In this episode I show you around my set up, my workstation if you will. I like to have my things in a certain way which I show and I also show you how I work in Cubase 8. We look at the arrangement and mixer window. As I show you how I create things it is good to get a basic grasp of my set up so you can translate that to your own set up and understand and apply.
This is a continuation of the “Template Setup and Workstation Layout” video. Here we look more in-depth into the mixer window. By showing my set up, my inputs. You get a good idea of my mixing process.
How I did the strings for the Mad Max Furiosa theme. I show you I start with a simple melody on the piano, then harmonize the melody by using my string banks going all the way to an orchestral arrangement. I speak about my thought process behind scenes. Why I make what decisions.
How I created the drum sound that relentlessly drive the film Mad Max Fury Road. I talk about the kind of drums I used and show you how I program them. I show you the customized Native Instruments Kontakt sampler we created and talk about velocity, higher and lower octaves and a bunch of other drum related topics.
In this tutorial I talk about the guitar sounds in Mad Max Fury Road. Forever connected to the Doof. I talk about the actual guitars I used, the petals, and amps. Plus how I used multiple layers of guitars with the help of Cubase. I also share the actual guitar play up close.
Based on the Mad Max Fury Road drum rhythm I created for the drums in Episode 4. In this episode I show you how I use plugins, EQ, compression and limiting to create my signature drum sounds.
Fab Filter plugins played a pinnacle role in mixing, automating, and creating the Mad Max drum sounds. In this episode I experiment with the Simplon filter and timeless delay.
In this tutorial I talk about how my custom-made touchscreen allows me to work efficiently and effectively with Cubase. I show you how I use the touchscreen to hide and unhide tracks in a big template, manipulate the velocity and placement of parts, and more.
In this tutorial I answer some of the most asked questions that fans have submitted over Twitter. I talk about my reverb setup, how to inspire yourself to write music, what inspired me to write the Run All Night soundtrack, and more.
In this episode we listen and explore the music of Run All Night as I add my commentary on how and why I created certain sounds in this score. I begin with a short synopsis of the plot and share some inspiration for some crucial themes of the film.
In this episode, I discuss how I wrote a key theme for the film "Brimstone". I'll explore the melody, how I transcribed it for strings, some notes on harmony, and finally show you the final result with the recorded orchestra. I'll also discuss the various plug-ins I use.
An in-depth overview of how and when I use drum computers, the impact they had when they first came out, and some concepts to utilize them in a modern way!
An introduction to my modular synth wall! What's in there, where it comes from, and most importantly - why I have it.
Have some good speakers or headphones for this one! In this episode, I explore the use-cases and features of various unique synthesizers around my studio and walk down the timeline of Roland synths.
A look at how the music behind Batman and Superman's big showdown came to life!
Continuing our discussion from Part 1, this episode builds on string writing concepts with a focus on harmonic progression using cues from the film Brimstone.
Taking a bassline from "Brothers in Ams", I route it to several hardware and software synths to showcase the difference in character each one (or a combination) creates.
Let's explore the boxes and sounds - some familiar, some maybe not - from a company I've used since the very beginning.
LET'S HIT THE WALL! The first of several videos diving deep into modular patch building, beginning with an introduction to synthesis.
Let's get physical... have a look at some of my go-to hardware, why and how I use them, and much more.
Instead of going back in time, let's fast-forward to today with some quality boxes I'm enjoying right now from from Roland: their Boutique Series.
Let's get a little more advanced with modular synthesis techniques in Part 2!
Let's explore some of my favorite synths from Yamaha that have influenced mine and several other film scores!
You asked for it... now you're gonna get it. Here's how to make my famous Spaghetti Carbonara!!
Here's a look at how my machine room and VSL connections work together.
I wanted to share my collection of guitar pedals and effects units to demonstrate how I incorporate them into my film scores!
Let me show you some rather unique synthesizers that span a variety of use cases!
