(click to read full article on New Music Box, a publication of New Music USA)

https://newmusicusa.org/nmbx/glfcam-is-it-alright-to-make-joyful-art-while-the-world-burns/

As the parent of a toddler, I love watching him learn about the world. He seems to be happiest when he’s outside. He runs his hands through soil, holds up leaves to the sky, rolls in grass, and loves to eat fruit straight off the tree. He loves silly music, and finds trash and street cleaning days thrilling, running to the window to watch the trucks. He can’t speak in full sentences yet, but we understand that he has lots of questions, and the list of things he wants to know about is only growing. He loves to help and be helped, and he doesn’t have a concept for what it means to be talented, accomplished, or even proficient. He just asks, then tries.

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Violinist Lucia Lin sat down to interview me after I wrote Cuates for her and violinist Shaw Pong Liu as part of her In Tandem series, created in conjunction with The Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music. Check out the interview below, and check out Cuates as well!

“Out of Context” is a 10-part series that addresses the topic of cultural appropriation as it intersects with both Western European-based classical music and the broader social landscape. Commissioned by American Composers Forum and I CARE IF YOU LISTEN, the goal of the series is to offer information and diverse perspectives to those seeking to acknowledge historical context, honor cultural traditions that are not their own, and expand their sphere of knowledge with awareness and respect. A culminating collection of these articles and other resources will be shared for continued learning and dialogue.

Soprano Angel Riley and composer Nick Benavides talk with Emerging Artist Director Mark Saltzman about the brand new compositions that will premiere during Angel's livestream concert on Friday, October 2 at 8PM.

“Crystal clear diction from the singers and tight conducting by Benavides makes the album sparkle. Just as David and Camila give Pepito a chance, I encourage you to, as well.”"

• Chris Ruel, Opera Wire

Hector Armienta from Opera Cultura interviewed me, and we talked about writing opera and culture.

Read my interview on I Care If You Listen (.com), where interviewer Gemma Peacocke asks me about my opera Pepito, interdisciplinary collabs, allyship, & more: https://icareifu.li/2U0n4Qb 

“So “Pepito” got pride of place. It wasn’t just because dogs and children tend to steal the show. It was because Nicolas Lell Benavides, the composer, and Marella Martin Koch, the librettist, found a way to sketch complete characters in swift sure lines.”
- Anne Midgette, Washington Post

“I identify myself as a New Mexican first and foremost, and probably composer second. If you talk to me long enough, I can’t help but explain New Mexican red and green chile, which of course is definitely not Texas chili (almost always the first question). I eventually find myself talking about the weather (did you know we have thunderstorms and even snow?), the language (30% of New Mexicans speak Spanish?), and the local music (this odd mix of Rockabilly and Ranchera/Corrido?). I could go on as you might imagine.

However, there is something I’m ashamed to admit: Before this year I rarely, if ever, wrote music about myself. In spite of New Mexico being so dear to my heart, I always found myself enchanted by other influences, boxing off the Land of Enchantment and letting it touch every aspect of my life except composition. When I tried in the past, it always felt contrived.”