Coming Up Through the Ranks with Guest Jonas Friedman
Name-brand composers often employ teams of ghost writers and composers assistants to help get their projects over the finish line. While an accomplished film/TV composer himself, Jonas Friedman joins me today to talk about his experiences in the industry and how often times paying your dues can really pay off.
00:00 - Intro & Welcome
02:10 - Interview with Jonas Friedman
14:08 - What advice can we offer composers who might feel taken advantage of?
20:26 - A day in the life of a composer's assistant
24:25 - Do you have to live in L.A. to work in the film music business?
32:00 - Jonas talks about mentoring and teaching aspiring composers
41:03 - Authenticity in composing
48:24 - Where can folks learn more about Jonas?
49:53 - Outro & How You Can Support 52 Cues!
More about Jonas Friedman:
https://www.youtube.com/@jonasfriedman
https://www.modernmediacomposer.com/
https://www.jonasfriedman.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonasfriedmanmusic
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Episode Summary
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In the latest episode of our podcast, we sit down with Jonas Friedman, a successful film/TV composer who has lent his talents to significant projects like Alita, Battle Angel, Halo, and The New Mutants. Our enlightening conversation unveils his fascinating journey from producing music for bands and pop artists to creating sound masterpieces for film and television.
Jonas takes us behind the scenes, shedding light on the daily grind of a composer's assistant, ranging from clerical duties to MIDI programming, and the thrilling opportunities to write additional music. The entertainment industry is a broad canvas, with different forms of currency, from the tangible cash to the intangible relationships, networking, experience, and connections. Jonas' experiences emphasize the value of understanding the industry, tempering expectations, and the persistence of issues despite the existence of unions.
Working in the music industry, especially in a remote setup, presents unique challenges. In our conversation, Jonas talks about the pros and cons of working from home versus being on-site in the studio. He underscores the importance of having the same set-up and sound libraries to work remotely and how tools like Museo can ease collaboration.
But beyond the technicalities, being on-site with fellow assistants and composers provides invaluable experiences. As Jonas puts it, the learning experiences from being on-site for him were irreplaceable. These experiences are critical for anyone seeking to grow and make a mark in the music industry.
Finally, we dive into the creative process behind YouTube videos, highlighting the importance of setting high standards and the power of collaboration and hard work. It's a testament to the multifaceted nature of the music industry and the varying avenues for creative expression.
The podcast episode with Jonas Friedman is a treasure trove of insights and lessons for anyone aspiring to navigate the music industry. It paints a vivid picture of the industry's inner workings and the role of a composer's assistant in creating the melodies that echo on the silver screen.
Whether you're an aspiring composer, a music enthusiast, or just curious about the inner workings of the film music industry, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an immersive journey into the heart of the entertainment industry and a peek into the life of a composer's assistant.
