Cinema Composer - Producer

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

A: Recently, I had the opportunity to work on the trailer for an upcoming Disney movie, an experience that filled me with particular pride. My role was to compose the music that accompanies these magical few minutes. Creating a soundscape that captures the essence of the Disney universe, while introducing new characters and adventures, was both a challenge and an honor. This music needed to evoke wonder and joy, while supporting the captivating narrative of the film visually. The composition process allowed me to dive deep into Disney's enchanting world and contribute to a work that, I hope, will touch the hearts of millions of viewers around the world.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I am working on a series being filmed in France.

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

A: Absolutely, I would recommend Zach Sorgen, who is an exceptionally talented Vocalist, Songwriter, and Producer. His versatility across various musical styles and deep understanding of the music industry make him a standout in any collaborative environment. Zach has a keen ear for detail and a creative flair that shines through in his projects, which consistently impress both colleagues and listeners. His professionalism and innovative approach would bring substantial value to any project.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver music that not only meets their expectations but exceeds them. I am committed to creating compositions that enhance their projects, evoke the desired emotions, and resonate with their audience.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job as a composer and music producer is the ability to translate emotions and stories into music. Each project is a new adventure that allows me to dive deep into different worlds, understand various narratives, and express them through the universal language of music. This process of creation is not just about crafting sounds but about giving life to a vision that can move and connect with people on a profound level. Additionally, the diversity of work is incredibly rewarding. No two projects are the same, which keeps my work exciting and challenging. I have the opportunity to explore various musical styles and collaborate with talented individuals from different backgrounds, which broadens my perspective and enhances my creativity. Moreover, seeing the impact of my work—whether it's enhancing a film scene, elevating a game's immersive experience, or touching the emotions of an audience at a live performance—is profoundly satisfying. It's a reminder of the power of music and its vital role in storytelling and human connection. This aspect of my job not only fulfills me artistically but also inspires me to continue improving and evolving in my craft.

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

A: Customers often ask a variety of questions, but here are some of the most common ones along with my typical responses: 1. How do you price your services? - Answer: I tailor my pricing based on the specific needs of each project. This includes factors like the scope of work, the complexity of the music, and the timeline. I always aim to provide a detailed proposal after our initial discussion so that everything is transparent and clear. 2. Can you create a soundtrack that fits our brand’s style and voice? - Answer: Absolutely! I start by understanding your brand’s identity, the message you want to convey, and the emotions you wish to evoke through the music. I then craft compositions that align with your brand’s ethos and enhance your project’s overall impact. 3. How long will it take to complete a project? - Answer: The timeline can vary depending on the complexity and length of the music required, as well as my current workload. I strive to be flexible and accommodating to meet your schedule, and I'll provide an estimated timeline once I have a clear understanding of the project's details. 4. Can we make revisions to the music? - Answer: Yes, revisions are an integral part of the creative process. I typically include a set number of revisions in the initial quote, which allows us to refine the music to perfectly fit your vision. 5. Do you have experience in our specific industry or genre? - Answer: I have worked across a wide range of genres and industries, from films and video games to commercials and corporate videos.

