Reena Esmail

Composer Patricia Martínez on sexism in Argentina, the visual power of performance, and surviving the production of an opera.

Eleanor Alberga on the value of persistence, racism as a form of insanity, and using music to exorcise fear.

Composer Elizabeth Lain discusses the independence that sample libraries afford, the self-defeating nature of elitism, and how classical music's relevance hinges on the inclusion of marginalized voices. 

Composer Ayumi Okada on speaking through music, the courage needed to move to a foreign country, and the importance of not compromising your creative voice.

Composer Mara Gibson on map-making, escapism, and taking inspiration from poetry.

Composer and sound artist Kaley Lane Eaton depicts an immigrant's experience in the Pacific Northwest in 1915, discusses the pressure on young women to prioritize being "sexy and noticed" over being creative, and explores how grief is stored in the lungs. 

Composer Alondra Vega-Zaldivar on humor, storytelling, and the vital roles artists play as philosophers and messengers. 

Composer Reena Esmail on mentorship, music as sustenance, and the wisdom of preparing for "wild success." 

Irish composer and musician Jenn Kirby on learning music theory as an adult from "kiddy" workbooks, breaking a sweat in a laptop orchestra, and how to enjoy music you hate.

Composer Judith Shatin talks about visiting the inside of a coal mine, working with early mainframe computers, and blooming where you're planted.