Walkin' Music - A Musician Composing for Clients

As part of my work with clients, I am often asked to create music for specific purposes. It may be part of a TV commercial, the theme for a piece of drama, filler for a stage piece, part of a TV show, and so on.

I always try my best to create something new myself rather than use existing music. There are many reasons for this: I can control the mood of the piece for the client. It forces me to be creative. My client does not have to get permissions and so on.

I love doing this and I have developed a workflow for the process that lets me create things relatively quickly.

Some of my clients require "musical logos." These are very short musical theme that can be played as part of commercials to help consumers identify products/services/individuals/etc. These are usually 1-second in length and need to be catchy and reflect the clients' needs. Very tricky, but lots of fun :)

Many of my clients have been personalities who make public appearances which need music. A few years back I was asked to write and record a piece to be played as a MMA fighter client walk through the crowd to the ring

I also work with a lot of politicians who have specific requirements. The music needs to connect with voters and reflect the personality of the client. Tricky stuff :) Oftentimes the music created for a client may not be something you would listen to in any other setting, but can work for the specific purpose of your client.

Yesterday morning a political client's rep informed me of a news conference coming up this week and the need for some walk-in music. This is a high profile positive event and is to be covered by all the TV and print new outlets. Music is required to be played quietly as the client enter the hall, greets guests and makes the way to the podium. It is to be played again when the client finishes, leaves the podium and makes way to the scrum.

Music like this needs to fit the mood of the event and the message being delivered by the clients. It CANNOT over power the client, but must mildly entertain enough to fill the void. In this case it cannot be bass heavy as it can distract in the venue and must have a celtic feel, appeal to youth (808), etc. This is what I came up with to be played at this event.

Image credit - http://wpmedia.o.canada.com/2013/09/