SOUNDS GOOD: Conversations with Australia Music Makers

For this pilot episode, Australian Composer and host of this podcast series, Christopher Healey, chats with Brisbane-based composer, Dr. Thomas Green. In this conversation we chat about Tom's work, the challenges of being a modern composer, the role of the audience and plenty more.  N.B. This episode contains some occasional profanity. Note from Chris: This is my first time podcasting and I was particularly mentally fatigued the evening of recording this, so my hosting leaves something to be desired, but I am taking a "fail forward" approach here, so please stay with us while I learn the ropes. It will be worth for what our incredible guests have to share. As always, thank you for listening. Tom's favourite musician: Patricia Kopatchinskaja (Tom was reluctant to attempt to pronounce her name during the rapid fire question section of the podcast) Thomas' Links: Quartet No 2 (Album): 5 Quick Tempered Dances Website Praxis Axis YouTube Channel Facebook ABOUT THOMAS GREEN

Tom has a reputation in Brisbane as a versatile composer whose focus is finding a musical home between many and varied streams, such as ‘pop’ and ‘classical,’ acoustic and electronic, concerts and records, and even ‘serious’ and ‘fun’.  He is the recipient of various government grants, commissions, is a prizewinner in national composition competitions, and has traveled internationally to pursue his interest in modern music.

He has been involved with and composed music for a number of groups in Brisbane (and more broadly) pioneering new music; these include The Australian String Quartet and Collusion Music. His musical alter ego Praxis Axis is used for Tom’s creation of electronic music and sound design, and a preoccupation with found sounds.  Tom regularly performs as a member of the Brisbane group Boss Fight, a band dedicated to live recreations of iconic video game music.

In 2015, Tom’s music was premiered around Australia and internationally, including a saxophone concerto with the Strasbourg Philharmonic and the Melbourne Metropolitan,  and new works for Plexus (Melbourne). Tom also arranged Josh Pyke’s music for the Sydney Symphony.

Presently Tom works at home in his composition studio completing a PhD in composition, under Robert Davidson at UQ, as well as freelance jobs for local artists.  Tom teaches music and production at various institutions including UQ, the Queensland Conservatorium and Brisbane JMC Academy.