I think my taste and music consumption is quite broad. I would say Steven Hoggett’s was even wider. This can be very helpful in compiling playlists as mentioned above. Before Spotify would suggest artists and genres, we would be very much reliant up on our record collections. Steven and I would discuss music all the time. He had a much better understanding of the language of music, but I think he also found my instinctive language useful too. I was not afraid to describe a sound on my own terms, and I think that added something to our conversations. It meant that we would talk of music as colour, as emotion, in reference to events, films, experiences. Nothing radical, I suppose, but it became our shorthand.

I think it is important to always be on the lookout for new music. Or, more importantly, music that is new to you. It does not have to be contemporary. Spotify can help broaden your music consumption but there is also the risk of its algorithms simply giving you more of what it thinks you want and narrowing your consumption.

I have found a lot of interesting music through listening to 6Music radio station. The occasional gem might present a new (or new to me) composer, artist, or genre. I also have the Shazam app at the ready when I watch TV and film. Shazam is an app-based music discovery tool that can tell you the track name and artist of the music you are holding your phone towards. But you knew that, anyway.

The work of artists such as Underworld and Hybrid has always been inspiring. The music label Erased Tapes (erasedtapes.com) has been a fantastic resource, providing neo classical and spacious electronic music from international composers and artists. As Underworld and Hybrid have often provided a muscular drive, many Erased Tapes artists, such as Nils Frahm and Olafur Arnalds, have provided a beautifully rich emotional palette.

I think the main thing is being open to suggestions and other people’s tastes. Don’t just think about how you can use music. Allow music to inspire you. Don’t be afraid of having it played in the rehearsal room while you work. It can drive the energy, but it can also begin to comment on what you are watching as the work is developing. Like many aspects of the devising process, give it the space and opportunity to surprise you.

Practitioner Gavin Maxwell adds, ‘most streaming platforms are highly intuitive now. For example, Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist offers suggestions based on your listening habits and followed artists—definitely worth exploring.

I also rely on the app Shazam. When I hear music in public spaces or on TV, I use Shazam to identify the artist. This has led me to discover incredible new music in unexpected places.’