The No Normal Podcast

In the newest episode of New Music Edmonton's The No Normal podcast, Reid interviews composer, performer and educator Matthias McIntire. Over the past few years, Matthias has been teaching composition at Dalhousie University, serving as the composer-in-residence at the Lunenburg Academy of Music and has been touring his multimedia songcycle, “Sing Nature Alive,” around the world with renowned pianist and soprano, Rachel Fenlon. In this interview, Matthias discusses his immense passion for art, education and sound exploration in nature. His composition, “The Forest Reclaims the Land,” will soon be performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on April 24, 2026.

01:13 – Forest Reclaims the Land (clip 1) Composed by Matthias McIntire

26:57 – Sing Nature Alive (clip 1) Composed by Matthias McIntire & Visuals by Jamie McMillan, Performed by Rachel Fenlon

37:12 – Sing Nature Alive (clip 2) Composed by Matthias McIntire & Visuals by Jamie McMillan, Performed by Rachel Fenlon

47:58 – Cathedral Grove (and the Gray Jay) (clip 1) Composed by Matthias McIntire, Performed by Matthias McIntire

60:30 – Forest Reclaims the Land (clip 2) Composed by Matthias McIntire

71:46 – Forest Reclaims the Land (clip 3) Composed by Matthias McIntire

For more information:

● Matthias McIntire

○ Website: https://www.matthiasmcintire.ca/

○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthiascomposerperformer?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_s heet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

○ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthias.mcintire

○ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/matthiasmcintire

Olivia Shortt is a storyteller, and they tell us their stories through absurdist and maximalist music, video art and fashion. Olivia discovered that this extravagant combination of art forms can conjure unique spaces for story telling, and such mediums assist her in designing sonic environments for all people to experience and uncover their own personal meaning. In the newest episode of New Music Edmonton's The No Normal podcast, Reid and Olivia discuss her recent residency in Edmonton, her work with the Jack Quartet and her ongoing journey of navigating the strange and weird as forces for her artistic expression.

Olivia Shortt

○ Website: https://www.olivia-shortt.com/

○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviash_rtt/?hl=en

Ali Balighi is a composer, sound designer and poet born in Tehran, Iran. You can listen to his most recent album Radif of Iranian Music: Home Is Far Away, available now on Bandcamp. Ali's compositions draw from his poems, sound explorations and experimentations with electronics. These elements combined have led to the creation of many opulent multidisciplinary works and albums. His works have been performed internationally at festivals and conferences such as Sonic Matter, New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival, Hot Air Music Festival, Tehran Contemporary Music Festival, NoiseFloor UK Contemporary Music, Research On Contemporary Composition Conference, ClarinetFest, Cortona Sessions For New Music, Audiovisual Frontiers Festival, ICSC 2022 6th International Csound Conference, and Tehran International Electronic Music Festival.

Music included in this episode:

01:12 – Dastgah: Algorithmic Explorations of Persian Microtonality and Serialism (excerpt 1) Composed by Ali Balighi, March 2025

9:35 – A Song Below Water (excerpt) Composed by Ali Balighi, 2022

16:25 – Who am I? Composed by Ali Balighi, Performed by Kathryn Vetter, 2020

28:39 – Corridor Composed by Ali Balighi, February 2025

33:38 – Home is Far Away Composed by Ali Balighi, February 2025

40:28 – Dastgah: Algorithmic Explorations of Persian Microtonality and Serialism (excerpt 2) Composed by Ali Balighi, March 2025

46:33 – Walking in the Darkness (excerpt) Composed by Ali Balighi, 2018

61:26 – Dastgah: Algorithmic Explorations of Persian Microtonality and Serialism (excerpt 3) Composed by Ali Balighi, March 2025

For more information:

● Ali Balighi

○ Website: https://alibalighi.com/

○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali_balighi/?hl=en

○ Bandcamp: https://alibalighi.bandcamp.com/

In the newest episode of New Music Edmonton's The No Normal podcast, Reid interviews Toronto-based composer and performer Bruce A. Russell. From navigating through systemic barriers as an emerging artist, his mentorship under James Tenney, and becoming the composer/curator-in-residence at Arraymusic, Bruce's story and compositions embody a deep passion for music and creation. Interest in Bruce's music increased following the global Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. As a result, his work has been performed by Prism Percussion, San Juan Symphony, Idaho Falls Symphony, Grant Park Orchestra, Regina Symphony Orchestra, Isabel String Quartet, Mill City String Quartet, and the University of Delaware School of Music. The most recent performances of his work have included Mill City String Quartet, University of Delaware Percussion Ensemble, Piano Lunaire, and junctQín keyboard collective.

