Interview with musical director Conrad Askland

Yaya Diamonds Dream Chasers Radio

00:00 Introduction 00:56 Guest Introduction 01:12 Conrad's Music Start 02:26 Early Training 04:38 Novelty Music 06:46 Cirque du Soleil Journey 09:00 Touring Insights 11:40 Future Projects 13:41 Social Media & Conclusion On Tour with Cirque du Soleil “CRYSTAL” Show Conrad Askland credits as musical director and conductor include the Cirque du Soleil world tours of Varekai, Crystal and Cirque’s resident ZAIA show in Macau China. As a performer he has worked with Seattle Opera, Grand ‘Ol Opry, the American Latin Music Awards, Shanghai Music Festival, Knott’s Berry Farm, and was also long time touring keyboardist for Grammy Winner Freddy Fender of the Texas Tornados. He produced hundreds of albums for artists at Road Records of Southern California. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Berklee College of Music and a Professional Certificate in Ableton Live, as well as a Master’s Degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Development from Colorado State University. One thing that distinguishes Conrad Askland is his masterful ability to take a big-picture creative concept and navigate the individual steps and complexities to bring it to life. “There is a challenge to integrating a script with music. There are many elements to consider, such as plot, character arc, subtext and how the music segues,” he explains, “You start with one bit and methodically work through the layers. It’s a lot like writing a novel. You only see five steps ahead at a time.” More information on the website: https://conradaskland.com/blog/biography/

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