Zoe Keating Interview: SXSW 2010

Zoe Keating describes herself as "professional avant cellist and amateur nerd". That translates to an incredibly talented classically trained cellist who has used technology to elaborate the sound of a solo performer. With over a million followers on Twitter, and taking the number one spot on ITunes in Classical downloads on several occasions, Zoe Keating continues to break new ground with her art. We spoke with her before she travels down to SXSW.

Describe your sound in your own words.

It is the fusion of classical music and information architecture.

How did you choose the cello, and was it the first instrument you played?

When I was 8, a teacher asked me if I'd like to play the cello. I had no idea what a cello was, but I said yes. I loved it immediately. It is my "voice".

How many years have you performed professionally?

I've been a full-time musician -- i.e. without a "day job" -- since 2002. However, my first professional gig was when i was 16.

What are your musical influences?

The Cocteau Twins, Arvo Part, Steve Reich, and Bjork

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

I like musical catharsis. So that could mean blasting My Bloody Valentine while I'm cleaning the house or having a good cry while listening to Gorecki's 3rd symphony

You have been called a one woman orchestra, yet you are a solo performer. How do you achieve the sound of a full orchestra?

I play the cello, and I use a computer to sample it which builds layers, when I play it back using foot-pedals as I play it becomes an orchestra effect. It is the fusion of information architecture and classical music. For a long time, people didn't like it. It wasn't familiar to them. The more they heard it, the more familiar it became. I was an early adapter of music looping on the computer, and as technology got better the sound got better. Luckily for me, now people like it!

How did you take the plunge to become a full-time musician?

I had a career in the technology field, and I was a cellist and I was working toward success in both of them. It was like I had two lives. The two merged, and music became the prominent career and I began devoting full-time efforts to it.

What type of computer and software do you use?

A MacBook Pro, running Ableton Live and SooperLooper.

You have over a million followers in Twitter and often hold the number 1 spot on ITunes for downloads in classical music. What is your secret?

To be myself, I always just try to be myself. I use the internet to share what I am working on and my music and that works just for me.

How daunting is Tweeting to a million followers?

I try to pretend just a few friends are following me. If I actually started thinking about the numbers, I may clam up.

Anything specific you are looking forward to at SXSW this year?

The first is my showcase, on the 17th at 8pm at Central Presbyterian Church. I'll also be speaking on a panel, Effective Online Marketing Platforms, on March 19 at 2pm.

Will you be performing any new unheard music at SXSW?

Well, you will have to attend one of my performances and see!


Sydnie Taylor is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.