Mosaic Composer Collective Rejects the 'Solo Genius' for Mutual Aid and Creativity 

Betsy Podsiadlo | 10/31/23

With each of them entrenched in different styles of music, the group shared that working as a collective has given them a way into the gatekept scene of new music performances in New York City. When creative industries rely on a system of identifying up-and-comers through competition and discovery, it can feel like a lottery in the pursuit of being noticed. Collective composer Athos Maelstrom shared that the Collective allows for a better chance at catching the eyes of the industry:

“I think your luck gets a little bit better when you’re working with other people,” says Athos.

Athos also noted that institutions seem to respond better to groups than individuals, giving them another pathway to working within the established industry as early-career composers. Athos explained that the collective’s goal is to write music to perform now – a task not easily accomplished when not particularly well known. The increased visibility of the Collective’s work allows its composers a greater opportunity to share the music they are making presently, aligning with their mission.

“We want to draft statements for the world that we see outside right now, sound that speaks to the experiences that we have lived and are living every single day –– as young humans, queer humans, transgender humans, humans of color,” says Athos.

Naturally, when talking about working together with a group of people in your industry the elephant in the room is competition. When asked about how competition affects the group Murphy Severtson stated “There is a lot of competition, but we know that there is enough space and if we hold our connections and relationships in the same hand with our ambitions, we can lift each other up and advocate for each other's works.”

Mosaic Composer Collective strives to empower each of the six composers to lean into their strengths when it comes to the administrative tasks involved in advancing the works of the group’s members. They shared that while the artistic growth from working in the group is one aspect of the success they’re finding, another is the opportunity to learn new administrative skills and share the workload of figuring things out. From advertising, to funding, to finding insurance for the group, they’re able to share the workload of completing these tasks and utilizing each other’s knowledge to find the best way to make things happen. Collective composer Naamia Rivera, explained that through the work of the collective, they have learned valuable skills that often go unmentioned in academic settings. 

“I feel that I’ve learned so much about composing not just as an artform but as a career,” says Naamia.

The benefits of collective work extend beyond administration. Collective composer Kevin Arthur Jr. explained how he found new creative confidence inspired by group members. 

“Witnessing a few of the members explore more obscure and non-traditional instrumentations, such as pieces involving live electronics or instruments performing solely with extended techniques, has inspired me to break free from the self-imposed boundaries I once adhered to,” says Kevin.

Collective composer Alexa Letourneau explained that the protective nature of a small group of composers creates a “test-run network” for them to experiment and share new ideas internally. It is imperative for young artists to find a group of trusted advisors and colleagues to allow for exploration with respect and honest feedback and without fear of judgment. Creating a collective allows for both the sharing of the administrative workload and the opportunity for prototyping and exchanging ideas with people who understand the industry and the practice of creating within the same medium. 

“Composing can be a really lonely process,” says Alexa. “Going through it with people who understand it on a deep level is hugely influential, and makes navigating my early career a lot easier, and more fun.” 

With the goal of self-producing opportunities for their music to be performed, Mosaic Composer Collective holds periodic concerts around New York City. Their philosophy for the concert experience is one rooted in diversity, according to Collective composer Aidan Arbona.

“Each of us has a unique perspective that we hope to share through our music,” says Aidan.  “Our role as a collective is to give those perspectives a safe place to be shared with an audience.”

As they gear up for their upcoming performance at National Sawdust on November 12th, they’re working with a common theme: sexual liberation through cross-disciplinary art and education. As we discussed this unique performance and the opportunity to perform at National Sawdust with members of the Collective, they shared that their individual goals of performing works with a deep connection to their personal values at esteemed venues came within reach due to the power of collective work. 

In an industry that champions the mythic individual master, Mosaic Composer Collective proves that working together and allowing the help of other people can open the gates to new opportunities. 

“I think that collectivizing is less about a radical act and more about a formalized acknowledgment of something that's already true,” says Alexa. “None of us are actually doing it alone. But the illusion of the solo genius is terrifying. So, collectivizing is just a form of saying, ‘Hey, this is something that's happening and I really want you all to know, because my collaborators are also really awesome.’”

If you’d like to support Mosaic Composer Collective in their upcoming ventures and continued operation, they are fundraising through fiscal sponsor The Field. To stay up to date on all things Mosaic Composer Collective, check out their website and follow them on Instagram @mosaiccomposercollective.