dang, nice to hear the "ever feel like quitting" thing addressed; I think it's pretty common for composers to feel some guilt for having moments of doubt / inability to create. Everyone seems to avoid talking about this, even though it's so common in creative professions.
I owned and operated a photo business pre-pandemic, but was careening towards burnout trying to get clients. In my area, photo work was heavily undercut in terms of value thanks to years of “for trades/for prints” work from hobby photographers. While those photogs were quite good, it made it rather difficult to make a living off of commercial photography. I was constantly in doubt at all times of my worth as a creative, and in somehow let my self worth be wrapped up in that. I think that if something ever makes you hit the point of wanting to quit, and you truly hate the experience, it’s okay to move onto something else that you’re good at. Being stuck on one thing can be beneficial, but can destroy opportunities in arenas that might bear more fruit! For me? I learned a lot. I have a lot of skills I can now apply to music (such as contract drafting, legal navigation, rights holdership, how to communicate with clients, etc.) now my band seems to be gaining a semblance of traction. I’m taking courses right now to increase my theory knowledge too so I can make the jump into games composition as well!
"Allow yourself to write bad music" - holy shit, that's such good advice. I've had writer's block so many times from simply refusing to write something that in my mind was too obvious or threadbare sounding. Simply the act of writing anything is super helpful and educational.
AUSTINNNN! ❤❤❤❤❤❤ I actually was writing a very eloquent comment about how much I love these videos because they are another perfect reminder of how lucky I feel to share so many experiences with someone so talented and kind like you, but the caps lock and hearts do the job.
8:00 "Every time I do anything, I should feel a certain sense of anxiety that I don't know what I'm doing, beacuse I'm pushing somewhere that I've never been before" That's gold Austin, thank you. Everyone needs to hear that.
While it's slightly different, I do a Soundtrack radio show. I have felt on numerous occasions I have wanted to pack it in. My late wife used to tell me that what I did was important. She used to tell me I was an archivist and without my show and shows like it this music could very easily fall into obscurity. My wife passed in 2020 and there was a moment when I felt I could not continue the show. I remember what she said to me and that inspires me to continue. Austin, to hear that I'm not the only one who has struggled helps in ways you'll never know. Thanks for what you do. It is appreciated.
I think you just convinced me to quit tattooing and pursue my writing and illustration. Maybe make it a comic. Idk. Struggling with the same depression and doubt, creatively. The hive has reappropriated a lot of my heart so that rich companies can be richer companies and I'm feeling pretty defeated. Might just dissipate into the ether or wander off into the woods and abandon humanity altogether.
"if something that stupidly lucky doesn't happen to you then you should give up trying" is a BIG one tbh. Last year I got into The Match Game but specifically the 70s seasons (because what else is there to watch in 2021 🤭). And one of the guest stars they had on was asked by the host "so people say you're an overnight success. About how many nights did it take to become an overnight success" . He goes, "oh you know about ten years overnight". Overnight success is really just, "you caught the public eye, now" Love these!
Austin -- GREAT video!! I'm a filmmaker (and film music nerd) trying to get my career off the ground, and these Q&A vids of yours are a big inspiration and a great resource both creatively and professionally. Been watching your channel for years, and cannot thank you enough for the continuous work you put into sharing so much of your and your peers' processes and perspectives. Started off as a huge fan of your music (still have my signed Spirit Of The Cosmos CD lol), and the insights you and your friends have shared on this channel have helped fuel me through quite a few projects. Can't thank you enough!! Wishing you the best on whatever project you're working on now, can't WAIT to hear what's cookin up in that kitchen BOSS
Hi Austin, thank you so much for the video. I’m an aspiring composer and the last question really resonated with me. I’ve been composing for student projects for quite a few years now and although I really like writing for screen, I must admit I often doubt when I make music for bad projects (which is pretty often with student projects) or with unkind directors. I get really angry when my music is rejected, not so much because it is rejected but because of the way student directors reject it : call it not good enough, never acknowledge the time and energy I spent working on their project (for free). I find it very hard in these moments to be considered as a worker who has failed rather than an artist that made a unadapted proposition (don’t know if it’s clear). I don’t feel like there’s just one way to score a movie, so when a director gives me carte blanche and then tells me my work is not good enough, I get very frustrated and feel like it is their fault. So here’s my question : do professional composers always have to deal with these situations ? Does it stop being frustrating when you get paid ? Do better directors avoid these situations either by knowing what they want, or by being more tactful ? Do I have to be less sensitive or more humble, or will it all be easier with better directors ? It’s such a shame because when I’m able to give a director what they want it feels so rewarding, but when the collaboration is not going well I feel like I’m not fit for the job. Thank you !
