Hi everyone - just joined the forum. I’ve been on the FB Composers Group for several months now, but searching for for something that could help me think about my ‘career’ (of which more, later) a bit deeper I came across this lovely group so here I am!
In as few words as possible, my story is that I’ve been obsessed by music since about the age of 9 (of course my love for it started earlier than that). In the early 80s I did a degree in Music Theory and Composition, & Jazz Piano at the University of Miami. It was some of the best years of my life, but some of the players there were so, so good, in some ways it knocked my confidence in myself. I did try and go pro for a few years (as a session musician, in bands, and as Yamaha’s UK Hi-Tech Keyboard Demonstrator) but somehow forgot to pursue what I really had in mind, which was to become a film scorer…!
At one session musician session, where I was finally getting quite into the track I was being asked to lay down, and all was going great - some great feedback from the producer and engineer, who were the only other people in the studio, until this No1 French band came in from their day of shopping and partying, and after listening to what I had done, asked “Yes…can you make it a bit more like the Pet Shop Boys?”
At that point (or shortly thereafter) I gave up music professionally, and decided I would just keep it as a hobby/life passion. Fast forward 35 years, over which time I built up a global digital consultancy which I managed to sell a couple of years ago. I didn’t make big money by today’s standards. But, if I’m careful, it might just…just about be enough to see me through.
Which means I can finally spend some time back on my music! Aren’t I a lucky chap (and I mean that very seriously).
The music has been pouring out of me. I released an album to streaming services in Sep, and have almost the next album complete already (which is available on SoundCloud and YouTube).
The point of all that preamble is to ask the question: what does it mean for me to be a composer, at this stage in my life? At the point the world is now?
TBH - I don’t really want to be a film scorer anymore. I mean, I wouldn’t turn down a commission! But I want to write the music I want to write. I’ve waited long enough! I don’t want to have to please a director, a producer. Arguably even the audience.
So is it enough for me just write and produce my music in my studio and leave it at that? No, not really. I do want people to hear it. I would love an audience. And of course I’d like people to like it. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than if someone tells me my music moved them. But how to get an audience, especially if your music isn’t in a film/tv video game? I fear most people’s appetite for instrumental music is pretty limited! Or maybe mine just isn’t that good…but I’m old enough now not to be bothered by concerns like that. I mean, all I can do is make it the best I can. Continue to try to get better. if you don’t like it, well I’ll try again with the next one.
Anyway, this post is probably already too long, and longer than I had intended. If it appears people are interested I will add some comments on my thoughts for how I can move this forward.
In the meantime, if you’re interested: