This Month in Music: June 2025

Author

Nadia Mair
July 02, 2025

This Month in Music

Welcome to a review of music for this month - including interviews with composers, playlists of new music, opportunities for composers, and more!

Featured Interview & Episode

Blair Mowat

Blair Mowat has composed over 200 scores for films, theater, and television, with clients ranging from The English National Ballet and The Royal Shakespeare Company to the likes of BBC, SKY, and ITV. He is a BAFTA-nominated, award winning composer with over 15 years’ experience and is considered a fast-rising star in the industry. His work includes Class, an acclaimed 8-part Doctor Who spin-off series on BBC One, ITV’s international hit show McDonalds & Dodds, and SKY’s The Amazing Mr. Blunden, written and directed by Mark Gatiss.

Don’t Give Up!

A short message for you to not give up and stay diligent in pursuit of your goals no matter where you might be in your journey. Composing can be a difficult career to pursue, but what you have to contribute to the world matters. If you want more inspiration, read the book "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield, who explains what an artist goes through mentally when they create and why their work is important to the world.

Industry News

  1. Library of Congress acquires Stephen Sondheim archive
    The LOC has officially acquired manuscripts, lyric drafts, recordings, and notebooks from Sondheim—including “Send in the Clowns,” Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and more. Read more…

  2. ASCAP to honour Cardi B with Voice of the Culture Award
    At an ASCAP event on June 8, Cardi B will be recognized for her profound cultural impact, following in the footsteps of Usher. Read more…

  3. Indian composers receive record royalties via IPRS
    The Indian Performing Right Society has distributed ₹600 crore, marking a landmark milestone for fair compensation for Indian composers and lyricists. Read more…

Music Releases

Listen to the latest and greatest compositions that came out this month, including orchestral works, experimental music, film scores, and more.

Check out the custom playlist I created for you here:

Upcoming Opportunities:

  1. Mozart International Music Competition UK

    Deadline: August 1st

    A prestigious online competition open to composers worldwide, celebrating classical excellence with international recognition and digital certificates.

    Apply Here

  2. Bach International Music Competition

    Deadline: August 9th

    A global online competition for composers of all styles and ages, judged by international professionals.

    Apply Here

  3. Women Composers Visibility Recording Project

    Deadline: August 1st

    A no‑cost opportunity for female composition students to receive high‑quality, professionally recorded performances of their works.

    Apply Here

  4. More Competitions..

    You can find more opportunities for competitions linked below

    Click Here

This Month in History

  • June 10, 1865 – Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde

    One of the most groundbreaking operas ever written was premiered in Munich, introducing daring harmonic language (like the famous “Tristan chord”) that paved the way for modern music. Listen here…

Community Corner

I’d love to feature one of YOUR compositions or news about what YOU’RE doing! You can submit to be featured for the next month here:

Please share this with any composers you know who could benefit from and enjoy this newsletter!

Until next time,

Nadia