How do you find work as a composer? | Trailer Music, Video Games Music, Music Business
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- čas přidán 28. 10. 2021
- How do you find work as a composer? Okay, talking straight from my heart here. I wanted to address this very important topic that I consider important music business advice. No matter if you want to work in trailer music, video games, or the music business in general.
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This is great advice! As a trailer editor, I receive a LOT of connection requests from composers and music libraries on my Linkedin, and the vast majority of them don't even send a message. And even the ones who do send messages, I have no idea how to differentiate them since the music tends to sound very similar (and I don't have time to do a bunch of music sampling)
I mostly work on indie game trailers which means I'm just working with the game composer anyway, but what would help me is if composers or libraries who approach me mention a style or something they're particularly suited to or interested in making. Sort of like how I'd rather go to an exclusively Chinese restaurant rather than one which serves Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean food.
It's not often I go music searching, but I would certainly remember if someone messaged me saying: "Hey! I make trailer music, and I especially love making light-hearted whimsical fantasy music" Even if that's not all you do, I would at least mark that in my notes for the future.
Hey Derek, thanks so much for chiming in. That is some valuable information here! I probably should do a video about your comment only, to let other composers know what is going on :)
Derek...Thank you for your input. I does, indeed, help. Best regards, Craig
I know one lady that works at big trailer publishing company, she said that they receive hundreds of emails from composers every single day, and that 99% of submission doesn't sound as good as people think.
So instead of working on their skills to sound as good as possible, composers go out and send bunch of emails to hundreds of companies and they hope for the big brake. And like you Alex said, not every company needs music non stop, so your chances are reduced.
It's better to produce one unbelievable professionally sounding track per year that will be accepted by company and that will be placed, than it is to produce two albums with mediocre tracks.
Some people can produce more amazing tracks than others, but that's ok, it doesn't mean that you su*k so never put yourself down.
Awesome, thank you so much for your insights!
interesting to know this! i ththe marketing part was more the issue
Thanks for sharing Alex! I took your advice to start out writing demos for a new sample library and got a "Yes" right away. I did get a little extra discount (I wanted to buy the library anyways ^^) and the opportunity to write for a new company, I wanted to work with anyways, out of it! It felt really good to make that connection! Thx!
Awesome to hear, all the best and thank you! :)
I am glad that I’ve found this channel and wish you an endless inspiration.
My guys say I compose great but I am so afraid to publish music… I don’t believe in myself and don’t know what to do with my music. But composing music is what makes me feel alive
Publish it man the world needs it, also if you don't mind me asking what software do you use?
"Just being good at it" is another way to say "rely on the instability of algorithms". Might as well call lottery tickets an "investment" at that point, Lol. Good video.
Haha, yes, good comparison! Thanks!
@AlexPfeffer It's been an issue lately where I've notice that CZcams's side of video impressions has tanked without regard to viewer engagement, and I had the same thought of "maybe it's just not good enough". It was good to hear someone other than overthinking me saying "no, that's stupid, you need to get to the right people". As well as the "be creative when applying for creative positions" seems like such an obvious concept that it is completely forgotten in the competitive world.
I remember my early days, asking other composers how to find work.
Then I went to forums dedicated to video producers and game developers. Funny enough, they are doing the same stupid thing, asking for composers on a video or game forum. :D
Anyway, that's how I found more work than I was able to handle and started to create a network with talented people I enjoyed working with most.
Haha, isn't that funny? Everyone tends to stick to their own places whereas this could be easily solved by heading out for the approrpiate forum.
This has been quite a ahAh moment for me: I’ve been networking with the wrong people!!! To be fair, I did get referals and introductions from composers who don’t view peers as competition, but your approach is smart.
I love this video; when I started working as a freelance composer, here and there, I struggled to find new gigs, so I started working on other skills aside from the music-related ones. Communication and strategy have been the game-changer; actually, I do what Alex says, and I can tell that it works; Now I get more responses, and sometimes I get hired 😀
I follow most of Alex's tips, and I find those well explained and always straightforward.
As always, great video Alex 🙏👏
Thank you so much, Dom! Really happy to hear this! All the best to you! ☺️
Thanks for this great perspective Alex!
Fantastic advice Alex! Thanks for sharing.
More great insights and creative thinking Alex ,thank you !
Great career advice as usual. Many thanks for your insights on this Alex ;)
Thank you so much for this! So helpfull.
Really great advice I heard one time, can't remember where but he was asked something along the lines of "How did you make it to where you are now?" and his answer was "I got really good at failing". Learn to take failure, because everyone I talk to had to fail ALOT before they got a break. Thank you for this video, it was insanely helpful.
