Dear Friends,

I just returned to Miami from a great ASCAP Expo in LA. It was my first time in California and Los Angeles, and I had an amazing time.  During the Expo, I met hundreds and hundreds of aspiring singer/songwriters, producers, composers, and a bunch of vendors selling everything from how to further your career to the latest in orchestral samples from London.

There were some great panels dealing with music supervisors and how they use one’s music in tv and film, a great panel on how to get started (and/or continue) writing jingles, film scoring feedback panel that allowed participants to receive feedback from top-tier composers in the industry.

In addition to meeting some great expo participants, I also met some already established composers like God of War composer Gerard Marino, Trevor Morris, John Dickson, and Mark Isham.  All were great and provided great insight into the world of scoring for film, tv, and games.  My goal is to work with these gentlemen in the near the future.  Just have to keep on truckin’.

In essence, I learned a lot from this trip.  I learned that I’m not alone in my pursuit of my musical endeavors, I learned that Los Angeles is a vibrant city full of great people, wonderful culture, and of course, the film/tv industry, and that I definitely want to move there as soon as possible!

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my good friends Jamie Conviser, a high school piano/producer friend of mine that I have not seen since our college days.  Jamie is incredible – she was able to allow me to hear a recording at Capitol Records with the best string section in town.  Jamie now works for Disney.  It was a real treat and I’m so appreciative – thank you Jamie!!

Bruce Kiesling is my good friend from college.  He’s an amazing conductor for the LA Youth Symphony and other orchestras, pianist, and all-around great buddy!  We haven’t seen each other in 10 years and when we met for dinner it’s like no time has passed.  He is also a film composer, please check out his work by clicking here.

Lastly, Sydney Guillaume is another college friend and amazing choral composer.  He receives worldwide commissions and travels literally, all the time, for his world premieres.  Click here to listen to Sydney’s work.

Thank you to all my friends and I can’t wait to return to Los Angeles!

Thanks for reading,

- Nick

New TV Spot featuring my very own superhero music! I enjoyed writing this one! Please share and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more upcoming music!

I‘ll be visiting Los Angeles for the upcoming ASCAP Expo.  A place where composers, songwriters, and other music creatives gather to be invigorated and inspired.  Can’t wait to see my favorite film composers in all the panels, and of course, NETWORK!

Here are a few tips for networking for the Expo.  They might seem simple and common-sense, but most of us DON’T DO THEM! 

#1 – PUT AWAY THE IPHONE.  TURN OFF THE ANDROID.  GET YOUR FACE OUT OF FACEBOOK!

“Why in the world would he say this, ” you ask?  Because the Expo is a place to meet people – IN PERSON!  To talk, to socialize, to network.  If you have your face buried in your phone there goes that missed opportunity that could turn in the next big project.  I mean once you establish that connection, exchange info, preferably a businesscard, maybe take pic and post on Facebook later – maybe during some down time.  You’ll survive without your phone for a while!   

#2 – BRING YOUR MUSIC – LEAVE THE JEWEL BOXES AT HOME!

Put yourself in the shoes of a big music exec/decision-maker.  You go to these things and people throw their CDs basically at you.  Try to be subtle.  Use your charm.  Take advantage of your elevator pitch.  Make sure you rehearse this pitch before actually meeting someone of this level.  Try describing yourself in 3-5 ways.  For instance, if you’re a film composer you can say something like:  “My name is _____ and I’m a film composer.  My sound is similar to _____ (insert favorite composer(s)).  You can modify this, but it usually works since music people can relate to sounds and people they know.   Also, about the CD thing.  I usually bring my phone with mp3s of my music and an extra pair of headphones.  If I charm someone enough to listen, they usually say, “Can I use those headphones to listen to your music?”  And BANG!  It works! 

#3 – BE YOURSELF!

Trying to be someone else or an imitation will not work.  Be yourself, be charming, be confident, and above all show these qualities when entering a room.  Convince yourself and you’ll have people coming up to you.  Some of us have problems with big crowds and I had my share of problems approaching people, but in this social business, one has to learn to get over this and become a people-person.  Keep working on it and you’ll be great! 

Thanks for reading and hope to see you at the Expo.  Come over and say hi!!

Best,

NR

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