In pursuing a career in the music industry, it's essential to understand the various work-related issues and needs that shape this dynamic field.

While the challenges can seem endless—ranging from market saturation and technological advancements to revenue distribution, industry gatekeeping, and legal and ethical issues—aspiring music professionals must be equipped to handle these multifaceted concerns.

As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to talk about one of music’s most fascinating roles: instilling fear. From the eerie tension of horror films to the creepy ambiance of haunted houses, the right music can amplify fear in ways that visuals alone cannot. The question is, how can we as composers tap into that primal fear through sound? How do we create music that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up?

As a composer, I've faced my share of creative burnout. There are moments when the well of ideas seems to run dry, and I question where my next piece of music will come from. But over time, I’ve found one constant source of inspiration that never fails to pull me out of that creative fog: music modes.

Music modes are more than just a set of scales—they are tools that bridge the past and present, offering endless possibilities while keeping us connected to the deep history of music. Composers from ancient Greece to the Renaissance and beyond have used these modes to craft timeless melodies, and in tapping into them, I find myself part of that long tradition.

Music modes are one of the most powerful tools in a composer’s toolkit. They offer a variety of moods, colors, and emotional textures, giving your music a distinct character that goes beyond standard major and minor scales. But what exactly are music modes? In simple terms, they are variations of the traditional scales that create different atmospheres based on how the intervals between the notes are structured. Used by composers throughout history—from ancient Greece to modern day—modes can breathe new life into your compositions and take your music in exciting, unexpected directions.

As a composer transitioning to Apple Atmos, I was eager to explore the immersive audio landscape it offers. However, I soon discovered that the transition wasn't as straightforward as I had anticipated. This blog post chronicles my journey, from the initial challenges to the valuable lessons learned, providing insights for other composers venturing into the world of Apple Atmos.

Having just wrapped up an exhilarating month-long road trip across Europe, I’m eager to share how this journey has fueled my musical creativity. Traveling through a tapestry of cities—from the historic streets of Prague to the romantic canals of Venice—has provided me with a rich palette of inspirations for my compositions. Here’s how this adventure, including the joy of unexpected rest stops and meaningful interactions with locals, has influenced my music.

A few years ago, I read Danny Wallace’s

Yes Man