You were selected for Express Yourself 2022 at Manly Art Gallery & Museum for your sound and film installation, Akuna, and have just been awarded the Theo Batten Youth Art Award. Congratulations! Can you tell us more about how you developed and produced this work and your main inspiration? What do you hope audiences will feel when they experience this work?

Despite having a deep fascination and love for the natural world, drawing on this for my major work had never crossed my mind during the early stages of the HSC. It was only when I was running out of time, that I quickly decided my main priority was writing music, and representing the natural world in the form of a series of abstract shots all seamlessly stitched together would serve as an interesting accompaniment. In terms of inspiration, the music I was listening to during this period of creation had a significant impact on my musical approach and style. Although the connection may not be apparent, the music of Richard Wagner was of particular interest to me, in some sections directly ‘stealing’ quotes from his famous operatic works. Other segments were inspired by Nick Cave, specifically his unique use of vocals on the album ‘The Proposition’. Of course, there were many others, but what really drove the progression of the music forward was how they interacted with the film, where I prioritised reflecting a certain quality of the visuals into my approach of the music. I never came into this project with a clear idea of what I wanted the audience to feel or think.  I always believed that allowing the music and visual language to flow and guide the audience’s thoughts would have a considerably powerful effect.

Looking back on the year that was as a student at Barrenjoey High School, how did the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic last year impact how you developed your Visual Art BOW? And what advice would you give Year 12 students?

Thankfully the disruption of the pandemic didn’t cause me too much pain. As it stands, I’m a very independent person, so learning from home and continuing my studies that way was a comfortable adjustment. In terms of it impacting the development of my Visual Art BOW, to be honest, it may have been a blessing in disguise. The learning from home aspect of year 12 gave me more time to focus on the creation of my project, and as I compose music directly from my studio in my bedroom, it was quite beneficial. Some advice for current year 12 students would be to try and enjoy your final year of high school. Year 12 might be a relaxed year for some, but for the vast majority it's stressful and anxiety- stricken. So, plan well, study effectively and try to relax a bit. 

You are currently at the Conservatorium of Music studying a Bachelor of Music. Was that a long-held dream of yours?

I remember talking to my music teacher (Peter Orenstein, NBCS) in year 8 about my interest in wanting to study at the Conservatorium, either jazz performance or composition - I hadn’t quite worked it out by then. By that point, I had a cousin who was studying at the Con and my then guitar teacher was also there. From there-on, the desire to study at the Con grew as I progressed into my final years of high school.  After really considering a few other tertiary options, I applied to the Con and was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Bachelor of Music, majoring in Composition for Creative Industries, with the focus being on music for film and other types of mixed media.

Who or what have you learnt the most from, or been inspired by?  Is there someone who has been your mentor?

I’ve been lucky to have had so many fantastic mentors over the years who not only have been incredible teachers to me, but in their own ways have inspired me to further my creative practise, and more importantly, assisted me in growing as an individual. I’ve had a great working relationship with TV composer, Jay Stewart who, for the past four years has been a profound advisor for me in directing my creative endeavours, and overall is a fantastic resource for learning all about the music for TV industry here in Australia.

 

Mika Utzon Popov, a local artist based here in Sydney, is someone I would certainly refer to as a mentor. Not only is he a close family friend, he’s someone who I look up to immensely for creative wisdom and guidance for my journey as a composer.  I deeply cherish both these working relationships, and I feel incredibly lucky to have these people in my life. 

You describe yourself now as a composer. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in 5 years-time? What are your artistic aspirations?

In 5 years-time I’ll be 24, which is quite a scary thought.  I have always wanted to write music for film. I hope in 5 years-time the quality of the work I produce and the quality of the work I receive will only get better and better, and even more exciting. My main focus is to just keep working and keep creating. That is where my attention has been for the past year or so, and I think for the years ahead it will continue to be the best way forward.

Gallery

All images courtesy Noah Bloom