Last night I attended a meeting for composers of music that is generally used in Film and TV. You might be saying to yourself, now why would you do that Jody? The reason is, I’m doing stuff that goes to those mediums. I went to school for music and I learned that stuff, I’ve only used it in a limited amount so far. I’m interested in what happens with it because composers tend to get the short end of the stick and music is often what can make or break a production.
This is not the first time composers have attempted to ban together and get rights on a collective basis. However, in the past it has failed. Mostly because it was too ambitious with it’s demands. This time around all they are looking for is health insurance benefits for those of us who slave to create the right music for a production.
Oddly the one group that has taken an interest in helping composers is the Teamsters. They are a very strong union. Will it happen? I would have to say that based on the reactions I saw last night – yes.
Afterwards it was a trip to Canter’s Deli with a few fellow composers to chat about all things life and music. It was fun to sit and listen to stories of the other composers whom have worked on some major films and the horror stories that came from them.
Because of the nature of composing and how we music writers get treated I have to roll with a song called The Way We Get By. How bands will work into the scheme of movies and TV shows is yet to be seen. What do I dig about this particular song? The piano part. The hook of course is something you won’t easy pry from your head after you’ve heard it. Mostly because it gets said so many times. Though I will say it’s got some cool twists in it.
Think about the fact that you’ve got music to compliment your life.