Composing / Arranging / Songwriting

Taking the decision to follow his instincts has elevated Julian Bunetta to the top rank of contemporary songwriters and producers.

A signal gate is really just a fancy on/off swich — and an inspiring creative tool for modifying existing sequences and creating new ones.

Hit‑Boy’s freewheeling production style has made him one of the hottest producers in the USA.

Do you find yourself reverting to the same familiar chords? Technology can help...

The amazing success of the Barbie movie was powered by its music. Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt were the producers, songwriters and composers who helped to turn the world pink.

These audio files accompany the Power Up Your MIDI Arpeggiators article in SOS December 2023 edition.

Using only the tools built into your DAW, you can turn your arpeggiations into complex, engaging sequences.

We explain how to create MIDI string arrangements that don’t sound like MIDI string arrangements!

These audio files accompany the Faking A String Section In Your DAW workshop in SOS July 2023 issue.

Adding a horn section to your productions can bring everything from mellow melancholy to verve and excitement.

We’re used to playing and sequencing synth parts in our productions, but why not sing them as well?

Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould’s unique vision of Albuquerque required a unique approach to the score...

We all know you can score a movie or compose a symphony from the comfort of your DAW, but what can orchestral sample libraries do for other genres of music?

Writing lyrics is often said to be the hardest aspect of songwriting. Berklee College of Music Professor Pat Pattison has been teaching people to do it better for decades. Read his advice...

The epic soundtrack to the Guardians Of The Galaxy video game is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a single composer. In our exclusive feature, Richard Jacques describes how he created nearly six hours of high-impact orchestral music

Successful songwriters and producers explain how to adapt your skills to the massive Far Eastern market.

Gaming is a huge industry, and the thriving indie sector provides plenty of opportunities for new composers.

Across 17 years and eight albums, Field Music have become one of Britain’s best-loved guitar bands. They’ve also evolved a...

We look at the history, the theory and the practice of making electronic music without a computer.

What does it take to transform a composer's sample-based demo into a form that real musicians can read and play?

Dubai welcomed in 2019 with one of the biggest spectacles ever staged. Dom Jones created the epic soundtrack.