This episode of Sonic Storytellers is a replay of one of my most popular YouTube videos about using “The Zelda Chord.”Koji Kondo has a very distinct style and harmonic texture, especially in the Zelda games. In this tutorial, I distill his tec

SS23: How POSITIVE Networking will MULTIPLY your Custom Music Business Gigs

May 31st, 2018 5m 26s

In the last episode of Sonic Storytellers, we talked about setting rates for custom music. This, of course, begs the question: How do you find people who are willing to do business with you in the first place?The key is building relationships

SS22: 3 Best Ways to CHARGE $$$ for Custom Music!

May 24th, 2018 10m 48s

Most composers feel uncomfortable talking about money & rates, but it’s important to charge for what your time is worth! Here are 3 tried-and-true methods for getting past the barriers of rate discussions when charging for custom music!▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

SS21: 3 Tips to Prepare for a Film SPOTTING Session

May 17th, 2018 7m 59s

If you’re a film composer, then you understand the significance of elevating the picture with your music. In order to accomplish this, it’s imperative to prepare properly for the film spotting session and impress the film team.The spotting ses

SS20: Creating beautiful SNES piano sounds with ONE plugin!

May 10th, 2018 10m 21s

Today on Sonic Storytellers I continue to explore the Koji plugin by It Might Get Loud Productions. The amount of out-of-the-box piano sounds in this plugin is unbelievable and with a few clicks, I recreate some of the most memorable melodies o

SS19: The ZELDA Chord – How to Compose Music in the Style of Koji Kondo’s Soundtracks

May 1st, 2018 12m 48s

Today on Sonic Storytellers, I thought I’d bring back one of my most popular pieces of content: a deep-dive into the music theory behind iconic pieces in the Zelda series.Implement the techniques I outline in this episode to add more fantasy a

SS18: Sonic Storytellers 5 DAYS Album Release Party! (LIVESTREAM REPLAY)

Apr 26th, 2018 2h 29m

Recently, I issued a challenge to the members of the Sonic Storytellers Facebook Group: Compose 5 tracks in 5 days… one track per day, in ONE sitting.I was blown away by the response. From expressive piano ballads to tense electronic soundscap

SS17: How Valuable Is An ASSISTANT As A Music Composer?

Apr 19th, 2018 24m 26s

“If your dream doesn’t require a team, your dream is too small.” -Michael HyattThese days, being a freelance composer means you need to be an entrepreneur. Like all businesses, growth can only happen when you scale, which inevitably requires h

SS16: Reaching MILLIONS through TV, Advertising, & Film Music – with Avery Berman (Elevate Audio)

Mar 29th, 2018 29m 29s

Elevate Audio ▸ http://www.elevate-audio.comAvery Berman ▸ http://www.averyberman.comIn this rapid-fire interview with Avery Berman of Elevate Audio, we explore how he and his co-founder business partner Will Manning have achieved incredible

SS15: YOU’RE AN IDIOT If Your Music Isn’t on Spotify!

Mar 22nd, 2018 22m 9s

Spotify is the #1 streaming platform and streaming is now 51% of all income in the music industry! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Get your music on Spotify and make some real $$$! Here’s my journey to 500k streams and why that’s only the BEGINNING!

SS14: How VALUABLE Are Music Composer Internships?

Mar 15th, 2018 14m 34s

How VALUABLE Are Music Composer Internships? Should you be actively seeking these out? Short answer – MAYBE! Let’s chat about WHEN internships / assistantships are the RIGHT answer and HOW to take advantage of these incredible opportunities! I’

SS13: Elevating Film Stories Through MUSIC – with Filmmaker & Composer Nicholas Kirk

Mar 1st, 2018 48m 37s

Follow Nick on Instagram ▸ @nicholaskirkCheck out Nick’s films & music ▸ http://www.whitestonemp.comORIGINAL DELETED John Williams’ score of Star Wars: A New Hope “Binary Sunset” scene ▸ https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxQSwI5aPja9VHQ5aXpZTD

SS12: How to Find Your FIRST Custom Music Job for Film, TV, & Video Games!

Feb 22nd, 2018 12m 23s

Listen to Sonic Storytellers episode 10 to hear the full interview with game composer Chris Porter!Check out my courses on how to compose + produce music for Film, TV, & Video Games! 90% discounts from website! ▸ http://www.stevenmelin.com/cou

SS10: How to Be A SUCCESSFUL Music Composer Living ANYWHERE In the World! – with Chris Porter

Feb 15th, 2018 48m 17s

Check out more of Chris Porter’s music ▸ https://www.cportermusic.comCheck out my courses on how to compose + produce music for Film, TV, & Video Games! 90% discounts from website! ▸ http://www.stevenmelin.com/coursesMy top 2018 recommendatio

SS11: Does COLLEGE Education Matter As A Film, TV, & Video Game Composer?

Feb 8th, 2018 9m 42s

Check out my courses on how to compose + produce music for Film, TV, & Video Games! 90% discounts from website! ▸ http://www.stevenmelin.com/coursesMy top 2018 recommendations for Music Gear including my favorite budget keyboard, headphones, &

SS09: How to INCREASE Your Custom Music Rates TODAY!

Jan 31st, 2018 14m 10s

How to write a FAST & FREE Custom Music CONTRACT! ▸ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QNSRL_yJ-kFREE Music Business Udemy Course ▸ https://www.udemy.com/business-101-the-modern-film-tv-game-music-composerCheck out my courses on how to compose

SS08: How to Deal with Creative Burnout – with Matt Kenyon

Jan 9th, 2018 50m 30s

Adam Neely and his Meaningless Berklee Senior Recital ▸ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPPbdVl8X_4Check out my courses on how to compose + produce music for Film, TV, & Video Games! 90% discounts from website! ▸ http://www.stevenmelin.com/cou

SS07: Essential Music Gear for Composers and the Best Order to Acquire

Jan 2nd, 2018 20m 12s

SS06: Top Video Game Music Business Questions

Dec 28th, 2017 44m 21s

SS05: 5 Daily Habits for Personal Growth As A Storyteller

Dec 21st, 2017 17m 41s

SS04: 2018 Gear Guide for Building Your Music Business

Dec 21st, 2017 1h 21m

Follow along with the blog article: https://medium.com/@stevenmelin/2018-gear-guide-for-building-your-music-business-ff5db5f3ccb8Check out my courses on how to compose + produce music for Film, TV, & Video Games! 90% discounts from website! ▸