Herbert Meets: Sergio Díaz De Rojas
Sergio Diaz De Rojas by Laura Vidal-Abarca
In a time where Spotify’s ‘Peaceful Piano’ has become the blue tick verification that contemporary classical artists strive for, I wanted to learn more about how Peruvian-born pianist and composer Sergio Díaz De Rojas felt about the rising popularity around a genre that he has helped grow through his own music, platform ‘Piano and Coffee’ and record label‘ Piano and Coffee Records.’
Herbert Meets: Willie Alexander
Willie Alexander is a New York based musician and composer whose journey began with the accidental discovery of his singing talent. Fast-forward to today and Willie has just completed a five year stint with the San Francisco Symphony and now lives in New York where he is composing – most recently the music for Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Fashion show.
I soon found out when listening to his story that Willie is tenacious, warm and unafraid to get to the heart of the matter, so that’s exactly what we did.
Herbert’s ‘Ones To Watch’ | Sugar Vendil
Who? Sugar Vendil
What? NYC-based pianist, multi-disciplinary artist and founder of (a badass) all-female contemporary classical group ‘The Nouveau Classical Project’ (below)
The Nouveau Classical Project ‘brings fashion to the forefront of their performances’ by showcasing the designs of up-and-coming fashion designers. Collaborations include Project Runway winner Gretchen Jones, Kempner Collection and Tanya Taylor.
Who? Ilya Beshelvi
What? Russian composer and pianist.
There’s not a lot of info about this guy, but he’s only 25 and he’s pretty good.
He cites Yann Tiersen and Ludovico Einaudi as inspiration. Sometimes, the Einaudi ‘inspiration’ chokes beshelvi’s sound, and some of his output is not the most inspiring, but having said that I am very excited for what he might do and I would say – one to keep a tab on.
Herbert Picks: 5 Best Classical Music Playlists
Herbert has been asked countless times to suggest ‘good’ classical music playlists.
Your wish is my command. So here we go: 5 best classical music playlists that we’re listening to at Herbert HQ right now.
Curated by: The author behind the brilliant Headphone Commute
What to expect?
Good and broad selection of modern classical & electronic music. Mellow, calming – perfect for bathtime.
Follow Headphone Commute on Spotify here