I'm specialized in film music composition. I've graduated from the National Conservatory as a music composer, and making music for films has been my lifelong passion.
Hey! I'm a film composer, orchestrator, and sound designer with a personal studio in Lisbon, Portugal.
I'm also a project manager, which has given me the ability to manage various constraints while making the best possible music and serve the story.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Languages
- English
- French
- Portuguese
- Spanish
Interview with Luis Merces
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: The one I'm most proud of is the little orange, a sci-fi animation.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm working on a documentary and a project for the Portuguese Ranger Association
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: No, I'm new here
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Your satisfaction and the success of your project are my top priorities.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to watch movies and make music all the time, two of my favorite things
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I'm an artist. I'm a problem solver, it's my job to make the film work emotionally and to feel different.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What do you want people to feel?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Check the showreels, composers have a voice and they do their best to showcase their range of composition in their showreel. If you watch a showreel you can have an idea of what the composer does. Also, you can try the composer's music on your film and check if it is a good fit.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Well... Solar panel, computer, 88-key piano, phones, and faders
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been composing for a long time. I've also worked as a video editor and cameraman. 3 years ago I scored my first short film and I've worked on a few shorts since then while working as a project manager as well.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style can be epic or mellow. It's usually very stable.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: John Powel, he is so good with the orchestra, I would just love to learn from him.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: We feel movement so when you make a melody think about the dance you want your listener to make.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Soundtrack music
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Mixing orchestra with electronic music
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring emotion and texture with a creative new voice
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I start by talking about the movie with the filmmaker. After that, I watch the movie and apply markers to high-intensity moments. I look for interesting connections and places where the music will make sense and I then connect moments. I typically then show the filmmaker what I've been working on and work based on the feedback. At the end, I mix everything.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I've got two monitors an SSL 2+ interface, many midi controllers, two microphones, and some instruments. And I use mostly logic pro X
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Ramin Djawadi, John Powel, Aurelian Vieira Lino
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Short film soundtracks and music commissioning
- ProducerAverage price - $50 per song
- Composer OrchestralAverage price - $50 per song
Original music composition for film/video. Unlimited revisions. Rate: 5€/min. 40% upfront, 60% upon completion. Credits discussed. Flexible deadlines.