Exactly! Thanks for sharing!
This is truly excellent advice, thank you!
Alex, this video is amazing. Thank you so much!
thanks for a video, these are really great advices you sharing 🤝
Once again to the point. You are just excellent Alex, thank you very much!!
Mil gracias! Thank You great advise
Really liked the backdoor metaphor!
wow that's really great that you're sharing your thoughts on this. It really helped me a lot. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏🏻
I found this video at the perfect time! Everything from the start to end is so encouraging for composers. Thank you so much!
This is brilliant!
Thank you. This is genuine advice I can follow.
Great tips! Changing your thinking and perspective is the key🙏🙌
Hey Im on steam right now this gave me a lightbulb moment thank you Alex your an inspiration to me my friend.
Very good advice sir. I really appreciate you speaking from the heart as well!
Well said man, well said.
Much Love to you. Thank you for sharing this. 🖤🖤:):)
Thank you Alex .! Awesome as always ! By the way im back after almost 6 months….thank you for sharing the info
Thanks Alex, always good to see the relational aspects beeing pointed out, that are terribly neglected. I think it's a sore spot particularly as people get more desperate, because they're feeling mire afraid or more lost, they tend to act that way to, not considering that a developer is much more likely to want to connect if something valuable or at least genuine is offered. There is a huge lack of empathy missing and a lot of what I'd consider unhealthy competition, and as you pointed out "bad advice".
I'd also never hire someone because of a good resume or nice credits ^^ after all I'll be working with the person, not their credits.
Really appreciate your message in this video 🙏
Thanks Sensei
Thank you, Alex. This one really hit home for me. I appreciate all of the work you do. I get a lot out of the your videos and feel that my music has greatly improved in part due to your videos.
Thank you so much! I highly appreciate it!
Thanks Alex for expressing your point of view on this very important topic... I am with you on all you have shared and it is absolutely not enough to be a good composer and writing great music... I have see mediocre composers succeeding big time just because they understand how the business works and know how to properly network/cultivate professional relationships. I also firmly know from personal experience that being desperate attracts just the opposite in any professional or private situation... Kind regards and many blessings, MaxT
Thanks Alex for your sharing and thoughts! Much needed to hear! As always great videos! :). I myself feel I have hard time to compose without deadline or guidelines. I would probably need to work on that and get a good Demo-Reel ready do have something prepared to show.
Thank you for speaking from your heart :)
Thank you! That's a lot more useful advise for me than anything that I have seen before.
Thank you so much!!!
Omg... Thank you a lot! Its all about me( this staff is very helpful
As usual, amazing video and amazing content! I honestly would love to have you as a personal coach, really needed some motivation here ;)
As an amateur composer, I've been really struggling to put myself out there cause of self doubt. Thanks for this video lol I'm gonna do my best to change my mindset into this
Man you kill it with this example hahaha! I really apreciate that! lmL
I had the feeling I needed to create my own Trailers with royalty free videos... Wasn't sure of the idea, but it feels great to hear that it's not as dumb as I thought :D
This was great video! Thanks for the motivation and insight into this.
Thanks so much for checking it out! :D
Hi Alex! I agree, common courtesy and manners go long way when trying to network. I like the idea of composers joining film/game forums too.
Thanks for taking the time to make great videos and sharing your knowledge. Subscribed!
Thank you!
Perfect Advice
Let me tell you why I love this video! It is full of sincere, even compassionate, advice. I feel like Alex really wants me to succeed!
Hi Alex, I was passed the link to your video by one of my university tutors. Thank You. I was getting sick of finding the same well trodden path advice. I'm with you on this. Much food for thought.
Hey John, awesome! Thanks for letting me know! All the best to you!
It requires a different kind of talent. for example, I spent many years working on improving my music, but it did not reflect positively on my career. I think it is difficult to be a composer and a marketer at the same time. Thanks for this video
One of the things I have a difficult time with, is when someone approaches me and 'wants to connect bro'. It never really means anything to me, because that doesn't tell me anything about the person that reached out. Anything that hints at a collaboration out of the blue will tend to do the opposite effect to what it's supposed to do. On the other hand, having conversations, sharing songs, ideas, building a relationship that shows that we're on the same vibe works a lot better, and I'm not even "a big name". So, I can only imagine what labels are going through.
Great video! Subscribed.
Thank you so much!
Hi, thank you, this is totally relevant !!!
Every artist should be a businessman. Otherwise, it's a starving artist ! This is the reality ! There are hundreds of examples of this and you are one hundred percent right !
Regards, Yaroslav Kniazev.
Usually I do not left comments, don't know why - it is what it is.. BUT that's an awesome point of view, thanks! I hope a lot people will see it and figure out their own way
Thank you so much!
