Who is Jeremy Rose?
I’m a record collector, composer, amateur triathlete, music fanatic, keen surfer and gardener. I should probably mention that I’m a jazz and creative music saxophonist, label director, band leader and recently a father.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
They say time is your most precious commodity and it’s definitely true. I would try to find more time in the day to get in everything that I want to do.
Who inspires you and why?
Artists that are pushing themselves and their boundaries of style, culture and tradition. American saxophonist Steve Lehman inspires me with his dazzling mix of influences from contemporary jazz, Senegalese hip hop and French Spectral music. Mike Parr’s retrospective at the NGA was also particularly memorable in making me rethink ways of what art is and can be about.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
It would be great for art to be more valued in society, and for artists to be paid what they are worth. To make a difference in the world I would continue to advocate to provide artists a wage to go about making a living whilst practicing their art.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m going to nominate two, one in Australia and one overseas. 1. Bruny Island, Tasmania for its towering cliffs, marine wildlife and artistic community. 2. Morocco, for its mountain ranges, rich mix of cultures and moon-like landscapes.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I usually take them surfing at one of Sydney’s iconic beaches, such as Manly, where I was fortunate to have grown up.
What are you currently reading?
Behrouz Boochani’s No Friend but the Mountains: Writing From Manus Prison – an incredibly important read.
What are you currently listening to?
Too much to list here, but I have been preparing for an upcoming conference paper on Nyillipidig by Paul Grabowsky and the Wagiluk Group with Monash Art Ensemble. I am also enjoying listening to some upcoming releases on my label Earshift Music from Melbourne artists James Macaulay and Scott McConnachie.
Happiness is?
A morning cup of coffee with my daughter at any of the amazing cafes around my home in Marrickville. Spoilt for choice, really.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m looking forward to the upcoming premiere of my project Iron in the Blood: A Musical Adaptation of Robert Hughes’ The Fatal Shore at Riverside Theatre. Following that, more releases from The Vampires, The Strides, a European tour with my Berlin based band Within and Without, and some large projects on the horizon including a drum concerto for Simon Barker and the Earshift Orchestra, a collaboration with The Vampires and Zephyr Quartet and some chamber works with Sydney’s Omega Ensemble.
Jeremy’s composition, Iron in the Blood: A Musical Adaptation of Robert Hughes’ The Fatal Shore will be presented at the Riverside Theatre on Sunday 23 September 2018 – 4.00pm. For more information, visit: www.riversideparramatta.com.au for details.
Image: Jeremy Rose