Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Owen Hopper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Owen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Over the past few years, I have focused my energy on one larger form project a year. I can’t say one project is more meaningful than any others but giving myself fully to one project at a time has made them all feel meaningful and impactful. My practice revolves around both electronic music and music with ensembles and performers and I value having deep connections to the people playing my music. In the past few years, I have been fortunate to work with a great collection of musicians, some standouts are writing a new work for saxophone, a year-long commission with the OLEA Ensemble, and collaborating with New Music Cincinnati. Each project was successful and meaningful because everyone was involved and present.
Owen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a composer, sound artist, performer, and educator based in Cincinnati, Ohio. My work spans the areas of classical music, film, and the rock and jazz idioms. I began playing music at an early age and continue to play guitar in bands. I studied composition and began to explore the world of electronic music, which has led me to some exciting and different directions that were unexpected! I have done work as a foley artist, mixing engineer, and research in virtual reality. Currently, I work mostly in education, helping others gain a better understanding of their creative process and the technical aspects of electronic music, production, mixing, and composition. In 2016 I found the work of composer Pauline Oliveros and her practice of Deep Listening and it changed my life and work. I often work with students to bring these practices of mindful listening into their creative practice and I completed the first certificate through RPI in 2021. Over the years of working with others in collaborative and educational environments, I have developed a unique approach to discussing creative practice that I find joy in sharing with others.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think the most important aspect of creating a lasting and impactful culture around art is participation. We need continued funding for the arts and community spaces for the support of arts but more than all of that we need a culture that participates in the arts. Almost every creative I work with is working to break the barriers built around artists and audiences and build a more inclusive and engaging art culture. Society needs to realize that art is fundamentally for them, it’s for everyone and that means even as an audience member you give so much support just by showing up. I would encourage everyone to be active in their local arts community, go see local music, support local visual artists, attend local theater work, etc.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I have the privilege of making my creative practice how I make my living and the most rewarding aspect of that is time. I have time to think and create, and most importantly to share and listen. I am fortunate enough to be able to engage with and meet people I otherwise would not have through art and to share ideas and collaborate with others to bring new pieces of art into the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: owenhopper.com
- Instagram: owenhopp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-hopper-a79392a6/
- Other: https://owenhopper.bandcamp.com/