This is so helpful thank you sir 😊
Most welcome 😊 Thank you!
Good video Alex.
Thank you Tony!
Thank you for this video! I have sometimes been advised to go for quantity in term of applications, but that approach always felt wrong for me. So I never did it. I like the idea that targeted applications and quality over quantity is the way to go
The only problem I think is you can be more targetted, but you'll usually get a response of "we have someone" or non at all. I think quantity is good, but you just have to make sure you absorb each game you apply to and actually look like you're interested in THAT game (So no copy and paste emails)
0:46 💯% There's so much amazing, unknown talent, Success seems to have little to do with how good you are with your skill, talent or trade. Marketing yourself is a different skill set. Love the club analogy. TRUTH!
Thank you!
Все правильно сказал.
Alex, I recently found your channel, and I’ve been finding so much value in your videos! Thank you so much!
I’m curious what your thoughts are on sync licensing. How practical is it to get into? Would you recommend it, or the ideas you mention here more? Would love to perhaps even see a video on your opinion of sync licensing, as well as stock music libraries such as pond5 if you’re up for it!! :) thanks again Alex!
Hey Brandon, thank you so much! Sync licensing generally happens when you sign up with a trailer music company. As soon as one of your tracks is featured in a movie trailer you will get a sync licensing payment.
I think the main problem is not to decide what works best, but where you can get in FIRST! :)
In my opinion it totally doesn't matter if you find a trailer music company that pays x or have an Audiojungle account that blows up because of one track. Techically you could put all your tracks into, e.g., epic trailer music channels and make more than with a trailer company. The only way to know it, is to go a route, then look back after a few years and see what worked and what didn't.
I know there are many opportunities out there, but the times that composers can pick to work on what they want are over, especially if you are new to the (trailer) music industry.
@@AlexPfeffer thanks, that’s great advice! Will take this into account. I’m happy that you are so interactive with your community!
I became a music composer, because I like it. I never thought anyone would like it. I don't advertise my music compositions at all. It's not why I became a music composer. I don't listen to those that say you got to be great before anyone hears any compositions. I also never believed that you had to have a room full of equipment to compose music either. I have a laptop, headphones, and a midi keyboard. All of my vsts have endless presets, and sound effects. I did my research before I became a music composer.
Along the lines about being “bad” or “not good”, do you have extensive music theory to where you can write in specific keys? I think this kind of holds me back because I feel like I am limited in my tool bag and not as good as others. I was in band in high school so I do know some theory but nothing compared to an actual composer
Doesn't matter that much about what key you are writing in than making sure your music tells a story that is easy to understand. It surely depends on the project and style but instead of worrying about music theory I would focus on writing music that makes sense.
Hi！Really nice advices Alex! But I am confused because the company I target has many fans, I think there are many mails sent to the company. Maybe they didn’t even saw the music that I sent? Thanks
Hey man do you have a video about some budget hardware for beginner composer? along things like Korg Nanocontrol?
Hey, actually not, but thanks for the inspiration! :)
Thanks Alex, great advice.
Just one question. Do we need to be registered at PRO before we send music to publishing company, or that is not important until they accept my music?
Hey Jurica, I would recommend to sign up with a PRO BEFORE you submit music. There is nothing worse than a company accepting your album and you can't provide your PRO member number. It is a bit like winning 10,000 USD on a street giveaway but they need your ID that you don't have with you xD
@@AlexPfeffer Thank you so much for the answer Alex, I'm glad I asked pro like you this question since I was not able to find this answer online.
Thank you for your time, wish you a pleasant weekend.
I might say, whitout even having achieved it, that the best way to promote yourself is if people see that you can actually complete a full project, head to toe. For me that's why people will reach to you, or that must be the reason, otherwise if you're not showing a professional portfolio, they'll reach to you for the wrong reasons (for you anyways).
Somewhat what you're saying, which is the reasonably thing to focus on... Otherwise it's as if I go to a big company whith the few songtracks I have and they will obvious dismiss me.
Hey, from my experience it is a basic necessity that you write good music and that you can complete a full project but that won't bring you a single job because noone will know that you are there ... also noone will reach out to you only because did you work. People WILL reach out to you if you collect testimonials, social proof and knowing how to reach out to companies yourself the right way. Knowing how to come up with cool content and keep the consistency :) I helped people getting gigs without having any credits at all but knowing how to network and reaching out.
thanks from the Russian beginner composer
How do I find work? Mostly pretty interesting.
Sincerly with my Company we did dozens of test for Game trailers, but nothing ever come back.
