Musical Exploration by Rob McIntyre Focusing on Legal Battles and Promotion of Climate Action
Chillin' with Rob McIntyre: a Fascinating Chat
Hey there, we've got a banger of an interview lined up for you! Today, we're sharing a heart-to-heart with Rob McIntyre, a multitalented composer, law student, and Wattle Fellow. Known for his innovative blend of music and law, Rob is making waves with his project that turns a climate litigation case into a riveting classical music composition.
So, Rob, your project is downright intriguing! Fusing a climate litigation case with classical music - where did this brilliant idea come from, and how did you marry your passions for law and music in such a captivating way?
Well, ya know, it all started with a burning desire to create a meaningful piece of music about the law. My art is often swayed by nature and key causes like climate change, so it seemed like the perfect fit to ground this kind of work in a common thread of sustainability and climate advocacy.
The Wattle Fellowship played a significant role in making this idea a reality. When I applied for it, I already had the full concept to present to the panel. Winning the fellowship not only made the project more achievable but also provided me with the perfect platform to dive in headfirst.
Translating the intricacies of a legal case into music sounds like a colossal challenge! What strategies helped you tackle the complexities of the Sharma litigation and transform them into something that resonates through music?
Oh, absolutely! The goal was to create something accessible and engaging while staying true to the complexities of the law. Since I was working with a soprano and piano trio, I knew I needed some heart-pounding lyrics for my partner, Bridgette Kelsey.
I could have gone the simple route and made her recite exact lines from the court judgment transcript, but I wanted to capture the essence of the case rather than the minutiae. With the help of my close friend, poet Savanna Wegman (you can check her out at @savannaaas), we managed to bring the message home beautifully.
When people listen to your composition, what do you hope they'll take away? Is there a specific message or feeling you want to convey through your music?
Ideally, I want listeners to expand their perspectives on various topics, whether it's music, law, climate change, or a combination of them. If my work encourages someone to broaden their perspective in a positive way, then I've done my job.
Your approach to composing music thatreflects climate change themes is truly inspiring. How do you go about capturing the essence of such a massive and pressing topic, and what steps do you take to ensure the music truly captures the issue?
Approaching a topic as significant as climate change requires finesse. I aim to create music that is nuanced yet open, giving space for diverse perspectives on the issue. This approach requires careful research, mindful crafting, and an honest exploration of the emotions we all experience regarding climate change.
The response to your work has been incredible! What kind of feedback have you received from both the legal and artistic communities, and has any reaction surprised you?
The reaction to "Our Duty to Care" has been nothing short of amazing! The world premiere concert was a massive success, with attendees coming from various fields and communities. Some highlights include Anjali Sharma herself reaching out and even attending the event, as well as winning the 2023 Dorian le Gallienne Composition Award.
Being part of the Wattle Fellowship has been quite an experience. How has this fellowship influenced your approach to your project, and what kind of support did you receive from the community?
The Wattle Fellowship has been instrumental in providing me with financial support, resources, and an amazing community of like-minded individuals. I faced challenges during the project, but knowing that I had the backing of the Wattle Fellowship helped me push through.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your music in terms of climate advocacy? Are there any specific projects or themes you're excited to explore in the future?
I plan to continue creating music that shines a light on climate advocacy, whether it's loud and clear or implied beneath the surface. I recently completed two new works, "Every third dawn" and "Remnants of a Resonance," and I look forward to continuing to create compelling music that speaks to the heart of these crucial issues.
- Rob McIntyre's passion for climate change and music led him to develop a project that combines a climate litigation case with classical music.
- In his project, Rob transcribes the intricacies of the Sharma litigation into a captivating composition by working with a soprano and piano trio, and incorporating heart-pounding lyrics that capture the essence of the case.
- Rob hopes that his music will inspire listeners to broaden their perspectives on various topics, such as music, law, climate change, and their intersections.
- When it comes to capturing the essence of climate change in his music, Rob aims to create music that is nuanced and open, giving space for diverse perspectives on the issue.