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

A: One of the biggest misconceptions about what I do as a composer and music producer is that the job is purely about creating music based on personal inspiration and artistic impulse. While creativity and inspiration are indeed crucial, the process is much more structured and collaborative than many people assume. Many outside the industry might think that composers work in isolation, crafting music solely from their imagination. In reality, composing, especially for media such as film, TV, or video games, often involves a detailed understanding of the project's needs, close communication with directors, producers, and other team members, and adjustments based on feedback and evolving project requirements. Additionally, there's a misconception that once a piece of music is composed, the job is done. In fact, a significant part of the work involves arranging, orchestrating, recording, mixing, and mastering — all of which require technical skills and a deep understanding of how music interacts with other elements in a production. Thus, the role of a composer and producer is both highly creative and deeply technical, requiring not just musical talent but also collaboration, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of the production process.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When engaging with prospective clients, I ask several questions to ensure I fully understand their needs and expectations, which helps in delivering the best possible results. Here are some key questions I typically ask: 1. What is the purpose of your project? - Understanding the purpose, whether it's for a film, commercial, album, or other media, helps tailor the music to fit the intended use. 2. Do you have a specific musical style or genre in mind? - Knowing the client's preferred style or genre helps set the direction for the composition and ensures the music aligns with their expectations. 3. Are there any reference tracks or influences? - References can provide a clear idea of the sound and feel the client is aiming for, which is crucial for meeting their vision. 4. What is the desired mood or emotion you want the music to convey? - This helps in crafting compositions that evoke the right feelings and connect with the audience. 5. What is your deadline? - Knowing the timeline is essential for planning and ensuring the project is completed on time without compromising quality. 6. What is your budget for this project? - Understanding the budget helps manage expectations and guide the scope of the work. 7. How will the music be used? - Details about where and how the music will be used can influence certain aspects of the composition, such as its length, complexity, and legal considerations like copyright. 8. Do you have any specific requirements or ideas you want to be incorporated? - This ensures any particular visions or concepts the client has are integrated into the final product. 9. Who is your target audience? - Knowing who the music is intended for can affect its style, tone, and overall approach. These questions form the foundation of a productive and successful working relationship, helping to clarify and align goals right from the start.

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

A: If you're looking to hire a provider like me for your music production or composition needs, here are some essential pieces of advice to ensure you make the best choice: 1. Define Your Vision: Before reaching out, be clear about what you want your project to convey. Understanding your own vision, style, and the emotions you want to evoke will help articulate your needs more effectively to the provider. 2. Review Their Portfolio: Always take the time to listen to the provider’s past work. This will give you a sense of their style and quality, and whether it aligns with what you're looking for. 3. Check References and Reviews: Look for feedback from previous clients. This can provide insight into the provider's reliability, professionalism, and ability to deliver on promises. 4. Communicate Clearly: Once you start a conversation with a provider, communicate your needs, expectations, and any concerns you might have openly. Clear communication is crucial for ensuring that the final product meets your expectations. 5. Understand Their Process: Ask about their creative process, how they handle revisions, and what is included in their services. Knowing these details can help set clear expectations and prevent misunderstandings. 6. Discuss the Budget: Be upfront about your budget. A good provider will be honest about what they can deliver within your price range. 7. Plan for Flexibility: Allow some flexibility in deadlines and revisions, if possible. Creative work can sometimes take unexpected turns, and a little flexibility might result in a better final product. By following these guidelines, you'll be more likely to find a music professional who can truly bring your project to life in a way that meets or exceeds your expectations.

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

A: I've been immersed in music since the tender age of four—it's more than a passion, it's my second skin. Music is an integral part of who I am; I was practically born with it. Throughout my life, it has been a constant companion and a source of inspiration and comfort. The profound connection I have with music is something I bring into every project I undertake, shaping my approach and fueling my creativity. I can't imagine my life without it, as it's not only what I do—it's who I am.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as eclectic and emotive, blending the richness of orchestral sounds with the innovation of electronic music to create unique and captivating soundscapes. My compositions often weave together complex emotional narratives, utilizing a wide range of musical elements to evoke specific atmospheres and feelings. I am particularly drawn to epic orchestral music, which allows me to explore dynamic arrangements and powerful themes, but I also enjoy incorporating subtle electronic nuances that add depth and modernity to the music. This fusion approach enables me to adapt my style to various projects, whether it's scoring for films, games, or creating standalone musical pieces. Each project challenges me to harness different aspects of my musical background and influences, crafting pieces that are not only reflective of my personal artistic voice but also tailored to the needs and visions of the clients I work with.

