Neuroscience, the cosmos and trees: going deep with composer Hannah Peel

From praise from Paul McCartney to writing music for Game of Thrones, the musician has had an extraordinary career so far. She discusses her next step - an album embracing the natural world through electronica

Paul McCartney knew Hannah Peel's talent before the world did. He hands out pin-badges at every degree ceremony at Liverpool's Institute for Performing Arts, which he co-founded, and where Peel studied music. In 2007, her graduation year, she'd been chosen to compose something to accompany each student walking on stage.

Peel had been advised to do a fanfare of trumpets, but refused; she wrote a minimalist miniature for vibraphone and marimba instead. My principal hated it," she says, laughing down the Zoom line. But when I crossed the stage and shook Paul McCartney's hand, he whispered in my ear, I really like your music. Well done!'"