Music included in this episode:

01:13 – Kalimba Canon (excerpt 1)

Composed by Bruce A. Russell, Performed by Second Note Duo, July 2020

13:20 – Linea Nigra (excerpt 1)

Composed by Bruce A. Russell, part of the Ashil Mistry Royal Academy of Music, July 2016

24:12 – Sequences (excerpt)

Composed by Bruce A. Russell, Performed by the University of Delaware Percussion, Directed by Gene Koshinski, May 2024

39:54 – ex harmonia (full)

Composed by Bruce A. Russell, Performed by Arraymusic, 2023

55:29 – Linea Nigra (excerpt 2)

Composed by Bruce A. Russell, part of the Ashil Mistry Royal Academy of Music, July 2016

72:07 – Kalimba Canon (excerpt 2)

Composed by Bruce A. Russell, Performed by Second Note Duo, July 2020

For more information:

● Bruce A. Russell / El Mahboob

○ Website: https://elmahboob.com/

○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/el_mahboob/?hl=en

○ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceARussellComposer/

○ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/brussell

Welcome back to The No Normal.

Multi-faceted artist Helen Pridmore is our guest on this episode. For decades Helen has been a champion of cutting edge compositions by a huge roster of contemporary composers. With a palette of vocal techniques that includes virtually every “extended” technique imaginable, traditional classical singing, improvisation, live electronics and more, Helen Pridmore’s work is wide-ranging, and she has performed across Canada, as well as in the US, Europe, and elsewhere. Among her priorities as an artist has been intense, sonic and multidisciplinary collaborations with a huge list of great artists. Recent projects have included theatrical works, both self-composed, and created in tandem with others. Our conversation with Helen looks at all of these things, and begins with some really interesting background talk about her voice, and how she came to be interested in experimental music and art.

Music included in this episode:

02:03 Out Loud (2023, excerpt 1)

Composed and Directed by Terri Hron in collaboration with Helen Pridmore and Jennifer Beatty

17:10 Voi(REX) (excerpt 1)

Composed 2003 by Phillipe Leroux, performed 2021 by Helen Pridmore and Aventa Ensemble

28:37 Aria (excerpt)

Composed by John Cage, 1958, performed 2013 by Helen Pridmore

37:14 Voi(REX) (excerpt 2)

Composed 2003 by Phillipe Leroux, performed 2021 by Helen Pridmore and Aventa Ensemble

43:31 Voi(REX) (excerpt 3)

Composed 2003 by Phillipe Leroux, performed 2021 by Helen Pridmore and Aventa Ensemble

52:45 GOYA (excerpt)

Composed 2015 by WL Altman, Libretto by David Fancy, both in collaboration with Helen Pridmore

61:36 Out Loud (2023, excerpt 2)

Composed and Directed by Terri Hron in collaboration with Helen Pridmore and Jennifer Beatty

67:22 Sor Juana and the Silences (excerpt)

Created and performed by Helen Pridmore, 2018

68:06 Out Loud (2023, excerpt 3)

Composed and Directed by Terri Hron in collaboration with Helen Pridmore and Jennifer Beatty

For more Information:

Helen Pridmore:

https://www.helenpridmore.ca/

https://soundcloud.com/helen_pridmore

Aventa Ensemble:

https://aventa.ca/

Phillipe Leroux:

https://www.lerouxcomposition.com/en/

Terri Hron:

https://terrihron.com/

Jennifer Beattie:

https://brightworknewmusic.com/person/jennifer-beattie/

WL ALtman:

https://uregina.ca/media-art-performance/directory/altman-wl.html

David Fancy:

https://www.davidfancy.ca/site/home

In this episode of The No Normal we have a feature interview with ‘cellist, composer, improviser and sound artist India Gailey. Named one of “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30” by the CBC, India Gailey is a cellist, composer, and improviser of “unparalleled talent” (Take Effect) based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, NS. With a background spanning many styles, she has worked most often in the realms of classical and experimental music, including tours across Canada, the United States, and Germany. In May 2022 India released her second solo cello album, to you through (Redshift Records) to much acclaim. She is a member of the lauded improvisational quartet New Hermitage, and works frequently with living composers, filmmakers, visual artists, and dancers to create exploratory works of interdisciplinary art. India is the recipient of numerous honours, including awards from Arts Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Talent Trust, the Canada Council for the Arts, and Acadia & McGill Universities. India loves raspberries, large marimbas, and the smell of burning thyme.

