A Q&A with 2x Emmy-Nominated Composer Kathryn Bostic

You are a rare combination of an artist/singer/songwriter and a composer for film, television, Broadway, as well as having been composer in residence for two symphony orchestras. What came first, and how have you managed to seamlessly traverse these disparate mediums?

I started making up songs on the piano when I was very young. It was my way of storytelling; musical or sonic storytelling. So, this enabled to me to create whatever I wanted. My mother was a classical pianist and also played her own arrangements of jazz standards. She was also a very good composer and singer; very unique and innovative. As a young child I would listen to her practice for hours and hours. I was like a sponge, and ingested all of it down to my bones and into my heart. We had a very active musical household beyond the classical selections; my brother bringing home recordings from all types of artists and genres: jazz, r&b, rock, blues, Brazilian, folk music, and more. A broad range that enabled me to understand ALL possibilities for creating music. You mentioned all these categories that I’ve experienced, but for me it’s just creating music for different platforms. The desire to create music is the same…the common denominator. So, I don’t really think about compartmentalizing my curiosity to create. I just want to create.
There is a palpable spirituality in all your music which is grounded in a powerful wisdom and world view. Can you please share a few pearls of wisdom and a few of the experiences that shaped you and your world view as an artist.

I’m just so glad to be able to do what I love! Create music! I think that’s key; pursue what makes you happy. I know that can sound very general and lofty, but it’s really true. Even when there are challenges and untenable obstacles; the alternative just never was an option for me. When I tried other things, I truly suffered and was miserable. So, I have learned to trust in the unfolding of things and do what I love! A good friend of mine used to say “life’s delays are not life’s denials.” The muscle of faith is imperative.
How do you integrate your identity as an artist into your work as a media composer, and how has media composing influenced your work as a recording/performing artist?

I don’t totally separate one or the other, because I’m always infusing myself into my work. Obviously when it comes to writing for myself, there’s more flexibility in terms of direction and intention. However, I find all art forms extremely immersive, and always feel a sense of self-expression to some extent or another.
What essential life lessons do you wish you could have told yourself as a younger person and what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received both in music and in life?

To both of those questions I would say, be patient, be open and be yourself! Especially the latter!
When did you start hearing music in your head, and when did you build the confidence to express it?

I started when I was three. My mother had her prize possession, a Steinway baby grand in our living room. She had bought this after she finished studying piano performance at Eastman School of Music. I thought of it as a really big cool toy that sounded extraordinary. I would sit at the piano, and just make up these little melodies and sing them as well; the piano was hypnotizing. I was fascinated by how tactile it was whether I was gently playing or banging away, (until my mother told me to stop lol!) I was amazed that it could be both percussive and melodic. I have always appreciated music as conversation. Like “fine dining”, but instead it’s music. I’ve never thought of it as inaccessible. It’s always been an active part of my imagination as a storyteller.
How do you stay connected to inspiration and how do you grow as a composer?

I think it’s so important to be open to music you may not normally listen to; that’s not in your wheelhouse. There’s so much fantastic talent and artistry in the world. Such an abundance of creative capacity in everything. It’s interesting to see the wide range of expression that is endless in everything.
You have countless honors, including the prestigious Sundance Time Warner Fellowship, an SCL award for Outstanding Music for Independent Feature Film, and been twice Emmy nominated. Please share a few favorite highlights of your career, what you have coming up and what would like to do next.

I’ve just finished scoring a feature film for Fox/Searchlight called “The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat”; a film based on the best selling book of the same title about the intricate relationship of three childhood friends growing up, and the ups and downs of their relationships. I was also asked to have my song “State of Grace” be featured in the film so it was a real gift to work on this in so many ways. The film will be released on Hulu August 23, 2024, with the soundtrack and song on Hollywood Records.
You were vice president of the AWFC from 2016-2018. Thank you for your service and leadership! What are your proudest achievements as vice president and what do you envision for the AWFC and Women Composers moving forward?

I was honored to be a part of the AWFC in that capacity, and appreciate the advocacy and support they provide for so many incredibly talented women composers in the film and media community. That being said, I look forward to the day where being a woman composer is not such a rare thing and we are regarded as composers whose creative excellence is recognized; and gender, while important, is not the focal point.

Check out the AWFC profile for Kathryn

Interview by composer & AWFC board member Lili Haydn