Since going “full time†in 2011 Russell Bell has written 2000+ cues, has had his music placed in all manner of film, television and advertising and now writes for (amongst others) preeminent trailer music houses Brand X and Big Screen Music and for the highly regarded music library CouldB Entertainment.

In this interview Russell discusses how he transitioned from a day job to become a full time composer, why getting over your head in a project can ultimately be a good thing and how “simple and insignificant†cues can actually bolster your income the most.

“Don’t be afraid to to do everything and anything if it’s a good way to learn a new set of tools and skills. Don’t be limited.â€

(6:30) Timeline to become a full time composer
(10:00) Experiences with synesthesia
(16:30) Typical weekly workflow
(19:00) More on workflows, trailers, revisions, prep, and variety
(21:00) More on writing cues, full time work and first placements
(35:30) Trailers and Brand X
(45:00) Revisions and new sample libraries
(50:00) Statements and tracking placements
(51:00) Brand X and iTunes
(53:30) Writing and production methods (or not)
(1:02:00) On writing production music quickly
(1:13:30) Importance of a variety of cues and making money
(1:18:00) How did a cue get in a pet food ad?
(1:24:00) Work on a new album of production music
(1:37:00) Wrap-up and final thoughts on production music composing

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE

http://fromthehomestudio.com/russell-bell-interview/

The Making It From the Home Studio series is the podcast for musicians, songwriters, mixers, producers and soundmakers who want to discover how fellow artists are making music and money from their home studios.