MusicMusic Interviews

Relevant Tones

Access Contemporary Music

A podcast about the most fascinating time in classical music history: right now.

Relevant Tones features interviews with and music by some of the most creative figures in contemporary classical music, themed shows exploring new trends in classical music and frequent live streamed shows featuring conversations and music performances.

Hosted and produced by Seth Boustead, Austin Williams, Stephen Anthony Rawson and Matt Dotson.

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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr
English

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#481
August 17 · 1 hr 11 min
Beltline Bones
Formed in 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin, the Beltline Bones are “a new music ensemble disguised as a trombone quartet” with an omnivorous approach to new music, combining the traditional idiom of the brass ensemble with an adventurous interest in electronics, genre mixture, and notational experimentation. On their second commercial release, Technological Eclipse, the ensemble chronicles several fruits of its commissioning efforts, with a program of electro-acoustic pieces that push the boundaries of genre and notation. On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson talks with Cole Bartels, Justin Coyne and Adam Nissenbaum about the group's work, their commissioning and arranging projects, live performance, Technological Eclipse, and much more. MUSIC Geminids by Alex Ring Gray I Was Thinking About the Buffalo by Brooks Frederickson Variants II by Cole Bartels Technological Eclipse by Alec Love In and Out of the Game by Eve Beglarian Ocho by Jorge Variego
#480
July 27 · 48 min
unaccompanied: music for the voice alone
The voice is our oldest and most familiar instrument, yet composers continue to discover astonishing new possibilities within it. Music for the voice alone invites us to listen differently. Without harmony or accompaniment to guide our ears, every contour, breath, and vocal gesture takes on its own significance. On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson explores music for the unaccompanied voice, featuring works by Morton Feldman, John Cage, Gráinne Mulvey, Enno Poppe, Erin Gee, Giacinto Scelsi, Jean-Christophe Rosaz, Luciano Berio, and Meredith Monk. Through these extraordinary works, we’re invited to hear not only the limitless expressive potential of a single voice, but perhaps even the unexpected musicality of the many voices we encounter every day. Featured Music - Only, Morton Feldman - Eight Whiskus, John Cage - Eternity is Now, Gráinne Mulvey - Wespe, Enno Poppe - Mouthpiece I, Erin Gee - Hô, Giacinto Scelsi - Alphabet, Jean-Christophe Rosaz - Sequenza III, Luciano Berio - Lullaby, Meredith Monk
July 13 · 58 min
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival is an ambitious summer program that brings together young string players to work intensively with leading professionals while performing throughout Colchester and the surrounding communities. For the past four years, the festival has also championed new music through its annual Call for Scores. On this episode of Relevant Tones, Seth Boustead talks with Artistic Director Elizabeth Chang about the festival's unique approach to chamber music education and features works by recent Call for Scores winners Paul Novak, Jorge Amado, Ethan Jankowski, and Mary Brook Hartmann.
#478
July 6 · 51 min
Cristina Spinei - Moved by An Interior Impulse
Best known for her acclaimed work with ballet companies across the country, Cristina Spinei has developed a distinctive musical language built on melodic cells, propulsive rhythms and subtle repetition which she affectionately describes as "minimalish." Host Seth Boustead talks with Spinei about her new album, Moved by an Interior Impulse, her long collaboration with choreographers, and how writing for dance has shaped her voice as a composer.
#477
June 29 · 54 min
Third Place Music Festival
On this episode of Relevant Tones we highlight Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Third Place [MusicFest] as they celebrate their 7th year. Third Place curates an annual, four day performing arts festival comprised of multiple concerts in local spaces. They are founded on principles both simple and often overlooked: that concerts should be radically welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. Host Stephen Anthony Rawson talks with co-director Wesley Hornpetrie about the history of the festival, its efforts to create spectacular concerts around diverse and complementary programming, its deep roots in the local business community of Ann Arbor, and more. MUSIC C by Han Lash, performed by Woven Duo Tale of Fourth by Leith and through the pines, I hear the singing by Jacob Nance, performed by FLYDLPHN Armenian Dance Medley by Ara Topouzian Trio Baad Illi Kan by Taqsim
#476
June 1 · 53 min
Peter Askim and the NEXT Festival of Emerging Artists Part II