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

A: One artist I would love to work with is Hans Zimmer. His ability to blend traditional orchestration with modern electronic elements has revolutionized film scoring. Zimmer's approach to music composition is not just about enhancing the narrative of a film, but also about pushing the boundaries of what film music can accomplish in terms of emotional depth and atmospheric texture. Collaborating with Hans Zimmer would be an invaluable learning experience. His innovative techniques and masterful use of motifs to convey complex emotions and themes could significantly enhance my own skills and approach to composition. Additionally, his work consistently demonstrates a profound understanding of the interplay between music and visual storytelling, which is something that I strive to perfect in my own work. The opportunity to collaborate with such a visionary artist would be inspiring and could potentially lead to creating music that resonates deeply with audiences, blending cinematic grandeur with intimate emotional expressions.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Certainly! One valuable music production tip is to pay close attention to the use of space within your mix. Properly managing the spatial aspects of your track can dramatically enhance its clarity and impact. Here’s how you can effectively use space: 1. Panning: Strategically pan your instruments across the stereo field to create a wider, more immersive sound. This helps in separating instruments that might be competing for the same frequency range, reducing muddiness and increasing clarity. 2. Reverb and Delay: Use reverb and delay to place elements in different spatial contexts within your mix. Light reverb can make an instrument feel more distant, while a dry sound usually feels closer. This creates a sense of depth and makes your mix more three-dimensional. 3. Frequency Management: Be judicious with EQ to carve out space for each instrument. By cutting or reducing frequencies that are not essential to an instrument’s character, you make room for other instruments to shine through, ensuring that every element has its own place in the mix. Implementing these techniques thoughtfully will help you achieve a clean, balanced, and engaging mix that resonates well with your audience.

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

A: I typically work on a wide range of music genres, spanning from cinematic and orchestral compositions to electronic, pop, rock, and beyond. My versatility allows me to adapt to various musical styles and cater to the specific needs and preferences of my clients. While I have a strong affinity for epic orchestral music, I enjoy exploring different genres and blending elements from diverse musical traditions to create unique and compelling soundscapes. Whether it's crafting emotive soundtracks for films and video games, producing catchy pop tunes, or experimenting with experimental electronic music, I thrive on the opportunity to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of creativity.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my ability to translate emotions and concepts into music. I have a keen understanding of how music can evoke feelings, tell stories, and create powerful connections with listeners. Whether it's composing melodies that resonate with the soul, crafting arrangements that build tension and release, or producing tracks that immerse listeners in a sonic journey, I excel at using music as a medium for expression and communication. My versatility allows me to adapt to different genres and styles, ensuring that I can effectively convey the intended mood and message of any project. Ultimately, my greatest strength lies in my capacity to harness the power of music to convey emotions and bring ideas to life.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is equipped to facilitate a smooth workflow and ensure high-quality audio production. I use professional-grade hardware and software to achieve the best results. I work with Steinberg's Nuendo. Overall, my studio is tailored to meet the demands of professional music production, allowing me to deliver high-quality results to my clients.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. The two complement each other perfectly.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: What I bring to a song is a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and passion. As a composer and producer, I have a deep understanding of music theory, composition techniques, and audio production skills. I approach each project with a fresh perspective, drawing inspiration from various genres, cultures, and experiences. My goal is to elevate the song to its fullest potential, whether it's through crafting memorable melodies, creating lush arrangements, or adding innovative production elements. I pay close attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the song, from the lyrics to the instrumentation, contributes to the overall impact and emotion. Moreover, my dedication to excellence drives me to constantly refine my craft and explore new sonic possibilities. I collaborate closely with clients, listening to their vision and ideas, and incorporating feedback to tailor the song to their preferences. Ultimately, what I bring to a song is not just technical skill, but also a genuine commitment to capturing the essence of the music and connecting with listeners on a profound level.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical workflow includes several key stages to ensure efficient and high-quality music production: - Understanding the Project: I begin by fully understanding the client's needs, including the creative vision, mood, and specific music requirements. - Conceptualization and Composition: Once I have a clear understanding of the project, I start the composition process. This involves generating ideas, experimenting with melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, and creating the musical structure to match the project's requirements. - Arrangement and Orchestration: After composing the main musical ideas, I focus on arranging and orchestrating the music to create depth, dynamics, and emotional impact. This may involve adding additional instrumental layers, harmonies, and textures to enhance the overall sound. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with the client, providing regular updates and incorporating their feedback to ensure that the final product meets their expectations and vision.

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

A: Radiohead, Sting, Sigur Ross, Woodkid, Jonsi...

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

A: I primarily work as a composer for visual media, which involves creating original soundtracks for various visual projects such as films, TV shows, video games, advertisements, and online videos. My task is to understand the client's needs and translate their visions into captivating music that enhances the emotion and impact of their project.