Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 3, 1975 in Ann Arbor, MI

 

Colin Stetson is a Canadian-American saxophonist and composer who has made a name for himself in the world of contemporary classical music. Born on April 3, 1975, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Stetson grew up in a musical family. His father, Charles Stetson, was a jazz saxophonist, and his mother, Bonnie Jean Stetson, was a singer and pianist. Stetson began playing the saxophone at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for music. Stetson attended the University of Michigan, where he studied music and played in various jazz ensembles. After graduating, he moved to San Francisco and began playing with a variety of bands, including the indie rock group Arcade Fire. Stetson's unique style of playing, which involved circular breathing and extended techniques, caught the attention of many musicians and critics. In 2008, Stetson released his debut album, "New History Warfare, Vol. 1," which was met with critical acclaim. The album showcased Stetson's innovative approach to the saxophone, which involved using the instrument as a percussive and melodic tool. Stetson's use of circular breathing allowed him to play long, sustained notes without taking a breath, creating a hypnotic effect. Stetson's second album, "New History Warfare, Vol. 2: Judges," was released in 2011 and featured collaborations with a number of musicians, including Laurie Anderson and Shara Worden. The album was even more experimental than its predecessor, with Stetson using a variety of extended techniques to create a range of sounds and textures. In 2013, Stetson released "New History Warfare, Vol. 3: To See More Light," which featured guest appearances from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning Stetson a nomination for the Polaris Music Prize. Stetson's music has been featured in a number of films and television shows, including "12 Years a Slave," "Hereditary," and "The First." He has also collaborated with a number of musicians, including Tom Waits, Arcade Fire, and Bon Iver. Stetson's live performances are a sight to behold. He often performs solo, using a variety of saxophones and other instruments to create a wall of sound. His performances are intense and physical, with Stetson often sweating profusely as he plays. Stetson has performed at a number of prestigious venues, including the Sydney Opera House, the Barbican Centre in London, and the Lincoln Center in New York City. In addition to his work as a musician, Stetson is also a composer. He has written music for a number of films and television shows, including "Outlaws and Angels" and "The First." Stetson's compositions are often experimental and avant-garde, incorporating elements of classical music, jazz, and electronic music. Stetson has received a number of awards and accolades for his work. In 2011, he was named a fellow of the Sundance Institute's Composers Lab. In 2013, he was awarded the SOCAN Hagood Hardy Award for Composition. Stetson has also been nominated for several Juno Awards, including Instrumental Album of the Year and Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year. Despite his success, Stetson remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with the saxophone, experimenting with new techniques and sounds.

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