I'm a musician unaware of what musical endeavors I want to take on. I'm trying to be quite open, and film/video game composing is not out of question. These videos are extremely helpful, thank you.
Appreciate you taking the time for this. Enjoy all your content aswell as the play, watch, listen podcast. Wish you all the best on all your endeavors Austin.
Fantastic all around! Highlight of my month when I see a 30 min + vid from you (especially these Q and A's). Always so much gold advice and wisdom, thank you!!
Thanks to streaming your music has fallen into my "Made for You" playlists and I've become a legitimate huge fan of your music. I'm excited for what's to come!
Thank you for another fantastic Q&A, Austin! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer all of these questions completely, and with openness and honesty! Your words of wisdom expressing that each and every composer's journey is a work-in-progress, and that we're all learning as we go, were very comforting to hear. :) If I may make a tiny request regarding future content: I'd love to learn more about how you approach conducting! It seems like a whole different skill set that is quite important to have when working with larger ensembles.
Thank you for doing another one of these! I really appreciate your candor. I was wondering: during the pandemic you once did this beautifully casual thing of just composing something and passing it along for anyone else to do anything with they wanted. It was very easy to just jump in and add something of your own. Could you ever see yourself turning that concept into a regular thing where it's not a competition, or a career opportunity, it's just making music with strangers for the fun of it? Not that I dislike the competitions you do, and I'll be sure to enter every time you organize one. But it's different when the pressure is on, right?
9:40 brings up another interesting question: what do you listen to? I know you’ve spoken about listening to film scores from Goldsmith and others you admire, but I suppose you’d also research unfamiliar music for a new project, or find people like Taylor Davis and Malukah through Journey covers, etc
I never considered giving up on music like Rosita from Sing did to become a housewife of 25 piglets, but now does both. Speaking of Sing, my project that is heavily influenced by that movie and its sequel and my other favourite animal and sci-fi movies will now be made using Unreal Engine 5 because I thought it'd be cool to use advanced 2020s technology. Might even get Cubase 12 as well.
Thanks for sharing! Some incredible answers in here, and getting me thinking more about what it is I really want. I had never heard the name Susie Seiter before, but cannot express enough how appreciative I am of you sharing her story. I've been questioning a lot recently if I want to be a composer professionally, specifically because of all the downsides you mentioned, but also because I want to explore composition on my own terms, and just make the music I want to make. Because of that, I've been adjusting my mindset towards orchestration and conducting more, which are both things I've always found just as interesting as composition. Do you have any advice for getting started as an orchestrator? Maybe even suggestions of orchestrators who's work to look at and study, especially within game music?
Lovely Q+A thank you! A question for you: I'm about to finish a masters in film and game composition in Sweden and in my exam papers I've written a lot about finding your artistic and musical voice and style. How important do you think having a clear artistic style is? Is it perhaps better to have a specific niche or to be broad and prepared for anything? Master of one or jack of all? Thank you in advance and all the best! //Aramis
What is your process during the earlier parts of production? For example: How do you find a creative direction and present it to the director? How do you plot out dynamic musical elements for games? On a different subject, how much does knowledge of programming help when composing for video games?
Hi Austin, I’ve been so focused on the Video Game discussions I hadn’t thought to look for films… Is there a film or a couple you’ve done where the score went well or was a particularly interesting project to work on?
The Rendezvous, Tread, Grace, Captain Abu Raed, One Shot, Big Dogs, and Strangely in Love. … and a movie where a caveman father figure meets some pro wrestlers…
A question I have been wondering about is about creating a unique sound. How do you go about creating a fitting and concistent sound for your projects. And how do you avoid just sounding like everything else inside that genre?
