Interview with Tim Daisy

Chicago is blessed to have number of very talented jazz drummers. But Tim Daisy has stood out for years as one of Chicago’s most engaging, musical and adventurous percussionists. Tim was kind of enough to give Homeroom an email ahead of the Phsyics for Listeners performance this Thursday, June 7 at Strobe Studios. To hear Tim’s new composition, along with the 5 other new works debuted through Physics for Listeners, email strobesessions@gmail.com.

1. When did you start composing? What inspired you to begin writing your own music?

I started composing around 1997. I had just moved to Chicago and was playing with as many people as I could, forming bands, and bouncing ideas around. At the same time, soaking up all of the great music happening every night of the week. This inspired me to begin composing my own music and bring it into rehearsals with some of the groups I was working in at the time.

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2. How has your writing changed and evolved over the years?

I have become more confident in my choices regarding thematic material and how it relates to improvisation in my work. My ideas have become clearer , less complicated.

3. How does the city of Chicago, including its inhabitants and its other composers and musicians, influence your work?

Chicago has been an incredible city to work in and grow as a musician /composer. It has been very inspiring to work with, share ideas, form bands, and learn from the amazing amount of creative individuals based here. Being involved in the creative music community here for the last 15 years has had a profound influence on my composing and my improvising. I can give you hundreds of examples, but to save time, let’s just say that it’s all about the assimilation of ideas that you learn, how you shape these into your own personal style.

4. What are some of your biggest challenges you face when writing and presenting new compositions?

Getting started. Once you begin the work, then it gets much easier!

5. What music do you want played at your funeral?

Satie.