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WHAT’S UP? MUSICIANS’ UPDATE #7

How is everybody doing in these anonymous and isolated times, without performances? A small tour along the (Amsterdam) improvised music scene to find out.

Nora Mulder (piano)

How do you feel?
I have bad days and good days. On a bad day I just feel miserable and restless, like a caged animal. It seems like everybody is trying to survive in her/his own bubble (cage).

My heart breaks thinking of the kids and young people starting their lives in this cold world……

For a good day, see next question:

How do you stay inspired?
I get inspired and alive when I manage to step out of my bubble (cage) and share thoughts, improvisations, music, plans, silly ideas with my friends/colleagues. It gives me fuel to go on.

Maybe even more inspiring are the rare moments I can share the above with an audience. Of course only a very tiny wee-audience, but they are still there! They are waiting for us! They are hungry!

For me playing for even just 1 living person is so different and so much more inspiring than making recordings or online-whatevers.

It gives me hope and makes me feel alive. It makes me realize how necessary it is we all keep on trying to reach out, make contact, step out of bubbles or cages.

How would it feel to perform live again? Describe in one word.
I’m not so sure anymore what animal is in my cage, so when it will be released, the sound will either be “Tweettweettweet!”, or ROAR!!!!! (probably both)

Photo: March 2021, with Koen Kaptijn

Nora