What if things go well? Dancer, choreographer, and artistic director Monique Jonas believes in unlocking potential; emotional, creative, and human. We talk about the power of positivity, versatility, and transparency, and why dancers are people first, artists second. With Jona Dance, Monique is building a space where the next generation can grow with care, not fear.

In this episode, I dive into the art of upcycling music—taking forgotten melodies, abandoned sketches, and past compositions and giving them new life. But is reworking old ideas a creative shortcut or a path to deeper artistry?

From my own decade-old piece resurfacing for a new ballet to Stravinsky’s habit of storing unused themes in a desk drawer, I explore the fine line between repetition and reinvention. Inspired by a striking visual evolution in art, I reflect on how ideas transform over time, sometimes becoming unrecognisable yet carrying the essence of where they began.

At the heart of it all is a question of resourcefulness—why am I so drawn to reusing what I’ve already created? Does it come from efficiency, nostalgia, or something deeper? Join me as I unpack the personal, emotional, and creative forces behind recycling music.

What’s the drive behind making music? For composers like Steven Daverson and me, it’s more than just notes on a page, it’s about connection, creativity, and finding meaning in sound.In this conversation, we reflect on 20 years of friendship, the tension between solitude and collaboration, the thrill (and terror) of hearing your work performed live, and how deadlines can be both a curse and a creative gift. We also explore why, in a chaotic world, making something beautiful might just be the most radical act of all. Join us as we go deep into the art of composition, the struggles and joys of music-making, and what truly keeps us coming back to the blank page.