James Heather

Resonance | Interview: James Heather Keith Kenniff chats with James Heather, the UK composer-pianist creating deeply emotional modern classical music

Before independent modern classical came more to the fore there weren’t many touch point back in my pre-release days. One of them was Keith Kenniff
though. He helped pave the way for a generation of composers so it was an honour when he asked to interview me

inresonance.substack.com/p/resonance-...

Looks like Amazon have my piano score book of collated works at half price this week if anyone fancies a copy on the cheap! Sad they manage to undercut everyone though so do consider buying from Rough Trade, Bandcamp, Presto or Ninja Tune too! #piano

amzn.eu/d/aeKszHk

It was meaningful on a few levels. I played on the same piano, in the same spot, that at aged 10 I performed my first composition at a school event. But of course the most meaningful thing was playing and talking about the power of music to the children and how it can be an anchor in life.

Taking a break from releasing and shows after 7 years to recharge but couldn’t say no to doing just this one ‘gig’ at my old junior school. I went back recently and did an immersive performance for 180 children and the teachers gave their blessing to share these photos!

Honoured to be part of the first Piano Day score book by Faber. My track ‘Borders’ with Sinemis is included alongside composers such as @ahamiltonayres.bsky.social @chillygonzales.bsky.social MJ Cole Johann Johannsson @ludovicoeinaudioff.bsky.social & many more! #piano

For the 75th edition of my radio show Moving Sounds I welcome Aukai to debut with a 2 hour mix!

Picks include Tortoise, Mario Batkovic, Arvo Pärt, Keith Jarret & Büşra Kayıkçı.

Aukai’s own instrument is the Charango, a plucked string instrument from the Andes

www.mixcloud.com/sohoradio/mo...

I was incredibly lucky to be asked by Bill to cover him a few months ago and I got a mail via his label to say he loved it and listened twice through. It was a full circle moment. I’m going to miss him but we will always have his music 💜

His music got me through hard times. In 2012 it helped me cling on to hope and whilst I didn’t feel much love around me or have a home, I would treasure the moments where I’d walk around London listening to his album ‘Life Is People’ on loop. In a parallel universe he’d be a household name.

R.I.P Bill Fay

His music went straight to the heart and observes what can be beautiful and pure about the connected human experience and also its relationship with the natural world.

Lots of my faves on this list at moment open.spotify.com/playlist/4Ei...

Nivhek, Specimens, Fadi Tabbal. Rafael Anton Irisarri, Bedroom, Jessica Moss

There will always be someone with more hype or bigger stats than you as an artist & there will always someone with less. Best to just put on the blinkers & just do your thing, make something true to you & also support other artists with whatever platform you may have.

Enjoy!

After a glitch in the matrix these are now fully downloadable! #sheetmusic

Digital versions of individual tracks as sheet music now finally available!

ninjatune.net/release/jame...

Bit late posting this but I did my first mix for a few years for my Radio Show ‘Moving Sounds’, hopefully some gems for you to discover here!

www.mixcloud.com/sohoradio/mo...

🔊 THE ✌︎ BEST ✌︎ MUSIC ✌︎ THIS ✌︎ YEAR ✌︎

I mean I haven't listened to everything obviously, but here's my Tracks of the Year in no particular order! Wishing everyone a joyful New Year. open.spotify.com/playlist/3dm...

Sat down with bonafide legend Vashti Bunyan and had a chat about life & music.

Was fascinating to hear more about the time she went to Nick Drakes house, song writing process, her trip in a horse & cart to the Scottish Islands & much more!

Listen here…

www.mixcloud.com/sohoradio/mo...

And remember promoters, whilst “Piano Day” each March provides great exposure to piano based artists, it’s become a bit of a bottleneck & we also need shows during the rest of the year to grow. Have faith in the year round enduring love people have for the 🎹!

Tonight is my last live show after a 3 year run of gigs around the Invisible Forces LP, can’t wait to give my all at Low Four Studio in Manchester!

It’s then time to recalibrate, spend time with loved ones and create something new, big love & see you on the other side 💜

Yeah still listen to it after all this time!

One of the first albums I bought , classic!

🎄⛄ XMAS, NO CHEESE ⛄🎄

Made this playlist years ago can’t remember how good it is ha open.spotify.com/playlist/7Eb...

Looking forward to some final ‘Invisible Forces’ shows in Manchester, Dublin & Leeds next week! www.jamesheather.com/concerts

Nope a room behind Fleming Arms pub! @historicalsoton.bsky.social 'Forgotten' Marley gig remembered www.bbc.com/news/uk-engl...

Just down the road from Eastleigh but Bob Marley did a concert in Swaythling once to not many people

I had a chat about life & creativity via music that brings tears to the eyes with Miguel Atwood-Ferguson for my show on Soho Radio

He has worked on over 600 albums & is so giving with his wisdom. It ended up being a two parter & you can hear both here!

www.mixcloud.com/jamesheather...

“When I am in a state of grace I reveal the composition. If the time does not come, I simply destroy it.” Galina Ustvolskaya