This episode’s guest is Kathleen Nisbet, a Vancouver-based fiddle player, multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer whose creative life moves between folk and traditional music, theatre and dance. Classically trained early on, Kathleen later returned to her Métis roots and has become a distinctive presence in Vancouver’s bluegrass, old-time and folk music communities.

Alongside performing and touring internationally with Viper Central, and curating and presenting the East Van Opry, Kathleen has developed a rich practice composing and performing music for theatre and dance. Her work has included You Used to Call Me Marie…, Where Have All the Buffalo Gone?, and collaborations with V’ni Dansi Métis traditional dance, as well as work with companies including Pacific Theatre, Mortal Coil, Citadel Theatre and Mascall Dance.

In this episode, Kathleen and I talk about composition and the particular creative process of writing music for theatre and dance — responding to movement, story and other artists, working within the world of a larger piece, and discovering what music can bring to something beyond itself. We also talk about collaboration, instinct, and the different paths a musical life can take.

Kathleen shares some wonderful pearls of wisdom about creativity, collaboration and trusting where the work leads you. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kathleen Nisbet and find inspiration for your own creativity.

Learn More:

kathleennisbet.com

Like a Pearl:

daphneroubini.ca/podcast

About Like a Pearl

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada.

Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Credits

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of There's Always Tomorrow by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from the album Whisky Scented Kisses (Cellar Live).

More music: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/music