Music Composer and Producer

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: After hearing what the client wants, I write down the main ideas and go through the reference material they sent (if any). After analyzing the material, usually, I start recording ideas in the instrument that will lead the melody. I like spreading the harmony across instruments if the project allows it. The rough idea is usually finished within a week. I present it to the client to see if the idea matches what they envisioned and make corrections if necessary. After that it's a lot of grinding to develop textures, melody, counterpoint, a unique sound for the client etc.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: If I can finish a project by the deadline or if I have live players at my disposal. I always respect the deadlines ( I let them know of the limitations of a piece if the deadline is too short) and let the client know that I work only in the box at the moment.

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: The scoring competition for Westworld (composer and producer). It truly challenged me to go out of my comfort zone and stay within the deadline. I did not win but I did combine some unorthodox styles together and learnt a tonne. I'm very thankful to HBO and Spitfire Audio for the opportunity.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A series of compositions using only free library samples from Spitfire Audio: Spitfire BBCSO Discover and LABS.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I'm new to the platform so I will update this once I get to know the people.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital - it is easier and more practical for us who don't have access to large studios and live players.

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

A: To cater to their ideas to the best of my ability. Always keep in mind that it's their project in working on. Stay open to forming the idea in ways I haven't tried before.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working with people with amazing ideas and me being the bridge between the inception and realization. No need to mention that I love making music.

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

A: That only big names make good composers. Ramin Djawadi made coffee for Hans Zimmer years before he shyly asked to share his idea which ended up being used in the Pirates of The Caribbean. We all know who Ramin is now, don't we? Not everyone has the privilege to be near such an influential composer but we can mould our style through their music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: To be as precise in describing and referencing what they need. It's important to stay connected during the creation of the idea for it to result in a piece the client is happy with.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look for someone willing to work on YOUR ideas. Composers cook the meal you request with their own produce. It's only about making the most elevated meal for your client.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Good pair of open back headphones and a MacBook with a 48key midi keyboard.

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

A: I've been doing my own projects for 3 years now. Started publishing two years ago.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Cinematic combined with classical.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Hans Zimmer because the man is a visionary and understands innovation and different visions.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: For greater control over the sound of orchestral compositions lightly mix your own reverb with the room reverb from the sample. Oh, and don't get to deep into eqing, work with the natural timbre of the instruments.

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

A: Soundtracks and scoring with the occasional songwriter style.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Creativity and innovation in composition.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring unexpected and non-canon sounds into the mix.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as DAC going out into a a pair of JBL LSR305s or Sennheiser HD85X/ATHk612 Pro. For keys I use a Yamaha DGX-220 and an Arturia Minilab MK2. The microphones: a dynamic Blue Audio EnCore 200, Superlux S241, Behringer LDM. Electric guitar: Fender Squire, Acoustic guitar: Ibanez

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

A: Rick Beato, Hans Zimmer, Ramin Djawadi, Jeremy Soule

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

A: Soundtracks for short videos or scene scoring. Occasionally I write lyrics for songwriters.