Any chance you'll have an episode of game makers notebook with Paul Anthony Romero in the future? Listening to Heroes 4 soundtrack at my grandparents after school was proly the 1st time I truly fell in love with a games music
Do you have any tips for the mastering portion of the final mix/recording? I'm struggling a bit on how to approach this process. The final recording sounds great and everything, but I just can't seem to get it right. I feel like I'm missing something... Any advice? (Thank you for everything you do, we all appreciate you doing these Q+As!)
I am preparing to begin my studies in "composition" at my local college. There is no "video game music" degree program. What will be the things I will miss out on if I want to score for games in the future? And might there be advantages I get from this more general program?
Hey Austin! Question for your next Q+A here. Do you have anything to say about music rights as a film/media Composer? Do you have any advice or resource to give to be more aware of how it works? Thank you!
first? yesss 😁🙌 Austin, I will hold you to the promise, that it'll be the only vinyl pressing run. I have no idea, what I will do, if sooner or later, another will be announced. Maybe buy it. 🙈😁
Loved the video as always, but you're treating too bad your laptop...First speaking bad of the camera, then of the fan...Come on! 😛 Now I'm too curious what kind of laptop it was! 😂
dang, nice to hear the "ever feel like quitting" thing addressed; I think it's pretty common for composers to feel some guilt for having moments of doubt / inability to create. Everyone seems to avoid talking about this, even though it's so common in creative professions.
Thanks for checking it out Rachel
PS did I leave any big points out? Happy to discuss this idea further!
I owned and operated a photo business pre-pandemic, but was careening towards burnout trying to get clients. In my area, photo work was heavily undercut in terms of value thanks to years of “for trades/for prints” work from hobby photographers. While those photogs were quite good, it made it rather difficult to make a living off of commercial photography. I was constantly in doubt at all times of my worth as a creative, and in somehow let my self worth be wrapped up in that.
I think that if something ever makes you hit the point of wanting to quit, and you truly hate the experience, it’s okay to move onto something else that you’re good at. Being stuck on one thing can be beneficial, but can destroy opportunities in arenas that might bear more fruit!
For me? I learned a lot. I have a lot of skills I can now apply to music (such as contract drafting, legal navigation, rights holdership, how to communicate with clients, etc.) now my band seems to be gaining a semblance of traction. I’m taking courses right now to increase my theory knowledge too so I can make the jump into games composition as well!
this is fax
"Allow yourself to write bad music" - holy shit, that's such good advice. I've had writer's block so many times from simply refusing to write something that in my mind was too obvious or threadbare sounding. Simply the act of writing anything is super helpful and educational.
So happy to help
this is fax
AUSTINNNN! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I actually was writing a very eloquent comment about how much I love these videos because they are another perfect reminder of how lucky I feel to share so many experiences with someone so talented and kind like you, but the caps lock and hearts do the job.
You're final answer with the Journey music is so beautiful!
i was about to say that, the perfect bgm !
Certainly you are Composer / Psychologist / Speaker. Favourite composer for sure!
8:00 "Every time I do anything, I should feel a certain sense of anxiety that I don't know what I'm doing, beacuse I'm pushing somewhere that I've never been before"
That's gold Austin, thank you. Everyone needs to hear that.
While it's slightly different, I do a Soundtrack radio show. I have felt on numerous occasions I have wanted to pack it in. My late wife used to tell me that what I did was important. She used to tell me I was an archivist and without my show and shows like it this music could very easily fall into obscurity. My wife passed in 2020 and there was a moment when I felt I could not continue the show. I remember what she said to me and that inspires me to continue. Austin, to hear that I'm not the only one who has struggled helps in ways you'll never know.
Thanks for what you do. It is appreciated.
I think you just convinced me to quit tattooing and pursue my writing and illustration. Maybe make it a comic. Idk. Struggling with the same depression and doubt, creatively. The hive has reappropriated a lot of my heart so that rich companies can be richer companies and I'm feeling pretty defeated. Might just dissipate into the ether or wander off into the woods and abandon humanity altogether.