And… we are very pleased to introduce a new member of our team: Reid Contreras Woelfle is a composer, percussionist, sound engineer, and teacher, and is joining The No Normal as an interviewer. His interview with India Gailey is a great start to what we hope will be a wonderful series of contributions to our podcast.

Performances by India Gailey included in this episode:

13:20 Grotesquerie (excerpt 1)

Composed by Nicole Lizeé, from the album Problematica, Released 2023

Label: People Places Records

24:15 Light the Rubble

Performed by New Hermitage

35:25 Ghost, from the album to you through, Released 2022

Composed by India Gailey

Label: redshift records

59:10 Joinery

Composed by Joseph Glaser, from the album Problematica, Released 2023

71:05 Grotesquerie (excerpt 2)

Composed by Nicole Lizeé, from the album Problematica, Released 2023

For more Information:

India Gailey:

https://indiagailey.com/

https://www.facebook.com/india.yeshe/

Nicole Lizeé:

https://www.nicolelizee.com/

Joseph Glaser:

https://www.facebook.com/joseph.j.glaser/

Welcome back to The No Normal.

In this episode of The No Normal we are delighted to feature one of the key figures in the experimental arts scene here in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan/ Edmonton, Kelly Ruth. Since moving here from Winnipeg in 2017, Kelly Ruth has given dozens of live performances, mainly featuring amplified weaving looms, collaborated with many local and visiting artists, created gallery installations, and worked within, or alongside, some of the key arts organizations here. Among her many activities, Kelly Ruth has for several years been developing a performance practice that takes place in the virtual world, on Second Life. Through her avatar, Poppy Morris, she has cultivated a unique approach to artistic world-building while developing an entirely new, international audience. To top it off, Kelly Ruth has developed a really amazing practice that hybridizes simultaneous in-person and virtual performances.

Music included in this episode:

02:27 Simulacra - Real Virtuality (excerpt)

Kelly Ruth, from the album Simulacra, Released 2021

Label: Pseudo Laboratories

13:21 Simulacra - Illusory Perceptions (excerpt)

21:00 Simulacra - Sensorial Waters (excerpt)

34:25 Pixelated Oscillations (excerpt 1)

Kelly Ruth and Allison Balcetis

Hybrid Live/ Virtual Performance, Harcourt House, Edmonton

April 21, 2023

44:36 Hybrid Live/ Virtual Performance (excerpt 1)

New Adventures in Sound Art

South River, Ontario

December 9, 2023

54:20 Hybrid Live/ Virtual Performance (excerpt 2)

New Adventures in Sound Art

62:09 Pixelated Oscillations (excerpt 2)

Kelly Ruth and Allison Balcetis

Hybrid Live/ Virtual Performance, Harcourt House, Edmonton

April 21, 2023

For more Information:

Kelly Ruth:

https://www.kellyruth.ca/

https://www.youtube.com/@kellyruth5063

Pseudo Laboratories:

https://pseudolaboratories.bandcamp.com/

Harcourt House Artist Run Centre

https://harcourthouse.ab.ca/

New Adventures in Sound Art

https://naisa.ca/

Moment Discovery

https://momentdiscovery.ca/

Welcome back to The No Normal. In this episode, we are happy to welcome Canadian interdisciplinary artist Steph Patsula. The projects Steph creates are focused across a variety of processes coalescing in a union of somatic experiencing, experimental sound creation and lens based ephemera. Patsula’s work prioritizes the creation of immersive art installations and live-performance which explore bodies as beacons and receptors in relationship to each other. Her processes embrace the unpredictable dynamics of working with new materials, spaces and bodies by corresponding with them improvisationally. A technique that reflects a personal desire for reciprocity and intimacy through an attentiveness to collaboration and adaptability.

