John Cage Interview, 1985, KCRW 1992

Recorded in 1985 by Connie Goldman for WHA radio Wisconsin, this interview is unavailable, and out-of-print as far as I know.

Published on cassette by Jeffery Norton Publishers, who seem to be "out of business" even though a partial website still exists.

I recorded this off the radio KCRW in 1992.

Presented here as a public service. This broadcast was not used as part of the experimental music piece "minimal music" but is very similar in theme and content, so it is included here.

I was fortunate to meet John Cage and hear him speak at the Univeristy of Illinois in 1984 (or 1983). I was inspired by his gentle and authentic whimsical nature, when I somehow expected a radical firebrand and tempestuous speaker instead.

I had previously discovered, independently, his technique of listening to common household noise in a musical way, and was pleased to have that idea verified by someone who was recognized by the world as a legitimate composer.


An inspiring talk that I hope will be allowed to stay on youtube, but I accept if it is not.




I was inspired by his use of "silence," "chance," and "radio receivers" to create music.

I find it amusing that his name is John Cage and he spent his musical career trying to break out of the "anal retentive" music "cage" of harmony, rhythm, and melody that we all have inherited.

"The purpose of music composition is to quiet and still the mind." - John Cage


"Write a poem, draw a picture, and avoid working for other people." - John Cage



"Good luck" - Wm S