Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erik Texter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erik, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Though much of my music involves innovation and electronics, last year, I was lucky to compose and conduct a piece that reconnected me to my roots. For as long as I can remember, I was involved in the music ministry at Central Schwenkfelder Church, a traditional Protestant congregation in southeastern Pennsylvania. In my youth, you could reliably find me in the choir, handbell ensemble, playing percussion alongside the brass and winds, or on stage with the contemporary worship band. Most of what I know about music, I learned from this era of my life.

Last year, the church underwent a major renovation, spearheaded by my uncle. While emptying out the building to prepare for construction, he came across programs from the original dedication of the building in 1952, which he was excited to show me. The pastor at the time, Levi S. Hoffman, wrote original lyrics for the congregation to sing at the dedication service. My uncle proposed that I use these sheets of music to arrange a piece for the rededication service in the spring. This was not a typical composition project for me, but I was excited to get to work. I rearranged Hoffman’s lyrics into a combination of two familiar hymn tunes, adding a piano and organ accompaniment.

On the day of the dedication service, I was asked to conduct the choir in front of a full sanctuary, an opportunity I graciously accepted. After the performance, church members flocked to thank me and reminisce about watching the steeple’s construction decades before. I was honored to have been given the trust to write a new anthem for the church and to give back to the community that brought me up.

Unfortunately, we lost my uncle later in November. I am thankful that he was able to see his work through. When I think of him, I will always be reminded of the pride he had in me and this project we had together.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Erik Texter is a composer, audio engineer, and multimedia artist originally from the Greater Philadelphia area. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Music Technology at New York University and holds a dual degree in Music Composition and Studio Composition from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Texter has written for two GRAMMY®-nominated percussion quartets and other esteemed musicians. He was selected as one of icarus Quartet’s 2024-25 iQ Test Scholars, and his compositions often explore minimalist techniques, ethereal sonic textures, and the intersection of music and technology. GRAMMY® Award-winning percussionist David Skidmore has praised his work for its “economy of means in terms of instrumentation.” His piano duo piece, ataraxia? won first place in the 2021 Roz Patton Composition Contest.

Beyond contemporary classical composition, Texter writes and records acoustic and folk-inspired music under the name Kimberwood. His project, t.exter, explores AI art, generative modular synthesis, and film scoring, drawing from aesthetics such as dreamcore, liminal spaces, surrealism, and weirdcore.

Texter is also passionate about film and hopes to work in post-production audio or film scoring, where he can merge his technical expertise with his love of sound and storytelling.

He is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), the Audio Engineering Society, and a brother of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a composer is witnessing your music come to life. I often write pieces that can’t be fully realized through software, meaning I have to imagine the sounds and textures in my head. Hearing these ideas take shape in the real world, performed by real musicians for the first time, is an indescribable experience. Even more rewarding is collaborating with performers, who bring out nuances and beauty beyond what I could have created alone.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Within early adulthood, I believe it is natural to realize that you cannot plan out the rest of your life. No matter how much structure or certainty you try to create, unexpected opportunities, challenges, and personal growth will inevitably reshape your path. While planning is important, learning to embrace change, adapt, and remain open to new possibilities is just as valuable.

For a while, I took this sentiment too literally. I was afraid to set goals, knowing they would inevitably change. Instead of moving forward, I waited for something to fall into my lap—but that is not how it works. You have to put yourself out there, meet people, and create opportunities for yourself. Otherwise, you will just keep waiting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eriktexter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik_texter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriktexter/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@t.exter?lang=en

  https://letterboxd.com/eriktexter/

Image Credits

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