It’s nice to hear someone who’s further along their career path be earnest about these sorts of subjects. Really helps! 😊
"if something that stupidly lucky doesn't happen to you then you should give up trying" is a BIG one tbh. Last year I got into The Match Game but specifically the 70s seasons (because what else is there to watch in 2021 🤭). And one of the guest stars they had on was asked by the host "so people say you're an overnight success. About how many nights did it take to become an overnight success" . He goes, "oh you know about ten years overnight". Overnight success is really just, "you caught the public eye, now"
Love these!
Austin -- GREAT video!!
I'm a filmmaker (and film music nerd) trying to get my career off the ground, and these Q&A vids of yours are a big inspiration and a great resource both creatively and professionally. Been watching your channel for years, and cannot thank you enough for the continuous work you put into sharing so much of your and your peers' processes and perspectives. Started off as a huge fan of your music (still have my signed Spirit Of The Cosmos CD lol), and the insights you and your friends have shared on this channel have helped fuel me through quite a few projects. Can't thank you enough!!
Wishing you the best on whatever project you're working on now, can't WAIT to hear what's cookin up in that kitchen BOSS
thankyou for always helping us!
I've been hoping you'd get Diemer on at some point! Really excited for that. I don't even play Guild Wars but the music is so good.
Every video that comes out from this channel is an inspiration boost. Off to write I go...
Will there be information on the Journey Full Score soon? I am so so excited to be able to have a copy of this score. Thanks!
Hi Austin, thank you so much for the video. I’m an aspiring composer and the last question really resonated with me.
I’ve been composing for student projects for quite a few years now and although I really like writing for screen, I must admit I often doubt when I make music for bad projects (which is pretty often with student projects) or with unkind directors. I get really angry when my music is rejected, not so much because it is rejected but because of the way student directors reject it : call it not good enough, never acknowledge the time and energy I spent working on their project (for free). I find it very hard in these moments to be considered as a worker who has failed rather than an artist that made a unadapted proposition (don’t know if it’s clear). I don’t feel like there’s just one way to score a movie, so when a director gives me carte blanche and then tells me my work is not good enough, I get very frustrated and feel like it is their fault.
So here’s my question : do professional composers always have to deal with these situations ? Does it stop being frustrating when you get paid ? Do better directors avoid these situations either by knowing what they want, or by being more tactful ? Do I have to be less sensitive or more humble, or will it all be easier with better directors ?
It’s such a shame because when I’m able to give a director what they want it feels so rewarding, but when the collaboration is not going well I feel like I’m not fit for the job.
Thank you !
I'm a musician unaware of what musical endeavors I want to take on. I'm trying to be quite open, and film/video game composing is not out of question. These videos are extremely helpful, thank you.
That really means a lot. Keep an open mind!
Always thoughtful and honest.... thanks for these videos.
Thank YOU for watching Ben!
@@awintory - always!!
Appreciate you taking the time for this. Enjoy all your content aswell as the play, watch, listen podcast. Wish you all the best on all your endeavors Austin.
Thank you for this great video.
Fantastic all around! Highlight of my month when I see a 30 min + vid from you (especially these Q and A's). Always so much gold advice and wisdom, thank you!!
Thanks to streaming your music has fallen into my "Made for You" playlists and I've become a legitimate huge fan of your music. I'm excited for what's to come!
You're just such a wonderful person. You are an inspiration Austin!
Thank you for another fantastic Q&A, Austin! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer all of these questions completely, and with openness and honesty! Your words of wisdom expressing that each and every composer's journey is a work-in-progress, and that we're all learning as we go, were very comforting to hear. :)
If I may make a tiny request regarding future content: I'd love to learn more about how you approach conducting! It seems like a whole different skill set that is quite important to have when working with larger ensembles.
Interesting; would be happy to unpack conducting!
21:47 the question in the Thumbnail
Thank you for doing another one of these! I really appreciate your candor.
I was wondering: during the pandemic you once did this beautifully casual thing of just composing something and passing it along for anyone else to do anything with they wanted. It was very easy to just jump in and add something of your own. Could you ever see yourself turning that concept into a regular thing where it's not a competition, or a career opportunity, it's just making music with strangers for the fun of it?