In the second half of our conversation with conductor, composer and producer Peter Askim, we take a deeper look at his efforts to champion living composers through initiatives like the NC State 10-Year Premiere Project. Askim discusses the importance of creating opportunities for emerging voices, building lasting relationships between composers and performers, and finding new ways to connect audiences with contemporary music. He also reflects on the evolving role of orchestras in the 21st century and the future of new music. MUSIC Echoes From Our Digital World by Trevor New Tiled Fields by James Budinich Beacons for Chamber Orchestra by Ahmed Al Abaca Episodes by Chris Boardman
#475
May 11 · 1 hr
Peter Askim and the NEXT Festival of Emerging Artists Part I
Composer, conductor, and producer Peter Askim joins Seth Boustead to discuss building vibrant communities around contemporary classical music through the NC State 10-Year Premiere Project, the NEXT Festival of Emerging Artists, and his work with orchestras across North Carolina. From commissioning dozens of World Premieres to mentoring emerging composers and reimagining how audiences experience new music, Askim shares his vision for the future of the orchestra and the artists shaping it. This is the first in a two-part episode. MUSIC The Raw Heart of the Spinning World by Peter Askim The Inheritors Overture by Allison Loggins Hull Nowruz for Orchestra by Adeliia Faizullina Sinfonietta of Dreams movement III: There by Jeff Scott Webbings and Circles by Nahre Sol
#474
April 20 · 1 hr 1 min
Brent Michael Davids - American Requiem
Composer Brent Michael Davids discusses his powerful new work Requiem for America: Singing for the Invisible People—a sweeping musical reckoning with the genocidal foundations of the United States, told through Indigenous voices. Blending Native American musical traditions with orchestral forces, the piece confronts history through texts both personal and political, culminating in a message of resilience: “We Are Still Here.” We also feature a selection of Davids’s music, offering a deeper window into his singular artistic voice and lifelong mission to center Native perspectives in contemporary classical music.
March 6 · 58 min
In Memorium: Bernard Rands
Esteemed composer Bernard Rands has passed away, a huge loss to our musical community. We honor his memory by re-airing this interview with host Seth Boustead from September 2017. Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Bernard Rands reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than a hundred published works and recordings. In this conversation with Relevant Tones, he shares insights into his musical language, creative process, and the ideas that have shaped his work Produced by Sarah Zwinklis
#473
Dec 29, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Notable Albums of 2025
Relevant Tones returns after our hiatus to bring you some of our favorite albums (and concerts) of the year. It was a great year for music! Hosted by Seth Boustead, Matthew Dosland, Stephen Anthony Rawson and Austin Williams. MUSIC For Adrienne I by Martin Gendelman What Stories We Tell by George Hurd Study No. 1 by Jessie Montgomery Yanga by Gabriela Ortiz At Which Point No. 1: Prologue by Wang Lu Groung (Crane) by Mary Kouyoumdijian More Mania by the Dirty Projectors Thoka by Aniima Moraine Lake by Frank Horvat
#472
Jul 30, 2025 · 58 min
At the World's Edge Festival
At the World’s Edge is a chamber music festival inspired by its roots in the Southern Alps of New Zealand and forging ties to Chicago and beyond. Host Seth Boustead talks with violinist and founding Artistic Director Benjamin Baker about his vision for the festival and features music the festival has commissioned. MUSIC Yabo by Salina Fisher String Trio No. 2 by Huw Watkins (excerpt) Mata Au by Salina Fisher Four Postcards by Gareth Farr
#471
Jun 9, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Neil Quigley
Host Austin Williams and composer guest Neil Quigley chat about Neil’s music and its relationship to speculative history. Neil explains how his relationship to the Kilkenny Electroacoustic Research Laboratory is largely based in that practice. Among many other projects Neil created this love letter to his hometown and lans to wrap up the anthology in the coming year or so. Check more of Neil’s work at his band camp: Set List 1. Helga Hölzel ( Neil Quigley ) - Early Impulse Study 1 - St. Mary's Cathedral (1968) 2. Kenny Phelan ( Neil Quigley ) - A Psychogeographic sonification of Fairy Forts located near the banks of the Three Sisters I, II, III 3. Tony Quinn ( Neil Quigley ) - Footing 4. Physique - French Lick, Indiana 5. Physique - Desperate Housewives S04E05 6. Physique - Wunder-Baum
May 19, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Coalescent Quartet
Join host Austin Williams as he speaks to members of the Coalescent Saxophone Quartet. The quartet consists of members Nathan Bogert, Michael Shults, Nick Zoulek, and Drew Whiting; each of which are incredibly accomplished musicians in their own right. The quartet has recently released a new album (The Wall Between Us) of works for sax quartet. Austin asks the ensemble questions about codifying the saxophone quartet in the new classical music chamber zeitgeist and what that means. There is also lovely conversation about the instrument itself and the role it plays in the new classical music world. Please check out the new album and each individual artist, you will not be disappointed! Zack Browning - Unrelenting UniverseChen Yi - Distance Can't Keep Us Two ApartEmma O’Halloran: Night MusicEvan Williams - Quartet for SaxophonesMartin Bresnick: Mending Time
