Hey fellow creators!
As a trailer music composer, it can be tempting to try and cater to every possible genre and style in order to increase your chances of landing placements. However, the truth is that niching down to one or two specific genres can actually be much more beneficial in the long run.
When you try to be a jack of all trades, you run the risk of being a master of none. In other words, you may dilute your skills and fail to develop a distinctive style that sets you apart from other composers. You also run the risk of confusing potential clients who are looking for a specific type of music. If you are advertising yourself as a composer who can work in any genre, it can be difficult for clients to understand where your expertise lies.
On the other hand, when you specialize in one or two genres, you can develop a unique sound and style that sets you apart from other composers in the same field. By focusing on a specific type of music, you can build a stronger brand identity, establish yourself as an expert, and attract clients who are specifically looking for music in that genre. This can lead to more consistent work, a more stable income, and a greater sense of security in your career.
Here are a few reasons why niching down to one or two genres is essential for trailer music composers:
1. It Helps You Stand Out
With so many composers vying for the same jobs, it can be difficult to differentiate yourself from the competition. However, by specializing in one or two genres, you can set yourself apart and become known as an expert in those areas. This can make it easier for you to get noticed by music supervisors and other decision-makers in the industry.
2. It Makes It Easier to Brand Yourself
When you specialize in one or two genres, you can tailor your branding efforts to those specific areas. This can make it easier to create a targeted marketing strategy that speaks directly to the people who are most likely to hire you. By focusing your efforts on a specific niche, you can also more easily establish yourself as a thought leader in that area.
For example, if you specialize in epic orchestral trailer music, you can create a website that showcases your work in this genre, highlighting your strengths and expertise in creating epic orchestral soundscapes. You can also use social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to share your work and engage with fans and potential clients who are interested in this genre.
3. It Allows You to Develop a Unique Voice
When you try to be all things to all people, you risk diluting your creative voice. By focusing on one or two genres, you can really hone in on your unique style and develop a sound that is truly your own. This can make your music more distinctive and memorable, which can be a huge asset in the highly competitive world of trailer music.
Focusing on one or two genres can help you develop a style that is consistent and recognizable. This is because when you work in a particular genre, you start to understand the conventions, structures, and sounds associated with it. This knowledge allows you to create music that adheres to the conventions of the genre while also infusing your unique style and creativity.
Developing a unique style can be a significant asset in the highly competitive world of trailer music, where music supervisors are always looking for something new and fresh to grab the audience’s attention. A distinctive style can also help you build a loyal following of fans who appreciate your music and come back to you for future projects.
Moreover, honing in on a particular genre can help you establish yourself as an expert in that area. As you become known for your work in a specific genre, people will start to associate you with that type of music. This can help you attract more clients who are looking for someone with expertise in that genre, and it can also make it easier for you to market yourself to potential clients.
Now that you understand the importance of niching down, here are some tips for how to do it effectively:
1. Choose Genres That Speak to You
When selecting the genres you want to specialize in, it’s important to choose ones that you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about. This will not only make the work more enjoyable for you, but it will also come across in your music. If you’re not passionate about the music you’re creating, it’s unlikely that anyone else will be either.
Passion is the driving force behind creativity, and when you’re passionate about the music you’re creating, it shows in the final product. When you’re genuinely invested in a genre, you’re more likely to experiment, push boundaries, and create unique sounds that stand out from the crowd.
Moreover, when you’re passionate about a genre, you’ll likely have a deep understanding of its conventions, nuances, and the emotions it evokes. This knowledge and understanding can help you create music that resonates with audiences and connects with them on a deeper level.
When you’re not passionate about the music you’re creating, it can be challenging to stay motivated and inspired. This can lead to burnout, frustration, and a lack of creativity. If you’re not passionate about the music you’re creating, it’s unlikely that anyone else will be either. Clients and audiences can pick up on when a composer isn’t invested in their work, and this can lead to fewer opportunities and less success in the industry.
2. Experiment With Hybrids
While it’s important to specialize in one or two genres, that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with hybrids or crossovers. For example, you might specialize in epic orchestral music, but also have a talent for incorporating electronic elements into your tracks. This can help you create a unique sound that sets you apart from others in your niche.
Hybrids and crossovers can also help you stay relevant and innovative in an ever-changing industry. As new genres emerge and old ones evolve, being able to experiment and blend genres can help you stay on the cutting edge of trailer music composition.
It’s essential to note, however, that experimenting with hybrids or crossovers should not come at the expense of your specialization. Your primary focus should still be on developing your expertise and unique style in your chosen genre(s). Hybrids and crossovers should be viewed as a way to enhance your music and expand your opportunities, rather than a replacement for your niche specialization.
3. Keep Learning
Finally, it’s important to keep learning and growing as a composer. Even if you specialize in one or two genres, that doesn’t mean you should stop exploring new styles and techniques. Attend workshops and conferences, take online courses, and collaborate with other composers to continue developing your skills and expanding your creative horizons.
One great way to continue learning and growing is to take online courses. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. There are a variety of online courses available that can help you develop specific skills, such as orchestration, mixing, or sound design. Many of these courses are taught by industry professionals and can offer valuable insights and techniques that you may not have learned otherwise.
Collaborating with other composers is also a great way to continue learning and growing as a composer. Working with other professionals can help you learn new techniques and approaches, as well as expose you to different styles and genres. Collaborating with other composers can also lead to new opportunities and expand your network within the industry.
Conclusion
While it can be difficult to narrow down your focus to one or two genres as a trailer music composer, the benefits are clear. By specializing in a specific niche, you can stand out from the competition, market/brand yourself more effectively, develop a unique voice that sets you apart, and become a well respected expert in the industry.
Thanks for hanging out!
– The Cinematic Tools Team
