Media Composition - 100 Do's and Don'ts

[@MrMusic238]

I think I understand, so make sure you upgrade your operating system in the middle of a project?

[@Seaglass78]

I mean you would want the best, most recent OS for a project right? RIGHT?

[@jayros]

You understood wrong. You have to upgrade to a beta operating system in the middle of a project.

[@robindgordon]

LOL!!!! The best comment

[@soundproductionandadvice]

hahaha! Deserving of more likes.

[@Shiniobi]

Reading all these...dead haha

[@DJLA]

Great episode! thanks mate.

[@JeffDouglas_]

Those final 2 1/2 minutes are perhaps the most profound things you've given us in your 100 videos. Cheers Christian.

[@shakespearouac]

SpeaksForMe.

[@MKD371]

"Be yourself because everyone else is taken", great Oscar Wilde quote.

[@avenpigatt7841]

this man preaching, Lord have mercy. bless your heart Christian

[@spookydrums]

This must be one of the most inspirational and hilarious videos of this type and field that exist out there. I am grateful that people like you exist and are sharing insights and "mentoring" the community; in this "flood" of click-bait channels and videos of "How to..." "This is the secret of making killer music" "5 mistakes producers do" and all that sort of crap, there are few outstanding channels with human and organic content which truly share and inspire. So for this, again, thank you for existing and for inspiring!

[@pkos91]

I love this video because you know each sentence was hours, if not days of effort, leading to months, if not years of lessons learned!

[@teilormusic]

As a person who experienced at lest a half of what was said on my own skin, watching this is a real blessing! Thank you Christian!

[@brittanyambrose1137]

As a music producer just getting out of college, this is one of my favorite videos on KZbin. Thanks so much for your insight, it's so so so valuable to a clueless 21 year old :-)

[@verticalvibemusic]

This will become a timeless classic! Henson at his absolute friggen fabulous best! Thank you Christian. Really just thank you for the time and love you put into your vlog. with much gratitude and respect. Peter

[@pdm67]

This is lovely Christian. Your channel is a jewel found on a windswept beach.

[@paulobrandao8]

Dear Christian (after this video you shall let me call you like that). I'm a Brazilian producer and composer. Brazil is going through hard times. Sometimes, living here make me loose confidence on human behavior. Your 100th video was a big support on helping me to return to one of the most beautiful Brazilian characteristics: tenderness.

[@craigaspin]

Love this Guy, so down to earth and a real dude with experience, 👏🏼👏🏼🎹🎹👌

[@ohthefuture7618]

I usually don't watch these kinds of vlogs but this channel is just pure gold.

[@adityakalway1]

This channel is my new happy place on KZbin! Thanks Christian

[@MadkeimMusic]

Nice one ! I would love some more about "Don't listen to f***ing film music"

[@zachary4670]

madkeim music interesting point. Why is this something important?

[@Kaeilios]

@@zachary4670 If you listen to music , you're gonna be influenced by it subconsciously , so if you want to sound like you and not anyone else it's best that you stay away from music when writing

[@dex203]

@@Kaeilios film music is dumbed down and theres not much to learn from it in terms of what a real orchestra can do, now if youre writing some score with synths and thats what youre listening to then fine but most film music with orchestras just use them for long sustained notes and drones and comepletely boring uninspired chords

[@_indyana]

I think we have so much to learn from film music - I mean, the film music I listen to are mostly orchestras recorded live, such as the Harry Potter soundtrack. Gotta say, I was taken aback when he said that!! Film music is some of the best!

[@_indyana]

@schmidchrs yes, but what if what inspired them doesn't inspire you? what if what THEY created inspires you? if we all draw on the same inspiration, wouldn't THAT result in similar music being created everywhere? Music is heard and responded to differently by everyone, no matter how subtle the difference may be, and we should all listen to ourselves and focus on what inspires us. Of course, we should do this with a broad knowledge of musical genres so that we may THEN choose what inspires us.

[@nascen7]

I NEEDED to hear this... It has done nothing for my confidence or my imposter syndrome, but it literally covered everything else.

[@russell_szabados]

Thank you so much Christian. No matter how often one might have heard any or all of these tips, they’re all worth hearing again and again.