New Music Edmonton was delighted to feature Steph in our 2023 festival, where she gave a live performance of her ongoing project, Sympathetic Resonance, and took a bunch of us on a lovely, if somewhat smokey, soundwalk in the river valley.

Music included in this episode:

- 11:01 Flexible Hours Live at The Grand, Steph Patsula and Eric Fraser

- 23:33 Flexible Hours Live in Iceland

- 53:14 Sympathetic Resonance

- 58:30 Tailgate, Live in Chicago

For more Information:

- Steph Patsula, i-am-YEG - arts

- Steph Patsula Facebook

- https://flexiblehours.bandcamp.com/

Welcome back to The No Normal.

Please note this important caution: this episode includes discussion of mental health issues experienced by the artists, and including experiences of suicidal ideation and a depressive episode. Listening to this may be triggering for some listeners.

This episode is dedicated with thanks to everyone at The Canadian Mental Health Association.

Back in February 2023 New Music Edmonton presented an extraordinary event, the premiere of a new composition by Mike McCormick, performed by Edmonton vocalist, and long-time friend of Mike, Jessica Wagner. The work, under: went is a powerful, very personal artistic gesture, a work and performance unlike anything I have ever experienced in a concert hall. We were honoured to have present at the show staff and volunteers from The Canadian Mental Health Association. They led us through a post-performance discussion group focused on the topic of suicide, and of the ideas brought forth by the composition.

In the following conversation, we caught up with Mike and Jessica only a few days after the event, and we had a chance then to really get to the heart of the work, and also to get to know a little more about both of their backgrounds.

Music included in this episode:

02:11 Underwent (excerpt)

Jessica Wagner, soprano

Composed and with electronics by Mike McCormack

6:11 Regnevejr (excerpt)

Jessica Wagner, soprano/ Natalie Dzbik, violin

Composed and with electronics by Brandon Chow

08:22 Duo 1 (excerpt)

Jessica Wagner, soprano

Composed and with electronics by Nico Arnáez

14:02 Rootpat (excerpt)

Composed by Mike McCormack

25:40 Underwent (excerpt)

43:33 Underwent (excerpt)

58:58 Underwent (excerpt)

For more Information:

Jessica Wagner:

https://www.jessicawagnermusic.com/

Mike McCormack:

https://mccrmck.com

The Canadian Mental Health Association

https://cmha.ca/

https://edmonton.cmha.ca/

We are back with another episode of New Music Edmonton’s The No Normal. Today’s guest is an artist familiar to many people in many places. Composer and violinist Alissa Cheung. Her compositions have been performed often in Edmonton and for several years she was a key part of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s violin section. More recently, Alissa moved to Montréal to take up a position in the mighty Quatuor Bozzini, and since then has continued to build her career as a composer while also taking part in the quartet’s almost constant schedule of performing, recording, and working with emerging artists.

It’s always fantastic to chat with Alissa, and we hope you enjoy sitting with us while we do so! And so here we are, in a wide-ranging conversation recorded in early spring, 2023.

Compositions by Alissa Cheung Included in this episode:

- 20:45 ZWISCHENTÖNE (EXCERPT 1)

Performed by Alissa Cheung and Ewald Cheung, C’mon Festival Edmonton, 2022

- 25:27 ZWISCHENTÖNE (EXCERPT 2)

- 38:10 CHEMINS DE FER

Composed by Alissa Cheung, 2018

- 48:04 DU NORD (EXCERPT 1)

Performed by Quatuor Bozzini, Montréal, 2021

- 54:15 DU NORD (EXCERPT 2)

- 60:32 EUPHORIA (EXCERPT 1)

Performed by Continuum Contemporary Music HATCH, 2021

- 65:02 EUPHORIA (EXCERPT 2)

- 70:15 DU NORD (EXCERPT 3)

For more Information:

Alissa Cheung:

http://www.alissacheung.com/

Quatuor Bozzini:

https://quatuorbozzini.ca/en

Continuum Contemporary Music:

https://www.continuummusic.ca/

Continuum Contemporary Music Euphoria video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAmEW6CQsNE

C’mon Festival:

https://cmonfestival.ca/