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.
Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.
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.
