Sound and Music’s In Motion programme brings together a diverse group of composers, each with a unique voice and vision. This Q&A series offers a glimpse into their creative worlds, revealing their musical influences, current projects, and aspirations for the future.

Here, we speak to In Motion 2024 composer SWEENEY.

Can you tell us about your musical influences?

alt rock, grunge punk, noise, euphoric trance and experimental electronic, alt pop, antifolk, classical opera, early cinematic conceptual musical theatre and dance, 60s psychedelia, 90s Riot grrl movement.

Some artists and creators that informed my sound and creative practice include:
DV8 Physical Theatre
Bob Fosse: Sweet Charity
Gilbert and Sullivan: Pirates of Penzance
Regina Spektor
Solarstone
Orbital
Jack Off Jill
The Moldy Peaches
Blonde Redhead
Linkin Park
The Beatles
Elliot Smith

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently creating a series of independent live art demonstrations in public spaces as well as establishing a non profit arts organisation with the aim to make creating, sharing and engaging with art fundamentally accessible at a grassroots level: Vulcan’s Legacy. I have plans in motion for co-curating and producing exhibition spaces over the summer that centre interdisciplinary art making and live performance.

What are you looking forward to most about In Motion?