Hey, what do you mean with dozens of test for Game Trailers?
I just came here cuz I honestly don't know how to get work as a composer, or find any companies I can even apply to
I haven't received a single job in 23 years. I went to Juilliard for six years and attended the UCLA Film Scoring Program. I excelled in both schools but I was never able to connect with any directors or producers. I tried all sorts of ways but they were never even interested in listening to my music because there was always another composer. Brutal business. Does 23 years sound extreme?
Yes, I would be curious about what you have tried and how you did it.
@@AlexPfeffer Ahhh mensch...you name it, I've done it.
I went to both LA based networking events for composers for years, including special lunches for some of the big composers from yesteryear (almost all are dead now), events, including film premieres, and film festivals that were filled with directors, producers, and other industry people, etc. I lived just off of the Sunset Strip, so I used to go to upscale lounges where all the industry people go. I was always prepared with CDs on me...never left the apartment without the ability to hand someone a CD. None wanted to listen because they said that they already had composers that they worked with. Over 20 years ago, I was one of the first composers to come up with the idea of attaching demos to e-mails. I sent a bunch of these to directors, not in a direct commercial manner, but just to get some feedback on what they thought. I only received one reply...one director told me that he would report me for violating the CAN-SPAM Act and that he wouldn't hire me even if I was the last composer on Earth. That was a very scary experience and has held me back from sending cold emails.
I was personal friends with people like Brian Tyler before they became huge. He never showed any interest in listening to what I could do in any musical capacity. However, every single thing I tried failed because people were just nasty while I was polite and professional. For example, one huge composer told me that I couldn't be a session musician for him because he was afraid that the music contractor would make trouble over it since they have a set list of musicians that they typically work with. Some others tried to recommend me as a session musician but the contractor got angry and said, "We don't care how well he plays!" I was invited to Hans Zimmer's then Media Ventures by staff only to be kicked out upon arrival in a very rude way by his assistant. So you all need to understand that there are some absolutely terrible people in Hollywood that enjoy to shut others out regardless of ability. What has been explained to me several times is that if you do not have a relative, lover, or true friend in the business, you simply aren't getting in. I was at one event where a female composer asked a famous music supervisor how to get a director to listen to her music. He said in front of a large group of people, "Sleep with him." I shit you not. This is how it is there.
From my experience over the years, there always seems to be a backstory that makes people go, "Ohhhhhh...I see...," like someone marrying someone in the industry as a career move. Yes, you might get some student film that isn't going to go anywhere and that people won't even recognize on your IMDB listing, but for any serious work you will be blocked out unless some sort of miracle happens. I still occasionally attempt to contact industry people even after all this time, but none respond. It's honestly like living a "hellish joke." I hope it's a bit easier for you in Deutschland.
@@ayakosaito7323 thanks for sharing. I would really love to know how you emailed them or how you applied for gigs. Sounds like you went to the wrong people because I have never heard of someone with that much of a negative experience. Would love to take a closer look.
#AudioArtist. Like the song says, “she came inside through the bathroom window”.
😂
How can i sell my songs/beats/ want to work as a composer/producer for someone
Let me know if you want to have a chat about it
@@AlexPfeffer yes sir I want to
@@KscFade can you send me an email to alex@alexpfeffer.co? Thanks! :)
I don't know man.. I think with games you might only be half right. I feel when you want to get paid jobs alot of it is luck and numbers. I'm currently working on 2 games, one with a reasonable budget after sending like 700 emails and another who is a solo dev with a reasonable budget who approached me when finding me on a website.
I've also had an almost AAA looking developer approach me too (I think from studio vids I was posting on twitter), but then next day it's like "sorry we won't be proceeding with this afterall" BS.. however, Twitter I think is actually quite good to show your skills off and "build your brand" but also awful for your mental health.
Its a tough game, I think you're best bet is just building up your portfolio with smaller developers and learning additional things like FMOD, Wwise etc in the process, and just keep approaching.
The problem with doing unsolicited demos for a developer out the blue hoping to become BFFs is that they'll just turn around and say, "sorry we have someone...", it's a waste of time. Sure you might open the door for a future possibility but even then you have to keep chasing, they won't approach you saying "Hey, we're just getting back to you after 2 years, we're about to start a new game..." etc. You're better of saying to a developer you cold approach, "I'm happy to try a free demo if you like"?, but even then they probably have someone in mind 99% and might just put you to task just to see how you compare to them. It's a tough gig, the only way is perseverance and just to keep going even when you feel you're going no where.
