Remote Music Composition

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I think that both sides of this debate lose out when they back too far in to a single camp. My first ever synth was the Korg Monologue. I love the analogue features of the Monologue and it certainly helped me when learning about synths to have physical knobs that could adjust the parameters of the instrument. However, I also believe that digital instruments offer a range of creativity and control that can be unrivaled it some spaces. The best productions then will play into the strengths of each instrument, making use of the often richer sounds of analogue and the unique creative possibilities of digital.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: My promise to my clients is to always try my hardest to make their vision into a reality. As the artist, it is my job to both translate and enhance the specific image in my client's head. There are times where the artist needs to follow the client's vision to a T and there are places where the artist might be able to take some creative liberties. At the end of the day though, it is the client who decides on what the piece should sound like and it my promise that I will always try my best to ensure that their vision becomes a reality.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: I would say that the biggest misconception about what I do is that it is nothing more than a hobby. Whether it is a well-meaning relative or a new client, there are those that do not view music professionals as anything other than people working on projects "for fun". I want to make it clear for any client that regardless of factors like the size of the project or the budget of the client, I will give my all to ensure that my client is walking away with the best possible product.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Outside of the typical questions (e.g. project size/type, sample pieces, etc.), I like to get a feel for the musical tastes of the people that I am working with. Sometimes I will ask about what music they are currently listening to. This can help provide some inspiration with coming up with ideas for their project.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I am currently a student at Berklee College of Music and am set to graduate this upcoming spring. I currently have experience working on some smaller projects and am looking to expand my freelancing moving forward.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a bit eclectic. My schooling has provided me with backgrounds in both classical and more contemporary composition styles. I find myself leaning a lot more into more contemporary styles especially now, that I am focusing more on composition for film and TV. I also have always loved synth-based music and have been trying to incorporate that more into my production.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One of most helpful tips that I have come across recently is to not be afraid to just have fun every now and then. When you limit yourself to only create for work, your creativity can become stifled. I have found that taking a bit of time to just fool around and create new and interesting audio has helped me to stay fresh. This helps to avoid burnout and that feeling of being creatively drained.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Most of my experience has been with either classical music or film scores. However, I am constantly challenging myself to work on projects outside of my comfort zone. In doing this, I am able to push my creativity to past its current limits, helping me to grow and improve as an artist.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I would say that my strongest skill is composition. That is the focus of my degree at Berklee and while I certainly have branched out into other areas to help me become more well rounded, I still am a composer first and foremost.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I believe that the best sounding product can be created when the right balance is found between the vision of the client and the creative expression of the artist. At the end of the day, the client has an image in their head and it is the artist's job to bring that image into the world. Meanwhile, the artist has formed their own idea of how the piece should go. I keep both of these facts in mind when working on a project.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I find that it helpful to try and get as clear of an image as possible in terms of what the client has in mind for the project. The typical starting place at this point is to have them send me samples. By having them send me examples of pieces that they want to pull inspiration from, I am able to generate a clearer image in my own mind of what the client is hoping to accomplish. From here, I will begin the production process. Whether composing or mixing, it is here where I take the reins on the project. Along the way, I will check back in with the client so that adjustments can be made to better accommodate their wishes. At the end of this process, there will be a finished product that is uniquely inspired by the initial image held by the client.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Most of my work is currently being done on a Mac Desktop. In terms of DAW's, I have access to Pro Tools and Logic Pro X. I use a Bluebird SL Mic for any recording that needs to be done.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I try to pull inspiration from a wide variety of sources.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I handle a good deal of composition work for smaller sized projects. I also have a bit of experience in mixing and mastering audio for podcasts.