Today we’d like to introduce you to John Paddie.
John, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My artistic journey is somewhat… Meander-y. I began as a band student in fifth grade, studying percussion. I was exposed to the typical collection of concert band music, and in high school, experienced a world-class marching band career with talented educators and designers, as well as a culture that bred excellence and appreciation for art and music. After high school, I attended Sam Houston State University, originally studying journalism. I loved (and still do) to write, and took an interest in sports journalism. I studied for about a year and a half, and suffered the unexpected loss of my father in 2009. I took a semester away from school in the spring; marching band carried me through the fall. I decided that when I returned to school, I would study as a music major.
On top of sport stories, I loved writing music. I wanted to expand my horizons, so instead of percussion, like I studied in high school, I took up voice. I joined the SHSU choir program, and sang several years with the Statesmen Barbershop Chorus in Spring. Through this time, I also took it upon myself to continue practicing guitar, piano, bass, and voice as well as drum set. After graduation, I worked as a marching percussion instructor for a couple of years. I decided that teaching wasn’t exactly what I needed to be doing just yet. I needed more experience and expertise. I decided to grab a master’s degree in composition, and that’s where I am now… Back to studying! I’ve met so many wonderful people through my journey as an artist. I’ve worked with dancers, graphic artists, performers, composers, producers, and all manner of folks in between. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me take steps on my walk through an artist’s life.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I write music. I write all kinds of music. Each work typically has some kind of goal in mind. For example, if I’m creating a work for a student ensemble (middle school, high school, or college bands), I will take a few specific concepts and extract the musical ideas from that, so the folks who play it will really experience and become familiar with that concept. Same thing with marching band, or choral works, or orchestral works. I don’t generally write things in ‘tribute’ to or in ‘remembrance’ of anything. I don’t think that I am yet able to meaningfully contribute to something that much larger than myself. I’d love to one day compose something to commemorate something, but until then, I’ll stick with the more practical programming.
I like for my work to inspire people in much the same way I want to as a person. I want everyone who comes into my life to be a better person for me having been in it. That’s a bit lofty, but I don’t want to be simply a neutral presence. I don’t want my work to be something that’s just an idle listen or a chore for some performer. I strive to provide interest or fulfilment in everything I create.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My advice to anyone preparing for or currently taking part in an artist’s endeavor is that the important part of anything you do is interfacing with people. Who you work with and how you work with them is just as important as the actual notes you play or the strokes you paint or the words you write. Never take a patron, supporter, or other partner for granted. Everyone CAN help you in your journey if you let them. A lesson I wish I learned earlier, though, is that not every project is meant to last forever. Some of my most fulfilling projects at one point were no longer fulfilling. Had I stuck around and tried to force it to keep going, I’d have forgotten how wonderful it was in the first place. Never be afraid to have the conversation about moving on or switching directions.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work is all over the place! I have a website (johnpaddiemusic.net) that has info about where to find me or how to get ahold of me. I play a couple of shows a month with my band, Zero Detail. I co-produce a monthly chamber music recital series in the Woodlands, details about which can be found on Facebook (The Woodlands Chamber Music Project). I also am active at Sam Houston, and other universities in the area as much as possible!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JohnPaddieMusic.net
- Email: john@johnpaddiemusic.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnpaddiemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnPaddieHouTX/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/arspura?lang=en
Image Credit:
Stevie Rowe
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