John Puchiele Ensemble is a project created by Canadian composer and musician John Puchiele, who has been working within the music industry for over four decades! He’s had a fantastic career, and his latest album AFTER LIFE shows exactly why John’s music is so lauded! It’s well worth checking out if you’re into the classical genre – check it out at the bottom of this interview!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a new record titled AFTER LIFE. What can you tell us about the record?

The record is conceptual and it was my intention to make it an auditory metaphor for a journey into the afterlife. It was also written as an allegory. The idea was to create a visual based audio recording. I have always connected visuals with audio in my mind when I create my musical compositions.

How has the reception to AFTER LIFE been so far, and where can the track be purchased?

Since its release, I have received fantastic reviews from around the globe. What is particularly satisfying is that many of the reviewers have a good sense of what I was trying to convey with my music.

The record can be purchased on johnpuchieleense…r-life and all streaming platforms.


Have you released any singles from the record and do you plan to release any in the future?



The nature of the album is what I like to call ambient orchestral and as a result, is limited to a specific listening approach and goes well with many playlists. 



Have you started writing for your next record, or is it too soon?


I’ve been writing and preparing for the next album in my studio. I have mapped out several pieces, but now the work really begins.



AFTER LIFE is a very interesting record, including both electronic and classical elements. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?

There are so many influences to choose from, dipping into several genres! The composers and artists that have influenced me over the years are people like Steve Reich, Conlon Nancarrow, Stravinsky, Erik Satie, Robert Fripp and Brian Eno. There are many others but I can say these come to mind immediately. Lately I have been listening to Erik Satie and David Sylvian.



You’re a former member of The Glass Orchestra. Do you have any other projects on the go at the moment?

In addition to working on my 7th album release, I have been working on a musical that is loosely based on the same idea and concept  as the album AFTER LIFE. 



You’ve been in the music industry for over four decades. What’s the secret to your longevity?


Never give up if you believe in what you do! That would be my secret. Success is measured in so many ways and disappointment can tether you to a negative pathway, so it is important keep moving forward.

Sharing my music with as many people as possible is what sustains me and will continue to do so. Plus it’s fun to write music!


Do you have anything else exciting coming up in the next few months?

I will be printing off some of the scored music manuscript from my albums, as well as beginning the process of preparing the ensemble to play live. 




Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

I have entertained the idea of performing AFTER LIFE but I’m not sure if the UK is in the books at this moment, as I am based in Toronto, Canada.



Any last words for the fans?

I hope you continue to listen and enjoy my music and I would love to hear from you.