Slow Tides

Slow Tides

I’m working towards a catalog of music to be used for sync. Ultimately, my music – including Slow Tides – will find a home in media – film, TV, commercials, video games, corporate videos, etc. The people in charge of finding the music – music supervisors for the project – put out a brief that describes the what they need for a scene. The brief then circulates to musicians through a variety of 3rd party platforms. Sometimes we have less than a few hours to respond and sometimes we have several days.

If I have some lead time, I can often create something that speaks to the brief which is where Slow Tides came from. The music supervisor passed on Slow Tides this time. Sometimes a supervisor receives upwards of a hundred choices or more for one spot. Rejection is part of the game. I have hope that it will fit another brief (or 3 or 4) in the future, though.

The same principle applies to writing for sync as writing music for anything else. Write what makes you happy. Normally, I don’t chase a brief with a new song because it usually feels a little forced. This time, though, the “lo-fi vibe” that the brief asked for and the reference tracks (songs that speak to what the supervisor needs) were right up my alley! I loved playing the piano line against the vocal effects. Despite the limited time I had, the song came together easily. It reminds me of a lazy summer day at the beach.

As I write music, I think about grouping music together by album. This isn’t an album in the traditional sense. Albums for me contain 8 – 12 songs that share similar characteristics. Sometimes the album centers on a specific set of instruments while others use a theme, such as capers and chases, or a particular approach to Christmas music. Eventually, Slow Tides will live on a “feel good pop” album with 50cc of Joy. I enjoy exploring an idea or theme in depth like this.

Head over to YouTube to check it out:

Check out my other arrangements and compositions. My library grows every month and now has a variety of styles. Besides world fusion instrumentals, it features electronic music, pop, and a few arrangements of old hymns and carols.