share: interview with ADRIENNE SPIRIDELLIS

what is your professional title?

Professionally, I'm a composer.

did you study this discipline in college? A. if not, what did you study? B. if not, how did you transition into, or get started in, this field?

No, I studied theater. But I was born into music. My father teaches and composes music for the organ, and all of the women in my family sing and play piano. But what was most useful for my music education was that we all were constantly listening to music.

what is the biggest obstacle you've faced in your endeavors/projects, & what did you learn?

Myself. My focus. Being interested in too many things at the same time. I still haven't decided what I want to be when I "grow up", but eventually I learned that I didn't need to have a series of lifetime achievements under my belt by the time I reached 30. In every part of the entertainment industry feels as though it's become this race to become the most accomplished and make the most money at a younger and younger age. Meanwhile, the quality of all this work suffers and we're left wondering what to do with the rest of our time once we're done and the world stops spinning. I'm an avid believer of working hard, but there has to be a balance. So now I've become more at ease with really dwelling in one project at a time before even thinking about the next one. Still, everyday I have to stop myself from going 90 miles an hour, stressing out about what has to be done next- and just remember to pace myself.

what advice has someone passed onto you that has helped you achieve your goals?

Try not to compare yourself to others.

which person in your life has been the most encouraging/supportive to you & how?

My husband. Apart from helping me up and dusting off my knees when I fall, he helps me to remember that there is always more than one way to do anything. He's amazing.

who in your field inspires you? who is your all time favorite?

My father, Elmer Bernstein, David Byrne, Kate Bush, John Williams, Michael Kamen, Rachel Portman- the list is ever growing and ever changing.

what kind of process do you use to get inspired for your projects? (listen to music, cluck like a chicken, have 5 ice coffees?)

That, and eating burritos. :) It depends on what kind of day I'm having and what kind of project it is. Sometimes I'll wake up with the music already written in my head and then it's just a matter of producing it. Sometimes I have to go for a walk with my ipod, sometimes I need some solitude with absolutely no music to clear my head. Sometimes, nothing will work and I just have to move on and hope tomorrow's a better day.

what makes you say all the hard work is worth it?

If it moves me, even for a moment.

what do you do for fun to balance work & play?

I go to the movies with my hubby, go for walks, sleep in, go for a drive, I try to go someplace I've never been. But mainly I just like to play and be silly with friends and family, play board games, physical games!

which was your favorite project & why?

Pretty much all the music I've ever done for Jibjab has been awesome because it's filled with humor. I can't not laugh at some point when I'm doing a project for them. And it feels good to know you're contributing towards something in the spirit of fun that will make other people feel good, if only for a moment.

what is next for you?

I have a screenplay I'm in love with that I'm trying to figure out how to produce. So, filmmaking.

favorites:

• women who let their hair grey,
• chocolate chips on my morning toast,
• my evening wine,
• the smell of coffee, almond, and vanilla.

movie

• The Witches of Eastwick,
• Hannah and Her Sisters,
• The Man Who Would be King, again, the list goes on and on.

tv show

• Globe Trekker,
• Cheers,
• Sex and the City

book

• The Creative Habit-by Twyla Tharp,
• As a Man Thinketh-by James Allen,
• and Jane Eyre- Charlotte Bronte

artist

• Mano Chao,
• Brahms,
• Joni Mitchell,
• David Byrne,
• Michael Caine,
• Audrey Hepburn, the list goes on and on.

quote

• "A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which can be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild. But whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth."-James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

color

• Orange and
• Blue

song

• Lately Independence Day by David Byrne

band

• I love David Byrne,
• Mano Chao, and
• I listen to classical music daily, Brahms, Scarlatti, Schubert, you name it.

season

• Winter in the Northwest and
• Fall in New York

place to be alone

• Where I am alone the most often (in that relaxing leisurely sort of way) is currently in the tub, and so that is my favorite place to be alone for the time being. Some music, a glass of wine, nice bath salts, and I'm all set.

place to be with friends

• In my living room, relaxing.

hero

• My husband. It's corny, but true.