We talk music with Port Elizabeth based Stuart Reece of the Stuart Reece Band.

How long have you been composing?
I’ve been writing songs since the day I could play my first chords on guitar, its been just short of 10 years now.

What is your creative process?
I usually put a few chords together and write the vocal melody along with the words at the same time … I find the lyrical content and words you use are important to create the melody. It makes sense to write them together. Tweaking of lyrics, melody and chords come easily once you have the foundation of the song down.

What made you chose a career in this field?
I tried my hand at studying as well as working a 8-5 job but was never happy. Writing and performing music is the only thing I could see myself doing forever and when I realized this I realized I had no other option but to commit everything I have to it.

Did you do any courses for your career field?
No, I studied music at school and marketing management after school, I do use the skills I learned in marketing but it comes down to how hard you are willing to work and the sacrifices you are willing to make in order to survive in this industry.

What advice can you give to aspiring composers?
Practice, practice, practice. You cannot perfect your craft enough. Also inspiration comes and goes and you can’t always plan it. Just don’t give up, its inside of you, you just need to find a way to unlock it.

What other composer’s or artists have you worked with?
I’ve shared the stage with Prime Circle, Taxi Violence, Graham Watkins, The Arrows and Dan Patlanski… I have not collaborated with anyone yet though.

What has been the highlight of your career?
Recording my debut album in 2011 and getting it playlisted on RSG, East Coast Radio, Mfm and Algoa FM.