[@garygimmestad4272]

I'm not a film composer but I've spent a lot of time in theater as MD, arranger, and composer. My resources have mostly been limited to piano-centered scores with drums and bass as luxurious additions. I'm well-versed in counterpoint and have always composed with an ear to make harmony the result of voice leading. So, when writing for piano I often imagine orchestral instruments or vox to create singing lines. But that's a very different beast from writing orchestrally from the git go. I'm retired now, and in the Covid bubble I've been experimenting with digital orchestration and creating short mockups in cinematic style. First off, your posts have been enormously helpful and I'm very grateful for the access to your experience. Thank you! In this initial bit of my learning curve, (contrary to your admonitions) I'm finding the computer to be a terrific place to compose. Placing orchestration (unavailable to me in my former career) in the forefront has dramatically changed how I think about musical gesture as a composer. My internal templates are developing over time and my ability to imagine orchestrally will increase, but for now I'm in a glorious sandbox - at the computer. The other related admonition which gave me a slight pause was, "Don't listen to film music." There's a tongue in the cheek with that one, so I take it as a caveat against the trap of imitative writing. Well, in my initial steps, I'm doing a lot of imitating in order to better understand, for example, how Johannson created such lovely, transparent but deliciously warm sounds. I'm writing a short piece which borrows from a cue in his score for "The Theory of Everything." I began with an identical orchestration but because of the diferences in the meter and trajectory of my experiment, I'm having to find my own answers to moving forward. I'm trying to push the evolution of imitation to personal sound in each attempt. Sorry I went on but perhaps it's of interest to others. Cheers!

[@downyc]

I just watched this, again, today. It's always an inspiring bit of counseling. Thanks, Chris!

[@peachhead1928]

There is so much wisdom in this 14:29sec.. That could be applied to all arenas of life and professions...this will become a new Fave.."Be yourself, Everyone else is taken" about knock me down.. Thank you so much..very inspiring..Cheers..

[@CullenVance]

One of my favorite KZbin videos. I come back to it again and again whenever I’m feeling wobbly. Thank you so much Christian

[@Ben_Crido]

Absolutely sage advise. Not just for musicians and composers, for everyone in any career.

[@joseph_deane_]

i watch this every few months. always great to watch i think.

[@gtugland]

Wow! This is pure Gold, Christian!

[@myllerfilm]

Being a self employed creative for 27 years (not as a music composer) I have to say, this is the most profound, concise advise for everyone who wants to make it in any sort of creative business.

[@4playpa769]

Made me think, smile, laugh, and restart a project. Perfect. Couldn't ask for more. Thanks!

[@AdrianEllis]

Beauty! The Christian Henson difference: great advice offered by a foul-mouthed Poet Laureate. There's always at least one turn of phrase or metaphor that makes me laugh out loud. Timing on the advice re: stemming out before sitting on the beach couldn't be more timely. Thanks for 100 fantastic entries - and here's to many more!

[@SergioValenzuela]

The right words, the right time. Thanks so much for this hilarious and inspiring gem.

[@nolli159]

Wow, I'm floored by how helpful and clear this is. A massive, massive thank you

[@IsaiahGrande]

I will never be a film composer due to many reasons. However this content is still great for myself and everyone else. Please keep them coming!

[@hiqwertyhi]

"don't drink to much. and when you do drink, drink the good shit. don't take too many drugs. and if you do, take the good shit" love it

[@MrPlayerPerson]

The 100 Do's & Don'ts - Fantastic advice and it can pretty much apply to a lot of different disciplines and careers. Remember, "common sense" isn't very common anymore!

[@simonpoole2352]

This is probably the single best video to watch for any composer at any stage in their career. Now i'm going outside for a run.

[@chromaticsamples7788]

Christian, your channel is so much of what so many of us students out here look for to hear and understand in music. Thank you so much for your work into these videos, they have enriched my life and given me more structure to how to lead the next few years of my life to give my best attempt to become a media composer. -Alden

[@gregoryivesdolbyatmosmusic]

Thanks Christian! Finally joined. Had an issue with My Google Account, now fixed-:) Been there on this one you said. Enjoying life for sure and loving what i do! ALSO thanks for all of the wonderful libraries and good wisdom which confirms my beliefs!

[@MarioLucianAndreano]

Binging your videos now, where the f... were all these absolutely awesome/inspirational/informative/entertaining videos when I was starting out as a media composer??? Now I'm getting back in the business so I truly feel blessed for having discovered this channel. Please keep doing videos like this!

[@JeffMarkeyMusic]

I really appreciate your candor and openness, Christian. Highly relatable and obviously a good dude. Cheers!

[@Dynasty62752]

"Be yourself, because everyone else is taken." Brilliant!

[@Lightweaverfilms]

"Do you really need to quantise that?. Did you click save?" 😂 Brilliant episode Christian.

[@getkilted]

The best video, on the best channel, on KZbin. No doubt. And definitely don't send emails after a Peroni or too (remember that one? Still makes me smile).

[@russell_szabados]

I love this video. I come back around every few months and watch it again.

