Episode 11 - How To Turn Poetry into Music: Composing music for Blaze without Burning

2025-05-14

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In this special episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, we’re tuning into something a little different: the sound of poetry. Join us as we explore the musical world behind the soon-to-be-released soundtrack for Blaze Without Burning, the debut poetry collection by William May ⁠[Available for Presale!]⁠.In Part One, Meggie Dimitrova moderates a candid conversation between Denise Marsa and UK-based musician Paul A. Harvey, who not only co-created the 25 original mus...

In this special episode of Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing, we’re tuning into something a little different: the sound of poetry. Join us as we explore the musical world behind the soon-to-be-released soundtrack for Blaze Without Burning, the debut poetry collection by William May ⁠[Available for Presale!]⁠.

In Part One, Meggie Dimitrova moderates a candid conversation between Denise Marsa and UK-based musician Paul A. Harvey, who not only co-created the 25 original musical compositions for the chapbook but also mixes and masters Argh! Not Another Podcast About Book Publishing.

Together, they unpack the artistic process behind composing the musical companion for William’s poetry, the delight of allowing yourself to listen deeply to the words first or the music first, or read and listen at the same time. A discussion about how to translate emotional nuance into melody and sound. From instruments and moods to artistic inspiration, it's a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to score a collection of words with intention.

In Part Two, Denise reconnects with William May, who shares more about his journey as a poet and student at Sarah Lawrence College and reflects on why music has always been essential to his creative life. They dive into the shared vision that led to the Blaze Without Burning music project—and how the poems almost change the way we read them, and we perceive them, based on the music.

Curious about how poetry can be transformed through music? This episode dives into a one-of-a-kind collaboration that brings both to life.

Tune in, listen between the lines, and don’t forget to preorder your copy of Blaze Without Burning (if you have not already) to support independent poetry. If you have purchased your book and are waiting for its arrival, thank you!

📚 Order Now: ⁠https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/blaze-without-burning-by-william-may/⁠

🔗 Learn more about William: ⁠www.williammaywrites.com⁠

🎶 Produced by Denise Marsa & Meggie Dimitrova. Mixed & mastered by Paul A. Harvey.

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