#469
May 12, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Hot Second
Join host Austin Williams and new music ensemble Hot Second ( Rebecca McDaniel Percussion and Dylan Feldpausch Violin/Viola) as we discuss their unique ensemble and its take on new music in Chicago. The conversation consists of thoughtful insights on how an ensemble can think outside of the traditional cannon and use influences from pop and other styles to help shape the sound they work with. A unique aspect of the ensemble is the incredibly vibrant collaboration that occurs between Rebecca and Dylan, to the point where they are writing and improvising their own music in real time.MUSIC Gabriela Ortiz: "Atlas-Pumas” José Martínez: Instructions for Playing, III, V Dylan Feldpausch: “Quartz" Esperanza Spalding, arr. Hot Second: "Formwela 4"
#468
May 5, 2025 · 53 min
Laura Strickling 40@40
2023 and the first anthology has just been published by New Music Shelf. This extraordinary album features world-premiere recordings of art songs commissioned by Strickling who says: "These twenty songs, from composers and poets of diverse backgrounds, are exceptional in their beauty, depth, quality, and range of emotional expression." Host Seth Boustead talks with Strickling and features several songs from the album. MUSIC Email to Odessa by Dennis Tobenski Peony by Ed Windels Thanks a Latte by Lori Laitman This Ode is Mine by Bess McCrary Not Quite Stars by Juhi Bansal Las Palmeras by Reinaldo Moya Song of Solitude by H. Leslie Adams Wind Carry Me by James Primosch
#467
Apr 28, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
On the Radar, April 2025
Cohosts Austin Williams and Stephen Rawson share what they have been listening to recently. Austin shares about an anthology of Irish Electroacoustic music that he became privy to recently and Stephen has a wide variety of vocal and chamber music that comes up. Stephen and Austin also reminisce about their time they shared as music students in undergrad along with their hometown pride of some of the fantastic music that comes from the Twin Cities area. If you like what you hear drop a line, we love to hear from our listeners! Music: Physique - Wunder-Baum Neil Quigley - sketches in reaction to an exhibition, Hesitation and Breath Du Yun - Angel's Bone, Scene I: A Prism, A Video, A Flurry Cassandra Miller - Warblework: Swainson’s Thrush Happy Apple - Vanity Plate Gabriella Smith - Lost Coast II
#465
Apr 14, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
Chiayu Hsu
Chiayu Hsu is an active composer of contemporary concert music and associate professor of composition at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Born in Banciao, Taiwan, Chiayu frequently explores ideas of cultural fusion. She derives inspiration from places, poems, myths, and images. Particularly, the combination of Chinese elements and western techniques is a hallmark of her music. Chiayu’s works have been performed by numerous orchestras and chamber groups worldwide. Last year, her solo clarinet piece was featured on Eric Schultz’s album POLYGLOT. Host Stephen Anthony Rawson talks with Chiayu about several works from her catalogue, her musical language, traveling, and more!
#464
Apr 7, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Feedback
Host Austin Williams curates a listening experience with themes of feedback. Feedback is often associated with harsh sounds that are created when a microphone is placed too close to the speaker that it is amplified through. While this is a way feedback can be aurally achieved there are many ways composers implement feedback and other broad strokes of recursion into their works! We cut back to an interview that Austin had with Paula Mathusen this past summer and listen to how she implements these ideas into her works. We also look at feedback systems that composers create be-it through specific mic and speaker arrangements or internal feedback systems with no-input mixing.
#463
Mar 31, 2025 · 57 min
Sound of Silent Film 20th Anniversary
Access Contemporary Music's popular Sound of Silent Film Festival celebrates twenty years of presenting modern silent films with newly commissioned scores performed live. Host Seth Boustead features a few of his favorite scores from the last twenty years.
Mar 24, 2025 · 1 hr
Kinetics
Host Austin Williams has guest Liam Marchant on the show to discuss the relationship to kinetics and music, relating to a variety of aspects within the music. We use specific pieces to make points across the show to offer aural guides to the listeners for what Austin and Liam are discussing. It’s a broad topic with even more details than we can cover in an hour, we’ll certainly be back to chat more about this!

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