Limitation as Freedom
I am discussing the concept of limitation in the context of artistic freedom. When I am faced with the whiteness of my creative page, I like to set limiting parameters … Continue reading
Watercolors for Symphony Orchestra
When I take a break from music, I turn to painting. My favorite media are watercolors, acrylics, and ink. When the paint is introduced to a wet canvas, it takes … Continue reading
Impression for Piano Solo
Look at what I have unearthed for you! I composed “Impression” in 2007 when I was studying composition at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. At that time I was … Continue reading
Not Knowing
I remember that day a year ago. It was before I began composing “Endless Immersion”. I only had a general idea of what I wanted to do, too vague to … Continue reading
Geometry, Language, and Music – My Path to Composition – Radio Interview on “Zero Crossings”
What do geometry, language, and music have in common? The ancestral shadows, George Michael, and creative loneliness – it’s all there. I am talking about my convoluted path to composition … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Beijing New Music Festival Premiere
I am very honored to learn that my music will be featured at the Beijing Modern Music Festival in May. NeoQuartet will be performing selections from our latest recording Glossolalia. … Continue reading
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
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
Black
Today my hair is nearly black. I am wearing black turtleneck and black pants. I carried my lunch in a black paper bag, forgetting that I already had another black … Continue reading
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
Composer Portrait, Part 1
Fun to re-watch. If only for the old hair.
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
“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
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
Working with the Cellist of NeoQuartet – Composer’s Perspective
It’s not a secret that cello is my most favorite of the string instruments, so I was looking forward to Krzysztof’s interpretations of my lyrical legato cello solos. But then … Continue reading
Flute Concerto – The Espionage
The Espionage concerto was partially inspired by a poem by the same title I wrote in 2008 (see below) and, in a wider sense, by my fascination with the spy … Continue reading
Expand Your Library’s Catalog
Would your institution’s library benefit from adding contemporary music to its catalog? Speak to your librarian about acquiring Glossolalia. I recently sent the album to University of California at Irvine … Continue reading
Sweet Baby – Choral Premiere in New York
Premiere of Sweet Baby, my new choral piece, performed by the members of C4 under the direction of Fahad Siadat. New York, Composer’s Voice, June 29, 2014, Jan Hus Presbyterian … Continue reading
Glossolalia Reviewed in Poland!
“The music is ecstatic and trance-inducing, strongly influencing emotions of the listener, even one who is not musically educated”. – from the recent review of Glossolalia by Ewa Palińska in … Continue reading
A Good Sound Engineer – Don’t Enter a Recording Studio Without One
As people continue to listen to “Glossolalia“, they send me comments about the composition, the incredible quality of performance by NeoQuartet, and the nuanced mix of the recording. I am … Continue reading
Upcoming Choral Premiere in New York
This week I will be studying the score to “Sweet Baby” – a choral piece I recently wrote for a New York premiere by the members of the C4 Ensemble. … Continue reading
World War I Flavored Film Score
Here is a soundtrack I composed a few years ago to “Brothers in Arms” (2006) by Amos Ezra Katz. Using French horns, English horn, clarinet, guitar, and percussion, I attempted … Continue reading
Working with Vibraphonist Paweł Nowicki – Composer’s Perspective
A few notes from the recent recording session of my new album Glossolalia. Today I share about working with the vibraphonist – Paweł Nowicki. Paweł made a guest appearance on … Continue reading
Mereise Ine Me – Download New Vocal Single
Lest all glory goes to Glossolalia, here is another recent release – a composition for electronically enhanced voice and a bass instrument: Mereise Ine Me. You can share and download … Continue reading
Cantabile – A Touch of Jazz in a Classical Setting
Something for a happy Friday: Cantabile (in Italian “singable”, or “song-like”) should unfold through long and eloquent phrases, but it does not have enough courage to immediately convey what hides … Continue reading
Working with the 2nd Violin of NeoQuartet – Composer’s Perspective
A few notes from the recent recording session of my new album Glossolalia. Today I share about working with the 2nd Violin of NeoQuartet – Paweł Kapica. Paweł very skilfully … Continue reading
Glossolalia – Taking Big Risks, Reaping Large Musical Rewards
I met NeoQuartet for the first time during the first rehearsal, three days ahead of the recording session, with the studio and sound engineer fully booked. Were we crazy to … Continue reading
Glossolalia Now on iTunes, Amazon, and Around the World!
The album has launched! Below a few links to a free download, MP3 and CD retailers, a new video, and other goodies: – Bandcamp: http://tinyurl.com/lqgnktr – Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mdv6czc – iTunes: … Continue reading
Glossolalia CDs Ready for Album Release
Oh, but what do we have here?! The CDs have just arrived and are ready for the June 4 release of the album. This Wednesday I will send out all … Continue reading
Free Download – Glossolalia Track
Free download from my new album Glossolalia played by NeoQuartet. Listen, share, e-mail to your mother, girlfriend, and your boss. Pre-order an audio CD and MP3 album. Leave a comment, … Continue reading
Is Now Not Enough?
Tomorrow I will offer the opening track from my new album “Glossolalia – NeoQuartet plays music of Dosia McKay” for free download. It will be available on Bandcamp at: http://dosiamckay.bandcamp.com/ … Continue reading
Glossolalia – Pre-sale to Begin with a Free Track Download
Let me entice you with colorful graphics for the last time because on Wednesday I will be releasing a FREE download of one of the tracks from Glossolalia performed by … Continue reading
What is the Role of a Composer in Music Creation?
My professor at New York University, Kent Underwood, used to say that the reality of music is not the score, but the performance. It is a humbling proposition for a … Continue reading
Glossolalia – Mysticism and Ecstasy of Inspiration
Glossolalia – The Inspiration Glossolalia, meaning speaking or praying in tongues, is a spiritual practice or a worship expression found in certain streams of the Christian church as well as … Continue reading
Glossolalia Set to Release June 4
My new album Glossolalia is set to release on June 4, 2014! Glossolalia, meaning speaking or praying in tongues, is a spiritual practice or a worship expression found in certain … Continue reading
Are You a True Artist?
I see these inspirational articles floating all around me, forcing me to examine my artistic direction and stripping my soul to bare bone. Are you a true artist? – they … Continue reading
New Choral Music
I am writing a fun piece for SATB a cappella chorus for a June premiere in New York by the members of the C4 Ensemble. The piece is entitled “Sweet … Continue reading
With Flutist Jadwiga Kotnowska
When I was in Poland, in Warsaw I visited my flute virtuoso friend Jadwiga Kotnowska. She showed me Sinfonia Concertante for flute, harp, and string orchestra by Andrzej Panufnik she … Continue reading
Glossolalia – New Album
Coming this spring! New album of music for string quartet. http://www.dosiamckay.com/glossolalia.shtml
Music Well - Dosia McKay, Composer, Painter, Writer 