A contemporary composer drawing inspiration from the classics

An ex-music critic turns prolific avant garde composer and finds himself in demand from the Time Out fraternity. Dan Goldstein talks to the man everyone calls a systems music composer—wrongly.

Although Michael Nyman's name and music became known through Peter Greenaway's extraordinary films, Prospero's Books may see not just the peak but also the end of their creative partnership. But Nyman has other strings to his bow, as Mark J. Prendergast discovers.

Milton Keynes adman draws up Draughtsman's Contract

In engineering and production - as in musicianship - flexibility and adaptability are precious qualities. Martin Rex has covered artists as varied as Neneh Cherry, Fela Kuti and Michael Nyman - Ollie Crooke listens.

Don Goldstein talks to American composer Harold Budd about his past collaborations with such luminaries as Brian Eno and Michael Nyman and, more recently, the Cocteau Twins.

From humble beginnings CC have grown into a major force in 80s music. Here, they explain their approach to writing and performing, and their rise to chart success.

Over The Tracks With The Big Express

making The Big Express and strumming guitars

His successful production of U2 has brought musical sage Brian Eno back into the public eye. John Diliberto finds out what's become of his oblique strategies and how he approaches the latest technology.

At home in the ice-house with Flying Lizard David Cunningham.

The Eno collaborator and leading exponent of American minimalist music, Harold Budd, discloses the fascinating background to his new solo album 'Lovely Thunder', his love of the piano and his strange union with the Cocteau Twins. Mark Prendergast attends the masterclass and takes notes.

Category crossing contemporary composer cornered

Upcoming systems music composer chats to Simon Trask about modern technology, Renaissance music and Belgian pop.

In our exclusive interview, the great domed one himself waxes ambient on remixing, jazz, Sinatra, computers, the Eventide H-3000 and his own original definition of a new, environmentally sound music

Part 2: Mark Prendergast continues his in-depth look at the formation of Eno’s new record company, Land Records, and the use of electronics in his music.

An overview

Mark Prendergast presents a general overview of record labels, artists, and recordings that make up the exciting area of new electronic and experimental music in the late 1980s.

Two sparkling summer concerts, by Ultravox and Michael Nyman.

Record label spotlight on the innovatory people who bring you Brian Eno and numerous others.

Systems Music

Musical mathematics made easy

What is 'New Age' music? Who plays it, and why is it apparently so popular? Our resident musicologist Mark Prendergast traces its development back to the work of 'new music' composers Arnold Schoenberg and Erik Satie.

Brian Eno

The Virgin Guide To New Music