Oh yeah.. i also ended up freelancing for a year and a half and even worked full time for a couple of months as composer for an animation studio, after they found a music clip I did for some unreleased game which was on CZcams. I don't even think the clip was that good, but that stroke of luck generated several thousand pounds. So you're right about putting random stuff on CZcams, but yeah, there's so much luck involved.
I hear ya but it is also a matter of how you present your work. Most send out distracting SoundCloud links with dozens of tracks. Also it is just one strategy of many. There is no ultimate receipt and if you write 700 emails and only got one job you probably had the wrong strategy. If you want to jump on a 15 min free zoom call, let me know.
@@AlexPfeffer Yeah you could be right, I mean the first half of those emails were probably quite generic, but then I also got a dozen "very interested" developers with whom I ended up zooming with some, but in the end the game got cancelled or they "didn't feel the demo fitted" (yet ended up leaking it to other game composers haha), or there was actually another who I was close to getting the gig with, but they kept just trying to get me to do more demos so I bowed out as I didn't really have time.. I don't know it's all a bit crazy. A lot of developers just don't have the money either.
Yeah a zoom call could be cool, my head space isn't there atm as I'm just busy setting up my video production company at the moment, but could be good in a couple of weeks. Do you have an email to contact you by? Thanks
@@MrAldafox Yes, you can write me at alex@alexpfeffer.co - thanks! :)
@@AlexPfeffer cheers!
Maybe posting your misic on youtube will attract attention too😉
Look at this guy that was making deep fake on his CZcams channels and when he did the deep fake for luke in the mandaloran he got a job at Disney.
Music posted on YT does almost nothing because 1. there is too much out there and 2. the deep fake video had a purpose of changing something. IF you post music to CZcams it would need a little something that makes people want to check out the video.
Hello Alex, I won't make a long story short... I need some advice. Would it be wise to do a mix of 10 songs from different genres, for example: one tape to be horror, the second something for children, the third epic fantasy, the fourth some action, the fifth ambient and so on... How would they look at it? You know?
Hey, if it would be for sending a demo reel or application it could be a good idea. If you mean writing a full trailer album you want to stick to the same topic. If horror, then all tracks horror.
next video how to talk to a girl at a club
😂
You find work making a living as a composer the same way you win the lottery. Good luck.
Sorry but nope :) If you would send me your demo reel, links, music etc I would probably find a few things that make finding work a bit difficult. If you are interested in a free 15 min call, let me know.
@@AlexPfeffer That’s a very generous and kind offer. Thank you. However, music is only a hobby for me. I never had the intention to make it a career. I think too many musicians make music purely for the “likes” and to get followers on social media. When they don’t get that validation, they are crushed and discouraged. I make the music I want to hear for the pure love of it. It brings me joy and that’s it’s purpose. I share it with the world then let it go. I’ve released four albums. I have no idea how they’re doing. It’s like pouring a glass of water in the ocean. I doubt anyone has even heard them. But that’s ok. I appreciate your channel. I look forward to watching your other videos. Best of luck to you. You clearly have lots of that… in addition to talent! @aarunreal
@@aw3752 First of all, it wasn't and isn't luck. You probably have no idea how many times I failed, how many times my music got rejected and how many times I stood up in my life to try it and do it again. I didn't have luck and, it is just me, I don't believe in talent - it was just hard work, many nights, many tears, many failures but understanding how to move forward :)
And thank you so much for your comment and your kind words about my channel! Lots of inspiration to you and your music! :)
Sorry, but unless you get a really talented filmmaker to produce a trailer for you (which means $$$$ that most of us do not have), the directors/producers are going to focus too much on how bad the trailer is and not even consider how good the music is. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Always think about it from their perspective, not the perspective of a musician. I recently watched one of these homemade trailers and laughed at the poor acting. That's all I remember from it.
There are custom based trailers but honestly this is not how the license industry works. Usually you write albums that are then released by publishers that movie companies and TV stations use in movies, TV shows etc. Depending on how much your music is used you will get paid via your performance rights organization.
Why do people always talk about library music trier music and video games . This is keeping you broke
In case you mean why I am someone talking about trailer, license and video games music, it is because I have 17 years of successful experience in both. I am not a film or advertising composer so I leave that to experts in this field.
@@AlexPfeffer respect. I hear you. That makes sense. And congrats on your success.
This makes no sense This is stressing me out just listening to this
No worries, can't make it right for everyone. Thanks for your time!
90% of the video not covering the topic and wasting my time here.
Ok
Music composers are like beggars on the street if you look at them all of them will come swarming
This applies to everyone looking for the fast money, not just composers.
@@AlexPfeffer would be great to be able to earn passive income from music
@@emilemerten6535 Drop me an email at alex@alexpfeffer.co and we can arrange a free 15 min call to talk about it! :)