classical Discoveries hosted by Marvin Rosen during the Viva 21 Century Marathon of music by contemporary composers. Tune in at 2:00 pm … Continue reading

December 27, 2014 · Leave a comment

New Music Composition Design

Design of a new composition I am working on. It keeps changing as I am going forward. So many moving pieces to keep track of.

December 22, 2014 · 2 Comments

New Music, New Year, New Ideas

I am concocting something new. It’s too early to talk about it, even though I have been working on it for a couple of months, but I might be able … Continue reading

December 15, 2014 · Leave a comment

I Care If You Listen – Review of Glossolalia

Angelina Panozzo of I Care If You Listen, recently reviewed my new album entitled “Glossolalia”.

October 29, 2014 · Leave a comment

New Music for Classical Guitar – Recording in Argentina

I am pleased to announce that Sergio Puccini, an Argentine guitar virtuoso, will record “Parting” for inclusion in his upcoming album release. I am thrilled that my composition will be … Continue reading

September 29, 2014 · Leave a comment

Healing Through Music

Lately I have been thinking about the healing potential of music. I don’t want to be in the business of selling snake oil, smoke, and mirrors, but would want to … Continue reading

September 24, 2014 · Leave a comment

Nuts and Bolts of TrancePhonica

Here are nuts and bolts of TrancePhonica during the mastering session with Julian Dreyer at the Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheille. Music composition, sequencing, mixing, and editing are very … Continue reading

September 22, 2014 · Leave a comment
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