I write original music to support the vision of your short (or long) film. I will help you communicate the difficult emotions. I understand the process, and I will walk with you through it.
I am Dr. Andre “CrossRootsDoc” Williams.
Born and raised in Jamaica, West Indies, I have experienced the diverse mix of musical exposure that only Caribbean life can provide. I first sat in front of the piano at the age of 3 years, and I’ve never looked back.
I began sitting the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (London) exams at age 9. I excelled in Classical Piano and Sight Reading, receiving several Distinctions and Merits, and was awarded the highest score in Jamaica at age 12 years old.
Then it all changed. One day I discovered I could play instruments by ear: recorder, guitar (a little), and of course piano.
So I abandoned classical conservatory and ventured into studio music production (reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop). I’m also a tenor vocalist.
Since then I’ve done several studio and songwriting projects, and most recently served as film composer for the short Jamaican drama series Pent Up (YaadBridge Entertainment). The entire production was done during the lockdown of 2020. I LOVED that project! I used voice notes recorded on cellphones and soaring synths to painfully communicate the angst of the female leads.
I love what I do, and I help to bridge the gap between the director's vision and the musical notes.
Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Languages
- English
3 Reviews
Endorse Andre Williams
I was able to work with Andre on a recent project only after very high commendations from a colleague. I have come to understand why his praises were sung. Firstly, he has a very calm and welcoming demeanour and is absolutely very easy to work with. His love and passion for his craft is evident in how well and intricately he composes his music to meet the director's vision on point. His expert opinion was also very helpful in covering areas of uncertainties. I'm excited to work with him again for the next project.
I have worked with Andre on more than one occasion and there is a reason its more than one. His approach to his music is both technical and creative. He is so in tuned with the instruments he uses it is as if they are simply and extension of his consciousness. This level of connectivity to the craft and the tools only bring results that are one in a million. Aside from the creation of the pieces, his personality is so calm it forces you to be calm as well. Andre will be working on my next project, and the one after that and the one after that....I am sure you see where this is going.
André is an amazing composer. What I love about him is that he will read your script and start visualizing the sounds for the scenes and when he eventually sees the film he identifies the right mood for each moment and dials it right in. He also takes feedback well listening to the directors vision. Can’t wait to work with again.
Interview with Andre Williams
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: This most recent project, it was the director's debut and she was really nervous. I helped her find the language for the music she wanted and boy did she catch on quickly. I got a whole page of notes after out first meeting. I played the role of composer, producer, a little audio post-production, and my friend did the final mix and master.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I just finished music for a 13 minute short film. The client listened to the final draft before mix and texted me to say she cried literal tears.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Not yet. But telling my friends about it and encouraging them to join.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. Just way more convenient.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise is I'm going to always support their vision, not mine.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love the uncertainty of wondering if I can actually create a unique masterpiece for my new client. The doubt slowly gets replaced with confidence as the music flows out of me.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Customers ask me why it feels like I'm the one interviewing THEM lol. My answer is that the more I understand them, the more likely I can give them a first draft thats already 90% there.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I think most clients want music that sounds like a popular composer. I'm capable of that, but that's not what I do. I give you music that sounds like YOUR FILM.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I always ask: 1) " What do you want the audience to FEEL when they watch your film/ listen to the music? 2) What do you feel when you watch your film/ listen to the music?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I'm only interested in bringing your vision to life. I'm very realistic about timelines and big on transparency and integrity After working with me, you should have a larger music vocabulary to express what you want for the next project
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: MacBook Pro laptop with Logic Pro 11. Good pair of AT20x headphones. A Nektar Panorama 6 MIDI controller. My Rode NT 1a mic. A solar power inverter cause the laptop would need to be charged.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started out as a classical piano prodigy. Then realized (accidentally) I could.play by ear. Started a hip-hop collective at age 15. Had my own recording studio at age 24. Then decided to become a film composer in 2018.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I take my classical piano training and merge it with my Jamaican heritage. The result is easily relatable, but still uniquely me.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Hans Zimmer. He clearly enjoys his work, and so do I.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Dont just write what you like, write what the client wants. If they don't know what they want, don't start writing until you understand what they are asking for.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Orchestral hybrid
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I know how to match emotions to music in a way that connects very deeply with an audience.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Most clients know the emotion they want, but they can't describe the associated sound. I work with them till they can articulate clearly what they want, then I compose it and deliver it to them.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I meet the client on Zoom and get a feel for how they express themselves. I request a summary of the film, then do a spotting session. Then I sit and write, inviting feedback with each new theme.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Small studio since I mostly work ITB. Two Rokit 5 near field monitors, MacBook Pro M1 16GB RAM, Rode NT1a condenser microphone, M-Audio Subwoofer
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Brian Tyler, Hams Zimmer, Ludwig Goransson
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I do in-the-box music composition and production for short films.
I was the Composer, Producer, Musician in this production
- Film ComposerAverage price - $150 per minute
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $70 per song
- ProducerAverage price - $400 per song
- Thomas Newman
- M1 MacBook Pro
- MOTU M4 audio interface
- Logic Pro 11
- Rokit 5 monitors
- Rode NT1-A microphone
- Yamaha Motif ES6 synth
- Logic Pro does it yet againNov 18, 2024
Update to Logic 11 has searchable plugins, finally we can move the channels around in mixer view! I guess Apple is listening.
- Logic Pro 11 is out!May 13, 2024
This is a big deal. Kudos to Apple for ensuring that updates are always free.
Downloaded it today and cant wait to try it out!
- Just joiningMay 13, 2024
Always heard about this thing but never joined. Well, here we go!
