In this interview spotlight, I spend a few moments with composer and musician Jeff Novotny to discuss his influences, the wide range of styles he composes with, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with music and links can be found below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m originally from Pittsburgh but am now based in Phoenix, having moved around a bit over the years. I compose all styles of jazz, both classic and modern, and recently I’ve been expanding my style to be more eclectic/polystylistic. My listening tastes are very diverse – encompassing everything from classical, pop, EDM, metal, and others – and that’s reflected in my compositions. One aspect that has contributed to my diverse style is my classical music background; unlike some musicians who are primarily steeped in the jazz idiom, I started out studying classical music and didn’t start writing jazz until somewhat later. In fact, I didn’t go back to graduate school for jazz until I was in my 30’s, being self-taught up to that point. Even among my school classmates, my pieces had more of a classical influence than theirs did. And before starting to write jazz, I wrote several classically-based pieces.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

I continuously try to make each piece better than the last, and expand my abilities and scope. It’s a learning process, so I try to learn from past shortcomings and make improvements, including learning new techniques and theoretical concepts. You could say I’m still in school, just not formally.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

Like many independent musicians, I have had very little exposure; my music is mainly heard on Youtube and other streaming sites, but not very much. One thing that I think hampers my visibility is that I don’t perform anywhere; I just release recordings. It’s surprising how many independent musicians there are, all vying for attention.

Technology has made it fairly easy to do a lot of my own recording production, using high-quality instrument samples and editing software. And not to mention distributing music worldwide on online platforms, rather than having to distribute CD’s.

What was the last song you listened to?

I don’t even remember – probably a pop song of some kind. But when I listen for pleasure I almost never play two songs in a row by the same artist. Maybe opera, then pop, then something else. Variety is key.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Mp3’s are the most convenient (and compact), so I stick with those. Plus, if I want to analyze something, I can work directly with the mp3 rather than having to import a recording from a physical medium.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I’ve been trying to be added to Spotify/Pandora playlists, but other than that I don’t really have a preference for listening platforms. But none of them pay very much, as you know. For personal listening I don’t really use those services, though; I generally find something I like (it could come from anywhere) and get the recording or stream it.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

You can hear and download my music on most streaming/download sites such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora, or of course listen for free on Youtube. The easiest way to see everything in one place is on CDBaby. I also have sheet music for sale on sheetmusicplus.com.

Anything else before we sign off?

Thanks very much for this opportunity – I invite anyone interested to contact me with any feedback they have. I’m also open to collaboration with other musicians.