Interview with musical director Conrad Askland

00:00 Introduction
00:56 Guest Introduction
01:12 Conrad's Music Start
02:26 Early Training
04:38 Novelty Music
06:46 Cirque du Soleil Journey
09:00 Touring Insights
11:40 Future Projects
13:41 Social Media & Conclusion

On Tour with Cirque du Soleil “CRYSTAL” Show
Conrad Askland credits as musical director and conductor include the Cirque du Soleil world tours of Varekai, Crystal and Cirque’s resident ZAIA show in Macau China. As a performer he has worked with Seattle Opera, Grand ‘Ol Opry, the American Latin Music Awards, Shanghai Music Festival, Knott’s Berry Farm, and was also long time touring keyboardist for Grammy Winner Freddy Fender of the Texas Tornados. He produced hundreds of albums for artists at Road Records of Southern California.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Berklee College of Music and a Professional Certificate in Ableton Live, as well as a Master’s Degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Development from Colorado State University.

One thing that distinguishes Conrad Askland is his masterful ability to take a big-picture creative concept and navigate the individual steps and complexities to bring it to life. “There is a challenge to integrating a script with music. There are many elements to consider, such as plot, character arc, subtext and how the music segues,” he explains, “You start with one bit and methodically work through the layers. It’s a lot like writing a novel. You only see five steps ahead at a time.”

More information on the website: https://conradaskland.com/blog/biography/