What have you composed for? Or what medium do you work around?
film, television, web, multimedia, Songs
What is your favorite genre or style of music?
ambient, romantic and epic film scores
Is music your main income source?
No - Not Yet
About Me (Must include at least one paragraph of biographical information about you as a composer) - blank or minimal answers on this line will cause your request to be rejected. Include a link to your website if you have one.
I grew up on a farm in the Karoo , a very isolated part of South Africa, where our nearest neighbors were 5km away. I persuaded my father to buy the only guitar in our small local store, and taught myself how to play from the age of ten. I ferociously wrote songs with my brothers, Hennie and Riaan, and we performed our songs for anyone who would listen.
In high school we formed a band and played at school functions, churches and old age homes. I also learned how to play the trumpet, and was responsible for training the school's military band. During this period I obtained my limited knowledge of music theory and became quite proficient on various instruments, including drums and piano.
I went off to university to study law, and bought my first keyboard and PA system with the money I got from study loans. This enabled me to pay my way through law school by performing in restaurants and coffee shops. I also wrote about 100 songs during this period. With all the musical activities going on, I have no idea how I passed all the exams to get my law degree.
After law school, I joined the South African Air Force as military lawyer, and my music career was put on the back burner.
After seven years I was tired of law and the Air Force and decided to pursue my other passion: teaching. I came to Taiwan to teach Kindergarten and Cram School and this enabled me to save enough money to finance my home recording studio.
I started writing songs again and began the process of educating myself in the art of recording my own material.
About three years ago I was introduced to the film music scene by my friend, Melissa Buys, and since then I've composed a lot of music aimed at the visual media industry. I love the combination of picture and sound, and due to my lack of formal musical training, I create music based on feeling, rather than being influenced only by convention. As a result, I am kind of genre-blind, and might use orchestral strings with a house beat and a ukulele in one song.
I find the whole process of creating music to accompany visual media extremely exciting, and just shy of my 40th birthday, I am ready to fulfill a lifelong dream of making a living from my musical efforts. I still have a long way to go, but I'm eager to learn from all the talented and generous people making up this thriving industry.
Comments
Thank you for your kind comments on Ambient Moon. I've just been having a listen through your playlist ..... very nice ...... and confirms for me that ambient doesn't have to be all slow amd mushy .... I particularly liked 'Dreamland' with the variety of sounds which inspired me to have a go at something more mid- tempo .... and came up with Ambient Life (just uploaded). Keep up the good work.
Sizzler
thank you for the request and sorry for my late accept!
Very nice tracks here! And yes, the Motif is a great and inspire synth, but most I like the piano keys.
Best wishes from Germany
André - Film Composer
Take care my friend!
T.
Re: the photo of you in studio with a glass of wine in hand - AHHHH - yes, a man who knows how to do it RIGHT!
Thanks for checking out my work and for your comments. Your bio is pretty interesting, you've certainly been some places. I'll drop by again and check out the music!
Cheers,
Adrian
Great stuff! Away From Her is my favorite I think (I've kinda got a "piano thing" going on) but the others are quite impressive also! Good luck with your quest! I think you have a lot of talent!
Lori