Stephen B. Ward - The Quest for Authenticity

Stephen B. Ward - The Quest for Authenticity

Author: theprocessmusic August 1, 2025 Duration: 28:42
I talk with @ProfStephenBWard of @mercyuniversityny about his sprawling album release, "the Quest for Authenticity" for acoustic bass, electric guitar, and Eurorack

Ever wonder how a strange and beautiful piece of music actually comes into being? The Process: a podcast about creativity and experimental music. pulls back the curtain, offering a rare and intimate look at the minds shaping today's sonic landscapes. Each conversation is built around a specific new work; we listen to excerpts together with the composer who made it, then dive into the how and why behind every choice. These aren't broad career overviews, but focused explorations of a single creative act-the initial spark, the technical hurdles, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs. You'll hear from artists working at the edges of contemporary classical and experimental sound, discussing everything from notation and software to the philosophical questions driving their work. This podcast provides a valuable resource for anyone making music themselves, demystifying the path from idea to finished piece. For listeners, it builds a deeper appreciation, transforming unfamiliar sounds into understood stories. Tune in for a candid, composer-led journey into the heart of modern music-making.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

The Process: a podcast about creativity and experimental music.
Podcast Episodes
Joseph Bohigian - The Journey of an Armenian/American Composer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This episode on "The Process" I talk with Armenian/American Composer Joseph Bohigian. We listen to "The Water Has Found Its Crack." Joseph and I discuss Identity, isolation, and the importance of others in the creative p…
Anthony Donofrio - Patience Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:08
This episode on "The Process" I talk with Anthony Donofrio. We listen to "XIII" performed at the BGSU New Music Festival, MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music. Anthony and I discuss talent vs hard work, patience, an…
Anthony R. Green - True Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Jessica Rudman - New Music Ninja [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This episode on "The Process" I talk with “new music ninja” Jessica Rudman. We listen to her work "A Forest that is a Desert III" performed at the Choral Arts Initiative with text by Kendra Preston Leonard. Jessica and I…
Dan VanHassel - Working with Noise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:43
This episode on "The Process" I talk with composer and multi-instrumentalist Dan VanHassel. We listen to his work "Epidermis" from Transient Canvases' "Wired" album release. Dan and I discuss sampling, working with noise…
Greg Nahabedian - Minor Threat & Tony Soprano in Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:55
This episode on "The Process" I talk with composer Greg Nahabedian. We listen to their piece "Feathers in My Spokes" performed by Hypercube. Greg and I discuss Minor Threat, Tony Soprano in therapy, and the role of narra…
Curtis K Hughes - Day Jobs, Performers, and Introverts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:35
This episode on "The Process" I talk with composer Curtis K Hughes. We listen to his piece "Merger" performed by Sentinent Robots (Ben Baker and Bri Tagliaferro). Curtis and I discuss Day Jobs, Introversion, and performe…
Marti Epstein - The Virtuosity of Patience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:49
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Matthew Evan Taylor - Say Their Names [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
This episode on "The Process" I talk with composer and musician Matthew Evan Taylor. We explore his piece "Lamentation for the Fallen" from the Say Their Names album: a musical reactions to 7 days of unrest in the name o…