Composer and Waikato Creative CEO Jeremy Mayall

Louis Armstrong once said “Music is life itself”. 

Consider this…   Perhaps you have your own playlists on spotify, or a stash of CDs in the sunvisor of your car, the soundtrack that helps you block out the noise and fuss of the world.  Your soundtrack to your life that helps you feel inspired, energised, creative, or calm and peaceful.  Music can be the curtain you pull across to help create your own space.  Music certainly plays a role in our life from the beat of our mothers heart to learning in school, and beyond.  

Music plays a vital part of my creative process as a storyteller, giving emotional connection to my footage, helping drive the rhythm of my edits, and helping the viewer understand the significance of a scene, on a deeper level. 

I was very keen to interview Jeremy about his work as a musician, composer and artist.  I met him, a few years ago, taking his photo for a story about .. his beard.  He’d entered an international beard growing competition.  It was a great shoot, and we’ve stayed in contact ever since. 

Born and raised in Hamilton, NZ Jeremy’s mother helped in with piano lessons from the age of 5. 

His skills don’t stop there, the drums, the harmonica, the bass, the turntables, synths, melodica, and theremin among others. 

He also regularly sings with several bands, and in theatrical stage shows. He has performed throughout NZ, as well as in Fiji, Nouméa, Vanuatu, Singapore and the US.

He has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – majoring in Music, a master's degree, and a Doctorate. 

• Jeremy has been awarded a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, 

• Creative/Performing Arts Person of the Year for 2005, 

• Media Personality of the Year 2005

• Winner of the Sir Edmund Hillary Medal. 

• recipient of the Hamilton City Council BeatStreet award for Excellence in Creative and Performing Arts,

• The Hamilton City Council Supreme Youth Award in 2008.

Dr. Jeremy Mayall is currently the CEO at Creative Waikato - a Regional Arts Organisation in NZ specializing in capability building for the arts community, and working as an advocate for the arts. He is also a composer/performer/artist and researcher.  There is so much to this man that I can’t list it all here.  

I talk with Jeremy about his musical start, his creative journey to his role as CEO of Creative Waikato, enabling others to have their own creative journeys.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Apple Podcast link