I don’t have a soundproof studio or anything like that. I don’t believe in isolation in that way.” It’s why Coates’ music feels so alive and enveloping, a reflection of his messy, exuberant approach to creation. “I trust more of a slippage between everyday life and nature and going to the park and my son making a puppet,” he says. “That’s a more fruitful territory for me.” With Throb, Shiver, Arrow of Time, Oliver Coates continues to blur the boundaries between memory, emotion, and sound, creating a mesmerizing listening experience that invites the listener to join him in his swirling, shimmering world. Life in Glasgow has slowed Oliver Coates down after years of running around London with his cello, saying yes to everything. He reflects that being present with his family may lead to better outcomes than focusing solely on creating masterpieces. He values the connection between everyday life and nature, finding beauty in unexpected moments like his son making a puppet.
Coates muses about the concept of truth in his work, aiming to create music that is authentic and not driven by external expectations. He draws inspiration from his wife’s family’s oral folk songs, which contrast with his childhood experiences playing the cello in formal settings. He emphasizes the importance of genuine moments of beauty that are free from career pressures or external structures.
In his collaborations with directors, Coates sees a blend of psychology and polyphony, highlighting the power of intense collaboration to create peace and beauty that can resonate with many people. He mentions working with Steve McQueen on a documentary soundtrack, where he was encouraged to create music from the heart rather than simply scoring the film.
Coates credits Mica Levi and Jonny Greenwood for bringing a more spontaneous approach to film scoring, emphasizing the freedom to create in unconventional ways. He shares his process of sending rough musical ideas to collaborators, embracing experimentation and reverb to shape his sound.
Despite playing the same cello since he was 10 years old, Coates continues to find surprises and connections through his music. He believes in the transformative power of music, whether playing in hospitals or creating soundscapes for new projects. His upcoming work includes a score for The History of Sound and potential collaborations with other musicians.
Coates finds inspiration in nature and serendipity, drawing parallels to Alice Oswald’s approach to poetry. He values the beauty and variation found in the natural world, believing that the best music is not manufactured but discovered in the sounds of the forest and the echoes of birds.
“Throb, Shiver, Arrow of Time” is now available on RVNG, showcasing Coates’ innovative approach to music and his deep connection to the world around him.