[@FrancescoPirrone]

Met Christian at GMC 2015, nice man....and over the years even though I never bought any of the Spitfire Audio stuff I came back to some of the tutorials because they're really useful...... but tonight I really needed to hear the "don't kill yourself" bit multiple times because it really is crucial.....maybe you're working another job too to pay the bills and killing yourself, your relationships and all to make that music....or maybe you are freelancing full time for the first time ever and hadn't had a day off in months.....these things aren't good ideas and it's really important to treat yourself well and if you don't treat yourself well nobody will....your client won't respect you any more for killing yourself, it doesn't make you look successful or hard working or anything....you will just look stressed, tired and distracted.... thanks Christian, I really needed to hear this tonight...... 👍

[@AL.N-music]

How can I give this a thousand thumbs up??? Awesome reminder to common senses that escapes a looot of us for reasons unknown.

[@DZPianoMusic]

I typically save composing and career videos, to watch them later, when time permits. But something told me watch this NOW. It was spectacular. Entertaining, Engaging, and Inspiring. Christian, I thank you more than I can express ...

[@christianrooversmusic]

I love your perspective on music. I always appreciate it!

[@powerbastion1083]

Thank you Chris - you are too generous in what you give

[@benfrancemusic]

Love it Christian! Here's to many hundred more great vlogs!

[@marklegrand2277]

You forget to mentionned that noboby should upgrade his operating system in the middle of a proect.

[@blu5018]

@John Paesano

[@botulf4908]

This is simply one of the best advice “tutorials” ever! I’ve just managed to save up and buy the British Drama Toolkit, Spitfire Audio are the best company around, such a diverse group of people creating amazing tools.

[@audioembassy]

A brilliant, honest, informing and inspiring channel Christian, thank you. I think I chuckled every single one of those 'don'ts' that I too have done.

[@tumbee111]

Thank you for sharing you wisdom Christian! You're a truly a source of inspiration.

[@swiftbot]

Congrats on 100! Brilliant video. So happy this channel exists.

[@thobraa]

Great tips! Fantastic delivery! Not the least, genuine. New fan.

[@BenjiFlow13]

Very entertaining vid. Good wisdom and funny too. I watched it a couple times.

[@markusfuller]

Thanks Christian, Very true about operating systems, been there done that.

[@Pipe_music]

Gracias Christian por tu generosidad, es un gran tesoro este vídeo. Un gran abrazo y mis mejores deseos.

[@jeanchile9117]

Wow. Love this one. Thank you for your contributions to this world of media composition and congratulations on all the success you have achieved.

[@cbewk]

Congrats, Christian! I often pimp your channel as a life coaching seminar for independent creatives as much as it is for composing. This is why. All of us appreciate all of the technical and non-technical advice. Cheers!

[@vroge3275]

Standing ovation :) Pearls of hard earned wisdom. Thank you.

[@enifyako]

I'm going to have to construct a scheduler that reminds me to watch this video again every month or so. Hats off, this is so chock full of wisdom.

[@hypoidsound]

Mr. Henson...your my hero ;-) Fun AND helpful tips for the less heard/watched of us. Can’t remember how I ended up here, but glad I did!

[@halcyondaystunes]

Absolutely brilliant....So many things in there that I relate to and do but also tons of stuff I haven't thought of. Thank you for sharing Christian I am going to holding onto this video. As for your midlife crisis, you haven't stated your intros with "what is happening You Tube " So you are doing ok :)

[@jurymusic1]

Your generosity is unparalleled.Thank you so much I have watched every episode.

[@PotentStudios]

Such an inspiration. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@StephenGallagher101]

Gold. Thank you for your continued generosity, Mr Henson.

[@etsuviolin]

Such a good reminder to come back to. Thanks Christian! :)

[@SeraphymMusic]

DON'T UPGRADE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM IN THE MIDDLE OF A PROJECT!!! This is wisdom at it's finest!

[@asongaday5920]

Loved this!! This was awesome and hilarious! I’d like to see a full segment of how you start your ideas that are just a few notes from scratch to a full fleshed out song! That would be awesome to watch even if it will be hours long! Keep it up man!

[@NedBouhalassaVideos]

Fantastic resource, excellent choice for number 100 - congrats! And THANKS!

[@CharlieFisherMusic]

This is possibly the best video on our industry I've ever watched. Easily a 9+ on IMDB lol. Thank you Christian, so much tends to go unsaid. Onwards and upwards :)

[@daveholt8208]

Great advice. Extremely funny. Loved it. Thanks Christian 😃

[@antyja]

Thank you for 100 (?) fantastic videos. In my humble opinion this is the best channel on KZbin, thanks for sharing so much insight.

