Anthony Caulkins is a composer, musician, and music technologist based in the Los Angeles area. Through his compositions, Anthony explores questions relating to gesture, modularity, and metaphorical representation. Over his career as a composer, Anthony has developed a voice that focuses on both intricate systems and improvisatory practices. Anthony’s most recent project, Hiding, is an exploration of saturated soundscapes - using interactive music systems, complex polytimes, and free improvisation - meant to metaphorically address issues facing society as a result of the pandemic lockdown, social unrest, and the increasing anxiety and isolation felt by people around the world.

 

Along with composing, Anthony is a frequent performer of written and improvised music. He is a versatile guitarist who has years of experience in solo, chamber, and orchestral contexts. Anthony studied classical guitar with Professor Javier Calderon and jazz performance with Professor Kei Akagi. Currently, Anthony is a member and co-founder of Sap and Claw Elixir, a creative bass/banjo duo.

As a technologist, Anthony explores various modes of expression through the use of interactive computer systems for improvisation. Recently, Anthony has begun working on an algorithm for an autonomous computer improviser whose basic method of understanding music is gestural. This computer performer has had multiple performances, most notably in Anthony’s MFA thesis recital, E-Motions (what about gesture?).

Anthony is also the creator and host of the podcast Music In Mind – a podcast designed to develop interesting free-form conversations with other musicians about anything and everything relevant to the life of a musician.