Not that I dislike the competitions you do, and I'll be sure to enter every time you organize one. But it's different when the pressure is on, right?
9:40 brings up another interesting question: what do you listen to? I know you’ve spoken about listening to film scores from Goldsmith and others you admire, but I suppose you’d also research unfamiliar music for a new project, or find people like Taylor Davis and Malukah through Journey covers, etc
I never considered giving up on music like Rosita from Sing did to become a housewife of 25 piglets, but now does both. Speaking of Sing, my project that is heavily influenced by that movie and its sequel and my other favourite animal and sci-fi movies will now be made using Unreal Engine 5 because I thought it'd be cool to use advanced 2020s technology. Might even get Cubase 12 as well.
Thanks for sharing! Some incredible answers in here, and getting me thinking more about what it is I really want. I had never heard the name Susie Seiter before, but cannot express enough how appreciative I am of you sharing her story. I've been questioning a lot recently if I want to be a composer professionally, specifically because of all the downsides you mentioned, but also because I want to explore composition on my own terms, and just make the music I want to make. Because of that, I've been adjusting my mindset towards orchestration and conducting more, which are both things I've always found just as interesting as composition.
Do you have any advice for getting started as an orchestrator? Maybe even suggestions of orchestrators who's work to look at and study, especially within game music?
Lovely Q+A thank you!
A question for you: I'm about to finish a masters in film and game composition in Sweden and in my exam papers I've written a lot about finding your artistic and musical voice and style. How important do you think having a clear artistic style is? Is it perhaps better to have a specific niche or to be broad and prepared for anything? Master of one or jack of all?
Thank you in advance and all the best!
//Aramis
What is your process during the earlier parts of production? For example: How do you find a creative direction and present it to the director? How do you plot out dynamic musical elements for games?
On a different subject, how much does knowledge of programming help when composing for video games?
Hi Austin, I’ve been so focused on the Video Game discussions I hadn’t thought to look for films… Is there a film or a couple you’ve done where the score went well or was a particularly interesting project to work on?
The Rendezvous, Tread, Grace, Captain Abu Raed, One Shot, Big Dogs, and Strangely in Love.
… and a movie where a caveman father figure meets some pro wrestlers…
^ All viable answers :)
A question I have been wondering about is about creating a unique sound. How do you go about creating a fitting and concistent sound for your projects. And how do you avoid just sounding like everything else inside that genre?
Any chance you'll have an episode of game makers notebook with Paul Anthony Romero in the future? Listening to Heroes 4 soundtrack at my grandparents after school was proly the 1st time I truly fell in love with a games music
Not currently scheduled but perhaps! Great suggestion :)
Do you have any tips for the mastering portion of the final mix/recording?
I'm struggling a bit on how to approach this process. The final recording sounds great and everything, but I just can't seem to get it right. I feel like I'm missing something... Any advice?
(Thank you for everything you do, we all appreciate you doing these Q+As!)
Would you ever consider doing a re-imagining of "ABZU" 's music?
I am preparing to begin my studies in "composition" at my local college. There is no "video game music" degree program. What will be the things I will miss out on if I want to score for games in the future? And might there be advantages I get from this more general program?
Question for the next Q&A: What are your thoughts on Ryuichi Sakamoto?
Hey Austin! Question for your next Q+A here.
Do you have anything to say about music rights as a film/media Composer? Do you have any advice or resource to give to be more aware of how it works?
Thank you!
first? yesss 😁🙌
Austin, I will hold you to the promise, that it'll be the only vinyl pressing run. I have no idea, what I will do, if sooner or later, another will be announced.
Maybe buy it. 🙈😁
Do you ever get 'paralysis by analysis'? If so, do you have any tips to push through and come out the other end?
What are some of your favorite non-classical albums of the last ~10 years? Thanks Austin!
That could be a whole video! I like it!
Loved the video as always, but you're treating too bad your laptop...First speaking bad of the camera, then of the fan...Come on! 😛
Now I'm too curious what kind of laptop it was! 😂
Haha an old MacBook Pro that's seen too much travel! :)
“there really is no standard or path.” would you say that this career is…pathless?
Second