Let's explore some colors of my modular wall!
Our third and final look into modular synthesis breaks down last week's performance - all the patches, instruments, effects, and more!
Welcome back to Studio Time! This first episode of Season 3 walks you through how I wrote and recorded the London Suite for Mortal Engines from A-Z. Let's get started!
Today we cover the nuance of building a theme around a heroic character! Chord selection, mixing techniques, presenting to the filmmakers and much more.
Today's episode explores a theme with a unique juxtaposition, combining elements of fear and with an undertone of wonder.
Today's episode explores heavy sound design in creating the unnerving feeling of an unstoppable force.
Today we dive into a theme derived from the Mortal Engines London Suite that builds noble elements for two distinct characters.
Today we explore how themes are actually being used in a film and the process of taking music and applying it to the screen!
Let's uncover the building blocks of high intensity moments and applying them to what's happening on screen.
Welcome back to a brand new season of Studio Time! In this episode, I will break down how I created "The Crew at Warpower" for Zack Snyder's Justice League covering topics like orchestration, sound design, theme writing, character development and tons more. Be sure to subscribe to this channel since we have A LOT more videos to come on ZSJL and more.
Today we cover... BATMAN. Why does Batman have a new theme? Well, the book was closed on his tormented past in Batman v Superman, so here there is a new day. And with a new day... comes new music! In this episode, I go over all things #BATMAN in Zack Snyder's Justice League including the new theme for the Bat Signal, various action bits, orchestration and tons of cool sound design.
Strap in for a detailed look at how I constructed the theme for Godzilla from #GodzillavsKong including tips on writing themes of your own, using brass as a sound design tool, how percussion can further emphasize a theme, and tons more!
You wanted it? You got it! This was a very special piece of music for me to create for a number of reasons, and I'm so glad it resonated with so many of you. Enjoy your BONUS episode of Studio Time. This episode does contain spoilers, so JUST in case you haven't seen the film, please be warned.
Let's get back to #JusticeLeague! In this episode, I cover how I approached Wonder Woman by intensifying her theme and incorporated more world music elements - all aimed at adding depth to her background as an Amazonian leader and major force to be reckoned with. Enjoy!
Today we unpack Cyborg's theme from Zack Snyder's Justice League! We'll be talking a lot about melody and countermelody as a way to showcase the emotional rollercoaster this character takes us on throughout the film. We'll also tackle a lot of sound design... enjoy!
As you guys know, my Cubase template is the cornerstone of everything I do from a production and composition standpoint... but that doesn't mean it never changes! In this episode, I will walk you through how I prepare all my Cubase sessions to ensure super smooth workflow, instrument assignments, track labeling and tons more. This should help you, or least give you some inspiration for how to build your own DAW templates. As always, leave your questions below and I'll try to answer some of them.
Today we examine antagonist themes for Zack Snyder's Justice League in the form of our primary villain Steppenwolf and his overlord Darkseid. This central theme carries some subtle nuances in the form of character expression, sound design and orchestral arrangements. Enjoy!
Today begins the first of several videos covering sound design, which is an essential element to any composer's toolkit. This video acts as an introduction to familiarize you with the concept of leveraging single notes or audio files and translating them into customized instruments using samplers. As always, leave your questions below!
People ask about my favorite new plugins, but the truth is, I'm usually pretty late to getting the latest stuff! I stick to what works within my template, especially as I finish projects, so this list of "new" plugins is simply what's new for ME!
Join me as I walk you through my new studio and show you some of the new hardware I picked up, what stayed from the old studio - and probably most interestingly - how EVERYTHING is wired up to my rig for easy access and efficient use. This episode will answer a lot of the questions I've seen in the comments over the last few weeks. Enjoy!
Let's examine a key theme from #ArmyOfTheDead! I spent roughly three weeks on this and it was a welcome departure from the slamming, heavier themes from Justice League and Kong. Plus, it has a key inspiration point: Beethoven!!