Hey Shawn... Just bumped on your profile while browsing around here. We share the same Agent... Small world...
Great place to be this is indeed. Coll tracks as well, really dig it man..
"Hi Shawn, what's your main library? Are you using "hybrids" or are you using samples only? Regards, Jan "
Hey Jan
Do you mean live instruments combined with samples? when you say "hybrids" ? If so, sometimes I record live instruments combined with samples (when time and budge allow). However, most of the time, its just me with a million years of programming/sequencing under my belt and a large collection of sample libraries.
Been to dang busy to spend much time online. I am also a writer and publisher and I have couple of new books coming out, one a political thriller novel that I wrote and the other a biographical by a very interesting woman who was once friends with Eleanor Roosevelt. Both her and her husband are in their 80s and are blind, but still are major activists in the fight to eradicate the diseases that cause blindness. Also I am taking the MFTM course to improve my ability to write music to briefs. I am a prolific composer, but I am used to writing what I want to write, not what someone else wants me to write.
In no particular order; lots of heroin, coffee and punching myself in the face.
Just kidding about the punching part.
I had an assistant for about 6 months - it didn't work out. I find it difficult to find someone with midi sequencing chops, command of samples ( as such, principles of using samples to simulate effective orchestration) strong work ethic and extremely efficient around studio gear.
I have an assistant, but only handles paper work, invoicing, cue sheets, basic communications, scheduling. Not much in the way of hands on in the studio.
With this particular series I am, the ability to determine what is needed is often hit or miss, delegating that ( at this point ) to an assistant would yield train wrecks. (train wrecks meaning lots more revisions).
So, seriously, I just deal with it for now and try to manage my time effectively.
Its difficult to know when to "cut off a piece" - but, its like that constantly. I have to complete something (compose, sequence, mix, sync send Quicktime video files for approval and deliver output final stems to the mix house in a ridiculously short amount of time. )
Shawn,
Yeah, that was basically the conclusion Mark Northam made in his article a few months back on the subject in Film Music Mag. I've had a number of people approach me about interning/apprenticing(is that a word?). Maybe, it's about time I consider bringing someone in. How do you handle it when you're on a series or feature?
I would love to secure an agent. But, from all the reading I've done about it, it seems that(according to articles in Film Music mag I've read, etc) unless I'm in a league of projects substantially larger than the ones I currently do..it's just not worth it(to me or the agencies). This is my full time gig and most of the clients I work with usually have between 3 - 20K to spend on music. I keep fairly busy year round and I live in CO Springs, CO, so the cost of living isn't too high. But does it justify me getting an agent? I don't know. I am a good networker and tend to do a lot of self promotion with clients, potential clients but sometimes I get so busy on projects, I have no time to network for new projects. Any suggestions?
Hi Shawn, as has already been said it's great to have a chance to talk to real working composers as well as fellow new starters. You're also the same age as me :)
Well, besides traveling out to Cincinatti to see the planetarium show, I haven't published it yet. But I could either upload it or mail you a cd. I'm just getting sarted on a score for a Sundance bound feature film and music for a children's episodic series pilot, but let me see what I can do. Maybe I could upload the entire suite to my "composer's forum" cue list. I'm not sure if it will take a file that large.
Hi Shawn!
Hey buddy,,, if "Talk to the Hand" was composed because of fustration, imagine what you will compose with concentration, Yes some starbucks allowed...thats what helps me :-)
I cant wait to hear more of your works!
Your friend
Stephen
Hi Shawn!!
Great little composition of Talk to the Hand. Maybe one or two many trips to Starbucks? :-)
All the best and Welcome!! I look forward in hearing more of your work!
Stephen
Thanks for the kind comment. That cue( Powers of Ten), is the final cue of a 23 minute suite/score I was comissioned to write for a DLP planetarium out east.
Welcome Shawn! Very impressive resume! Great music! It's really cool that this forum not only attracts aspiring composers and students, but also established, working composers, many(like yourself) who are at the forefront of the industry!
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Great place to be this is indeed. Coll tracks as well, really dig it man..
Talk soon..
Marinho
Hey Jan
Do you mean live instruments combined with samples? when you say "hybrids" ? If so, sometimes I record live instruments combined with samples (when time and budge allow). However, most of the time, its just me with a million years of programming/sequencing under my belt and a large collection of sample libraries.
S
great orchestration, awesome music. Regards from Cologne, Jan
Been to dang busy to spend much time online. I am also a writer and publisher and I have couple of new books coming out, one a political thriller novel that I wrote and the other a biographical by a very interesting woman who was once friends with Eleanor Roosevelt. Both her and her husband are in their 80s and are blind, but still are major activists in the fight to eradicate the diseases that cause blindness. Also I am taking the MFTM course to improve my ability to write music to briefs. I am a prolific composer, but I am used to writing what I want to write, not what someone else wants me to write.
-Bob
In no particular order; lots of heroin, coffee and punching myself in the face.
Just kidding about the punching part.
I had an assistant for about 6 months - it didn't work out. I find it difficult to find someone with midi sequencing chops, command of samples ( as such, principles of using samples to simulate effective orchestration) strong work ethic and extremely efficient around studio gear.
I have an assistant, but only handles paper work, invoicing, cue sheets, basic communications, scheduling. Not much in the way of hands on in the studio.
With this particular series I am, the ability to determine what is needed is often hit or miss, delegating that ( at this point ) to an assistant would yield train wrecks. (train wrecks meaning lots more revisions).
So, seriously, I just deal with it for now and try to manage my time effectively.
Its difficult to know when to "cut off a piece" - but, its like that constantly. I have to complete something (compose, sequence, mix, sync send Quicktime video files for approval and deliver output final stems to the mix house in a ridiculously short amount of time. )
Television schedules are a bitch - for sure.
S
Yeah, that was basically the conclusion Mark Northam made in his article a few months back on the subject in Film Music Mag. I've had a number of people approach me about interning/apprenticing(is that a word?). Maybe, it's about time I consider bringing someone in. How do you handle it when you're on a series or feature?
Hope you enjoy the forum.
Well, besides traveling out to Cincinatti to see the planetarium show, I haven't published it yet. But I could either upload it or mail you a cd. I'm just getting sarted on a score for a Sundance bound feature film and music for a children's episodic series pilot, but let me see what I can do. Maybe I could upload the entire suite to my "composer's forum" cue list. I'm not sure if it will take a file that large.
Hey buddy,,, if "Talk to the Hand" was composed because of fustration, imagine what you will compose with concentration, Yes some starbucks allowed...thats what helps me :-)
I cant wait to hear more of your works!
Your friend
Stephen
Great little composition of Talk to the Hand. Maybe one or two many trips to Starbucks? :-)
All the best and Welcome!! I look forward in hearing more of your work!
Stephen
I'm having a drink and looking at Stirling Castle all lit up.
Glad you enjoyed your trip here.
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