Backstage with... Bryce Dessner

Bryce Dessner is one of the most sought-after composers of his generation, with a rapidly expanding catalogue of works commissioned by leading ensembles. Known to many as a guitarist with the rock band The National, he is also active as a curator—a vital force in the flourishing realm of new creative music.

The Ohio-born, Paris-based musician’s work “Murder Ballads” was featured on Eighth Blackbird’s album Filament—an album he also produced and performs on— and won a Grammy. Along with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto, he composed music for The Revenant, which received a 2016 Golden Globes nomination for best original score.

Since 2018, Bryce has been making music with legendary duelling pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque and guitarist-composer David Chalmin in a supergroup called Dream House Quartet. Ahead of the band’s Toronto performance this May, we chatted with Bryce about the power of nature, growing up with twin brother Aaron, and the joy of watching his son discover new things.

Where do you find inspiration?

I often find inspiration outside of music. This can be reading a book or going to see a visual art exhibition, or often hiking in the mountains. I am very inspired by the beauty and power of nature, and I am lucky to live somewhere I can experience the mountains and ocean. I find it endlessly interesting and inspiring to be in nature.

What led you to become an artist?

My older sister Jessica is an amazing artist and growing up she was always a huge inspiration to my brother Aaron and I. Jessica is a dancer/choreographer and later developed an interest in poetry and visual art. As kids my brother and I played a lot of sports, and I was playing classical flute. In my teenage years I got inspired by rock music and started playing electric guitar. This led me back to conservatory and I ended up doing advanced degrees in composition and classical guitar. I feel very lucky to pursue my art as a career.

What’s the importance of the performing arts in your life?

I think the power of collaborating with other musicians is what draws me to the performing arts. There is a connected energy that you experience on stage when performing music that is very specific and that I do not find anywhere else in my life. Perhaps the closest analogy would be the kind of stillness you might feel sitting on the beach or on top of a mountain—feeling both empty and full at the same time. I think also going to see performance, whether it be dance or theatre or opera or music, has a similar effect on me, but the performance element goes another step further.

What are you making space for in your life?

I have a six-year-old son and I am watching him grow and change every single day. This week he started reading his first words and it is the most amazing and joyous feeling to watch this discovery in him. I am trying to make as much space in my life as I can to be with him as he grows.

What can’t you live without?

I cannot live without my family. I am aware of the impermanence and fragility of life and how things are constantly changing. I remain very close to my family, my wife and son of course, but also my siblings and parents, and my bandmates who are like family to me.

What’s your pre-show ritual?

This depends on what kind of show it is! If it’s difficult virtuosic music I will often be rehearsing up until the very last moment before getting ready to go on stage. If it is more relaxed, I will likely drink a beer!

What’s the last show you saw?

I went to a performance of the Richard Strauss opera Elektra at the Opéra Bastille in Paris conducted by my friend Semyon Bychkov. It was incredibly powerful and moving.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Toronto?

I have many friends in Toronto whom I love to visit with. I like going running by the lake and love going to see shows at Massey Hall.