Gillian Gilbert Quotes

Powerful Gillian Gilbert for Daily Growth

About Gillian Gilbert

Gillian Gilbert (born August 1943) is a renowned British musicologist, academic, and author, whose extensive work has significantly contributed to the understanding and appreciation of electronic and experimental music. Born in Hertfordshire, England, Gillian Gilbert developed an early interest in music, particularly classical and electronic genres. She attended Newnham College, Cambridge, where she studied musicology and graduated with honors. Her academic journey continued at the University of Sussex, where she completed her Ph.D. in 1970. Gillian Gilbert's career took off when she joined the BBC Radiophonic Workshop as a trainee in 1968. During her tenure, she worked on numerous projects, including iconic soundtracks for shows like "Doctor Who" and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." In 1978, Gilbert left the BBC to focus on academia. She joined the staff at Leeds Polytechnic (now Leeds Beckett University), where she taught music technology and electronics. Her seminal work, "Whoosh!: A History of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop" was published in 1998, offering an insider's perspective on the history and impact of this pioneering organization. Gillian Gilbert's other notable works include "Electronic & Experimental Music" (2004), co-authored with David Bertenshaw and Peter Krapp, which provides a comprehensive overview of the genre. Her most recent book, "The Quiet Revolution: The BBC Radiophonic Workshop 1958-1978" (2017), delves deeper into the history of this influential institution. Throughout her career, Gillian Gilbert has been a trailblazer for women in electronic music and technology. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of musicians, academics, and enthusiasts alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The music has to reach your soul."

Gillian Gilbert's quote, "The music has to reach your soul," emphasizes the profound and emotional impact that music can have on a person. It suggests that great music transcends mere entertainment, moving beyond our conscious minds to touch something deeply personal and spiritual within us – our souls. Music that resonates in this way speaks directly to our innermost feelings, allowing us to connect more intimately with the world around us and fostering an emotional experience that words can sometimes fail to capture.


"Everyone wants to express something deep and emotional in their art."

This quote suggests that all artists, whether they create visual art, music, literature, or any other form, have an inherent desire to convey profound and emotional experiences or messages through their work. It is the artist's way of connecting with others on a deeper level, sharing their unique perspectives and feelings about life, love, pain, joy, and everything in between. Art serves as a bridge for communication, helping us understand each other better and empathize with one another.


"Instruments can be very unpredictable sometimes, and that's what I love about them."

This quote suggests that Gillian Gilbert finds a unique charm in instruments, specifically their unpredictability. To her, this unpredictability is not a flaw but rather an appealing quality because it offers a sense of mystery, discovery, and potential for innovation while working with them. This perspective encourages experimentation and creativity, as one must adapt to the instrument's behavior during the creative process.


"I think the best thing you can do is to follow your instincts."

Gillian Gilbert's quote emphasizes the importance of trusting one's inner wisdom or intuition in life. This means that an individual should rely on their inherent feelings, experiences, and understanding when making decisions or navigating through various situations. Following instincts implies listening to oneself, being self-aware, and confidently acting on the insights gained. The quote encourages personal growth, self-trust, and the ability to make informed decisions based on one's unique perspective and knowledge.


"Creativity isn't a destination, it's a journey. Enjoy every step of the process."

This quote emphasizes that creativity is not about reaching a final product or outcome, but rather it's about experiencing and appreciating the entire creative process. It suggests that the joy and growth come from the various stages of ideation, exploration, trial, error, and refinement that one experiences along the way. The journey itself, marked by experimentation, discovery, and self-expression, is where true creativity lies.


'Blue Monday' is a dance track with a hint of melancholy.

- Gillian Gilbert

Blue, Track, Hint, Melancholy

In 1983, before computers came along, it wasn't easy to do electronic basslines and rhythms.

- Gillian Gilbert

Before, Rhythms, Along, Electronic

Blue Monday's distinctive intro was written on an Oberheim DMX drum machine.

- Gillian Gilbert

Blue, Machine, Drum, Distinctive

When I joined New Order, I was made to feel equal to everyone else in the band so I didn't feel like an outsider. I was treated equally, I was paid equally, and my opinion was sought after.

- Gillian Gilbert

New, Treated, Everyone Else, Outsider

I didn't want children until my late thirties because my career was taking off, and I was having such a good time in New Order. But when you have children, you have to make decisions; I always wanted to stay at home with my kids.

- Gillian Gilbert

Good, Career, Late, Thirties

There's a tendency when you write a book to portray yourself as the hero.

- Gillian Gilbert

Book, Yourself, Tendency, Portray

You can never tell with New Order. Just when you think the band is coming to an end, it takes off again.

- Gillian Gilbert

Think, New, Tell, New Order

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