Emily Peasgood is an Ivor Novello Award-winning composer and sound artist. She creates invitations to connect with people and places that are forgotten, overlooked, or surrounded by histories that can be remembered and celebrated through sound and music.

“I think life is bonkers and so short. This is a big part of my creative drive. I create work that encourages making the most of this moment or making people laugh. I am brimming with ideas and love creating things others would dismiss as bonkers”.

From graveyards to public lifts and rubber chickens, her work is diverse, exploring humour and the human condition in equal measure. Peasgood’s work often occurs in outdoor or publicly accessible places, underpinned by her desire to create inclusive music and art experiences.

“My practice is underpinned by celebrating the underdog. I grew up in Grimsby, a post-industrial depression town. My family were ex-fishermen and dock workers. We are working class, and music and art weren’t a luxury we could afford; it wasn’t for people like us. I was fortunate to receive support to study music, but my early experiences drive how I work today.”

What does being one of Emily’s patrons look like?

In her own words “a fun, adventurous journey!” – Emily’s patrons will get to see the development process, contribute ideas, and maybe evenbe invited to be part of one of her pieces. Patrons will follow her to “places other composers don’t go” (e.g. hip replacement surgery!) as well as help contribute ideas and feedback on her music.

Currently Emily is working on a musical artwork titled EverSong, where it will be possible to hear the entire lifespan of a person in the song: at the start, they will be five years old and, by the end, 95 years old. It will be possible to hear them age in real time.

Supporting a composer on Music Patron gives you a first-hand perspective on the many elements within the creative process and an understanding of an authentic journey of a composer. You can find out more about what it’s like to be a patron here.

Biography

With a a PhD in Creating Accessible and Inclusive Musical Artworks in Communities, Emily has created 19 artworks in seven years that use “experimental approaches to engage communities of people who feel the way I used to about art”. Working at the intersection of music, sound, art and tech, Emily’s creative output includes installation, sculpture, field recording, archive creation, graphic scores, and performance, often developing bespoke technical solutions.

Emily has created work for organisations including The Royal Parks, The British Library, Folkestone Triennial, Illuminate Productions, Tate Modern and Turner Contemporary. Her work has been experienced in trains, public lifts, graveyards and even an ancient fort.

She has been nominated for an Ivor Novello Award 8 times in community engagement and sonic art categories, winning in 2018 with Halfway To Heaven. She is a Guildhall School of Music and Drama professor, teaching field recording, sonic art, and electronic music composition, and she leads a community choir and community samba band.

Listen Crossbones | Emily Peasgood