Working: How a Big Band Leader and Composer Wrangles All the Moving Parts

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to composer and bandleader Darcy James Argue, who fronts the 18-piece big band jazz group Secret Society. In the interview, Darcy talks about the thought processes that go into his compositions, like how his interest in mathematician Alan Turning inspired a track on the group’s most recent album Dynamic Maximum Tension. He also discusses the many hats he needs to wear, how he balances complexity and accessibility in his music, and how he makes the most of rehearsal time with such a big group. 

After the interview, Isaac and co-host Ronald Young Jr. talk about the challenges and discomforts of self-promotion. 

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Darcy explains how he decides how to assign solos in his big band music. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

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