Soundcloud picks 01: March '16

in

I'm going to start a new series here giving shout outs to outstanding composers on my SoundCloud stream. This might be limited by the fact that I'll predominantly feature composers that I already follow but either way I'd like to give shout outs to the guys that I think are doing great stuff. The community is so important so I'm keen to support my peers.

Keeno (ft. James Everingham) // Dream Sequence

I've been following James' work for a few months now and there's no question that he's a gifted composer with a bright future, but I was intrigued when he reposted this track by emerging drum and bass producer Will Keen AKA Keeno to his SoundCloud stream. The result of this intoxicating collaboration is a heady mix of James' cinematic flair and Keeno's euphoric dnb. The official video is incredible, too:

The production is spot on, and musically the track is an absolute delight, showing depth and finesse. I'll certainly be keeping an eye on these two from now on.

You can check them out on SoundCloud here: Keeno // James Everingham | Follow them on twitter here: Keeno // James Everingham | Like them on fb here: Keeno // James Everingham

Tony Anderson // All is not lost

Tony Anderson is fairly established in the world of cinematic music, as one of themusicbed's most popular artists. His work often features reverberant synth soundscapes and dreamy felt piano, as well as vocals and instrumental flourishes from frequent collaborators.

All Is Not Lost is no exception, but demonstrates an evolution from Tony's previous work. Where his earlier tracks had clear structural and directional markers, this track has an organic essence that speaks of its bespoke nature, having been written for an original film by Cale Glendening. Listen from around the four and a half minute mark for some seriously glorious contemporary cinematic writing.

Tony is on SoundCloud and Twitter.

Alexandr Fullin // Away

Although I've not been following Alexandr for that long, it's clear that he's on an upward trajectory of developing his musical output and finessing his production. Away displays some of Alexandr's most refined sounds, and a structural bravery that marks this out as one of his most mature compositions. Also worth noting is that Alexandr had this track mastered by Chad Wahlbrink, the same engineer who's worked with Tony Anderson on some of his more recent tracks, and that's a decision that's been well worth it, with the fine sound quality he's achieved here.

Alexandr is on SoundCloud, Instagram, and Facebook.

That's all for this month; I'll try and do this again each month, and mix it up with different people. Final thing to leave you with is my favourite track of my own from March, temper. Hope you enjoy!

 - JJO

2015 retrospective

It's been a funny year, 2015. One with some incredible highlights, but also some of the saddest times I've experienced.  I'm just gonna talk about musical things here, but it's amazing how our personal journey can (and should) profoundly impact our work and output.

In June, I released my first soundtrack EP, And then, the mountains moved. This represented a big leap for me and an encouraging change of direction. Previously I'd been taking on a wide variety of music jobs without a huge amount of focus or agenda. At the start of 2015, I decided to intentionally focus on writing music for film, and knew that I needed to vastly improve my production technique and knowledge if I was to do so. ATTMM was the genesis of that process. I needed a project that would allow me to express the musical language I felt came most naturally to me, whilst also giving me a platform to develop my skills in music - specifically soundtrack - production. So from March to May I worked hard on investing any free time I had into writing and practising, until I had six tracks, but more importantly, the foundations of a new knowledge that I have continued to build.

Since June and the release of ATTMM, I've produced other singles which (I hope) demonstrate my continued growth as a composer and producer. I feel more efficient and more secure in my process, and every track I write feels more stable and more exciting in its context in my creative journey. Releasing roughly a new track every month, culminating the year with my Christmas release, Come and Behold (below).

As I look forward to 2016, I can hardly begin to imagine what's in store. At the start of this year, I would never have imagined half the things that ended up happening. Hopefully next year will be as exciting and rewarding as this, and I hope the same for any of you reading this too.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement, you have no idea how much it all means.

 

- JJO