Electronic/Hybrid/Produced:

Big Band (Playback):

Hello!

Thank you in advance for your time reviewing my application. I am a 22 year old composer, guitarist and composer’s assistant based in Cardiff, UK. Through working as a composer’s assistant for Jordan Rees, I’ve had the opportunity to compose additional music for production music and indie games. Independently, I have been composing for artist releases, trailer sound design, and recently scored a short film for S4C. In July 2021, I graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) with a first class honours in Jazz Guitar and The Principle’s Award for Music. 

At RWCMD, I had the opportunity to get involved with the composition department. There, I became enamored with modular synthesizers and producing ambient music. As a result, I have been experimenting in blending these interests with my Jazz guitar background; using electronics in improvisation and large ensemble. Recently, for example, I wrote a big band suite (not yet performed) featuring synthesizers, and a set for Jazz quintet and live electronics.

Alongside these explorations, some of my inspirations include Ben Frost, Lightbath, Graham Collier, Gilad Hekselman, and Tigran Hamasyan.

NYJO Animate Composer would allow me to further explore the synthesis of music composed in my bedroom with live performance and experimentation, especially for a large ensemble. I would aim to further explore writing for large Jazz ensemble, electronics in live performance, and learn how to promote and release my own music. As I am beginning my professional career, a scheme such as Animate Composer would be crucial in helping me to keep developing my voice, through your 1:1 mentorship, masterclasses and recorded performance opportunity. 

Thank you so much again for your time,

Joshua Lascar