[@leurahome]

This is one of the best videos on the internet, I will be coming back when I forget what to do

[@michaelmccarter-crellin8548]

Wonderful Christian. For the younger media composers just starting out, these are very helpful tips.

[@carlstephenkoto619]

Congrats CH! This was the perfect Sunday treat.

[@Txemacabria_compositor]

Really enjoyed your advices, quite inspiring and honest, thanks for sharing

[@MichaelJVanecekWrites]

I have this sudden urge to upgrade my operating system in the middle of a project.

[@SH1KHAR]

what was the price 😂

[@2112ZOZ]

Congrats, Christian. This channel has quickly become a "must watch" for me. So many great nuggets of wisdom in this episode and lots of laughs too. I appreciate that. Cheers, mate.

[@achillesamusic]

6:24 I'm so dead with that sequence

[@chadb1000]

Congrats on this milestone Christian! These films are brilliant and something I look forward to. Well done!

[@KristopherMichael7463]

This video is absolutely amazing!1 I am at a place where I really needed to hear this......I just want you to know how much you pushed me....God , Thank You!!

[@abemillettmusic]

This is the best advice on composing I’ve EVER seen.

[@Domsabl91]

Really my favorite video that every one should watch every morning 🙃 so much fun and right....🙏

[@eiqj19]

Great 100th video. Thank you for all the teachings.

[@tomkorolukmusic]

Congratulations on 100 films Christian. I've watched everyone. Your advice is priceless to those in this industry. Here's to another 100 films . 🍻🍻

[@DaveToneMusic]

Just had a re-watch of this and wanted to say thanks again for your wonderful work and the wisdom and simple humanity of the years of experience shared here. You're a good man, and that comes across first and lends credence and heft to your work. Thanks again!

[@thomasmcgill6918]

Recently discovered your channel. Your videos are so much fun. Very creative and educational...

[@benedictnichols1539]

Love the 'add 12 months' for game scores. So true.

[@cathiltz]

This took an unexpectedly emotional turn, thank you for reminding me who an artist is and what they do. Thanks for the rest, good advice!

[@BenTinker]

Happy 100 Mr Henson! Congrats! Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge, it has helped me enormously. I can’t wait for the next 100!

[@Ucontemporary]

One of the best episodes!

[@galacticecho7027]

Hey, Christian, we actually happened to talk on the spitfire customer support chat not that long ago. I was looking at your Albion One pack for a business plan and you complimented me as being the first musician you had heard of doing such a thing. Anyhow, thanks so much for all the advice and encouragement. Your videos have been an inspiration for me to actually try and make some money at music. But, as to the last few minutes of your video where you are saying that you need to maintain a proper work-life balance so that your family can see you. Well, I have a family and I am wondering how it is that I should be keeping a healthy distance from my work when it sounds like so many folks in the industry seem to have a "work like a dog" mentality. This is something that seems to be a problem in many modern industries and I think the science bears out that this just doesn't work out for us as human beings, health-wise. It seems as if you can hamstring yourself pretty badly by having the mentality that you need to be there for your dependents. Or is it more that you have had an opinion change on this recently in your life and are working on trying to be different in an industry that largely finds dependents as inconvenient? Do I just need to be diplomatic about saying "No" to opportunities? It seems this hasn't generally hurt your brother in his ventures as a video game composer. Sorry, btw, I know that this is an "old news" post so to speak, but, it would be great to hear more on this. Thanks so much again, it is because of your encouragement and a generous friend who introduced me, that I have recently had an amazing opportunity to actually start talking with an established video game composer and start getting advice and begin my sojourn of networking into the industry. Merry Christmas and I hope the new year finds you and yours happy, healthy and refreshed.

[@crichtonmusic]

I watch this regularly. Helps a great deal.

[@e.g.systems6146]

Congratulations on the 100th vid, and as always thanks for making me smile (several times) as you prove that the best advice always comes from people who have lived it first!

[@tam_ryan1036]

Bloody hell! Missed this one among all the others. Desiderata for composers......and anyone else really. Cheers Christian.

[@nordic2818]

lovely stuff. Watched these before, but just going over your videos again cause they give me a lot of inspiration

[@RohannvanRensburg]

Daily dose of life advice and inspiration -- check! Thanks Christian, as always.

[@rocknets]

Most of this advise applies to life as a whole, especially the bit about not upgrading your operating system in the middle of a project.

[@adammccready2975]

Thanks very much Christian. We are roughly the same age and its only in the past couple of years I have reached some of the same conclusions re: work/life balance and what the really important things are. Agree totally about making time for reflection too. Being away from the computer and letting the mind wander a bit while I let my dog do the navigating has reaped some surpising, inspiring rewards.