How To Use Your Superpower (with Nathan Toft)
In this episode of the 52 Cues podcast, Dave Kropf discusses production music challenges with Nathan Toft, a trombonist and winner of the "What's Your Superpower?" Composer Quest. Nathan shares his journey, trombone integration, and genre versatility. They also highlight leveraging unique skills and effective project management.
Mastering Production Music: Insights from Trombonist Nathan Toft
In the latest episode of the 52 Cues podcast, Dave Kropf sits down with Nathan Toft, a talented trombonist and winner of the "What's Your Superpower?" Composer Quest. Nathan shares his journey into the world of production music, offering valuable insights and tips for aspiring composers. From leveraging unique musical talents to managing complex projects, this episode is packed with practical advice.
The Journey into Production Music
Nathan's foray into production music began during the pandemic when he discovered Reaper and started experimenting with sound recording. Initially using it to improve his trombone skills, Nathan soon realized the vast potential of digital audio workstations (DAWs). His persistent search for authentic brass samples led him to discover the vibrant community of production music composers, including influencers like Dave Kropf and Stevie B.
Leveraging Unique Musical Skills
One of Nathan's standout qualities is his ability to seamlessly integrate the trombone into his music. Despite the challenges of recording in a home studio, Nathan's innovative use of the instrument has led to the creation of distinctive tracks. His album "Funnybone Streets" features the trombone in a variety of styles, blending traditional sounds with modern production techniques.
Overcoming Challenges in Music Production
Nathan discusses the challenges of finding appropriate times to record trombone tracks, given the constraints of a home environment. He emphasizes the importance of arranging music thoughtfully, often adapting his initial keyboard compositions once he begins recording with the trombone. This meticulous approach ensures that each track maintains a high level of authenticity and musicality.
Project Management and Time Budgeting
Dave and Nathan delve into the importance of effective project management and time budgeting. Dave shares his strategy of tackling major tasks early in the week to free up mental space and creativity for later. This approach, inspired by Mark Twain's "eat the frog" philosophy, helps in managing stress and maintaining productivity.
Exploring New Musical Horizons
Nathan's versatility is further showcased in his work on diverse projects, including heavy metal cello tracks and sound design for pulse tension cues. His ability to adapt and experiment with different genres and instruments highlights the importance of continuous learning and innovation in the field of production music.
Conclusion
This episode of the 52 Cues podcast provides a comprehensive look at the journey of a production music composer. Nathan Toft's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of this industry. Whether you're an aspiring composer or a seasoned professional, there's plenty to learn from Nathan's approach to music production and project management.
For more insights and tips on production music, be sure to subscribe to the 52 Cues podcast and join the 52 Cues community. Explore workshops, live streams, and feedback sessions designed to help you elevate your music production skills.
In-Depth, Supportive Feedback: You'll receive an MP4 video critique packed with professional advice from Dave Kropf. He’ll focus on feedback that will help you refine your track for placement standards. Use Dave’s tailored guidance to not only improve this track but also to refine your overall compositional approach!