Susan Schwalb at work
Photo by Kelly Baisley |
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I admit that I need some sort of sound in order to create a barrier between me and the rest of my life so that I can focus on my work without distraction. I generally listen to the radio as opposed to playing records or CDs. Years ago I primarily chose classical stations, with opera my favorite “background” sound.
When NPR switched to talk radio and there became less and less choice, the talk programs, by default, became what I have on each day. However, when the news is too terrible for words, I play some of my husband Marty Boykan‘s beautiful CDs or those of other composer friends. I have collaborated with Marty on three different artist book projects and this is the most direct connection between my work and particular pieces of music.
