If you want music for your project that has soul, depth, and is not run-of-the-mill, I'm the composer for you. Story is my passion; the music I compose will capture the essence of the story you want to tell. Through my experience working with filmmakers and big-name studios, I've created my own unique sound that will bring your story to life.
I am a composer and orchestrator for film and multi-media. I have orchestrated and written music for studios such as Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, and Big Idea. I have worked with independent filmmakers to bring their stories to life with my music. I have worked on shows like Harvey Girls Forever, Ben 10, Marvel's Spiderman, Veggie Tales, and many others.
If you need music for your film, I am the composer for you. I will work with you to capture the emotional essence of your story.
If you are a composer needing orchestration on your music, I am the right fit for you. I have orchestrated music for some of the top composers in Hollywood.
If you need help composing music for your album, I am the right fit for you. I have helped produce multiple albums.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Credits
Interview with Jeffrey Penn Johnson
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I loved working on Harvey Girls Forever! for DreamWorks because I got to write in so many different musical genres and got to underscore so many types of emotions.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Wrapping up production on a worship album for a church featuring a rock band and strings orchestra.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: SoundBetter is full of amazing musicians. Check em out!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: This feels like a pretentious question. The nerd in me is all analog, but the entrepreneur in me that admires new tech wants the digital.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To make your project sound so amazing that you have to do another.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The creative process. Every new piece of music/film is a journey. You discover so much about yourself and people as you work on a project together. In the end, you feel like you can be friends forever because of going through that creative process together.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Why does your music sound so damn good? Because I put love into it my friend.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That it is quick and easy. As Howard Shore said, "there has to be some element of struggle to create something of value." Composing is hard work, but all that love that goes into every note makes it worth it in the end.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Who are your favorite composers and filmmakers. What does your film or music mean to you?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Go with me. You will be glad you did.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop to stay grounded, Nord to play, Moog to relax, mic to express, and my kalimba to relax.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started as a pianist and organist and marching band-ist, then became a composer. I moved to LA to compose for film.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Rich, thick, and catchy.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Every artist has a story to tell. I want to work with any artist passionate about their work.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Ask "what would John Powell do?" - then go and do likewise.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Film music, orchestral music.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Composing catchy music, orchestrating music until its too beautiful to bear, and underscoring subtle nuances in a story.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring spunk, uniqueness, and catchiness. If you don't want your song to be memorable, well-orchestrated, professional-sounding, or aurally pleasing, please don't hire me.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: If it is for a film, I watch the film with the director and get to the heart of the film. I then go and write in my studio to picture. I compose best when I have a mug of hot coffee or a tall glass of iced tea.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have two full piano keyboards and two computer monitors so that both eyes and both hands and feet can stay occupied simultaneously. I also have a Blue microphone and a huge collection of world instruments.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I admire the band Snarky Puppy for their uniqueness. I admire Howard Shore for his film music.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I write music to picture. I also orchestrate for other film composers. I also produce and orchestrate for independent albums.
- Film ComposerAverage price - $200 per minute
- Composer OrchestralAverage price - $70 per song
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $70 per song
- PianoAverage price - $70 per song
- String ArrangerAverage price - $70 per song
Typical turn-around time: Depends on the project and how many minutes of music. I've never missed a deadline!
- John Williams
- Hans Zimmer
- Howard Shore
- Logic Pro X
