Artist Spotlight Series: Autumn Maria Reed
We are excited to launch our "Spotlight on Rising Talent" series, a unique initiative aimed at celebrating the remarkable artists at Are We Delicious?. Over the next several days, we invite you to join us as we illuminate the extraordinary individuals who bring their talent, dedication, and passion to our stage. #ArtistryUnveiled
Autumn Maria Reed
Composer & Musician
Autumn Maria Reed is a Wisconsin-based composer and Berklee alumna. She has composed library and theatrical music for companies in Madison and Milwaukee. Her music is available to stream under the name AMReed8.
With Music Theatre of Madison, she composed and orchestrated for “BEYOND THE INGÉNUE: TRAILBLAZERS” and “AN AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY.” Her works include “YANKADI” for string quartet at LunART Festival and “RESILIENCE” for string orchestra performed by Brazil’s Orquestra Sinfônica Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro (OSTNCS) and soon by Women’s Orchestra of Arizona.
She plays the string bass with Dayvin Hallmon's The Black String Triage Ensemble and Black Diaspora Symphony Orchestra, where she composed “EXODUS FROM EXTINCTION” for the symphony orchestra. This group performs string music for trauma and violence victims. A documentary short titled “Black Strings (2023)” was produced by filmmakers Marquise Mays and RJ Smith, featuring the ensemble. PBS has distributed the film on its platform as “What Does It Look Like to Bring a Violin to a Gunfight?” and YouTube channel,“When Musicians Become First Responders.
What’s your journey been like as an artist?
My journey as an artist has been filled with trial and error.
Ghosts come in many forms and from various cultural backgrounds. Do you think you will incorporate your culture into your portrayal of different ghostly entities?
I was raised not to believe in ghosts.
Are there artists who have had a significant impact on your creative journey?
I love Disney. However, as I got older, I find myself I enjoy the geometric sounds of John Coltrane and the soft, yet strong nature of Janet Jackson.
Are there any specific historical events or haunted locations that have served as inspiration for your piece?
I recall watching a show on PBS called “Ghostwriter.”
What are your thoughts on having only two weeks to write, rehearse, and perform an entire show?
I'm not a singer or an actress, for a reason! I'm a musician who's glued to sheet music. So, I worry about memorizing without a cheat sheet.
