Michael Finnissy, the English pianist and composer associated with the "New Complexity" movement, discusses his development as a performer and the relation of his performing to his compositional aesthetic. A founding member of the ensemble Suoraan (today, Ensemble Exposé), Finnissy describes the new music world of London in the 1970s and 1980s and describes in detail the challenges that remain for new music players today, ranging from acquiring funding and institutional support to reaching new audiences. Issues discussed include learning and presenting new works, collaborating with composers, and existing on the fringes of popular culture.