Composer

Biography

Bill Direen grew up in the sixties surrounded by music and poetry of all sorts, classical, cultural, liturgical, radio pop and rock. He was fortunate to study electronic music under Douglas Lilburn before concentrating on literature (M.A. Hons, Canterbury University) and developing an independent career as writer and musician. His group The Bilders is a changeable unit, made up of musicians from different countries. While Direen’s music is composition-based, and while texts and structure are important for him, musicians enjoy the freedom and occasional anarchy of working with The Bilders. Direen finds work in New Zealand and overseas.