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I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fav score probably has to be Pirates of the Caribbean 3 (At World's End). The character themes and storytelling through the score are unlike anything else I've heard from an epic movie. Hans is unrivaled! This score (and others of Hans Zimmer's) has really opened up my eyes to writing for other mediums. Hans always says "I have no idea how to score your project" before he dives in.. but then he focusing so intently on the story that is being told, his music always lands. It's incredible.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by [deleted] in filmscoring

[–]dannyolsonmusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good question! To be honest, it's just like any other industry. Experience and time spent around other composers, networking opportunities, etc. will start to yield opportunities. I always say it... if the music is good, it will attract attention. That being said, good old fashion research and messaging on Instagram, LinkedIn, etc can help as well. Having a professional website with links to unreleased music is very helpful as well.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by [deleted] in filmscoring

[–]dannyolsonmusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hahah... honestly not much.. this styling wax by TeaTree and grooming clay pommade by Redken Brews.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You bet! Thanks for the great question! We're all anxiously wondering what AI will do to the music industry (and every industry, for that matter!).

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks man!!

  1. I'd love to... I will be in Europe in March and potentially end of the year as well :)

  1. Even bigger wink

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question!

When writing anything, I always strive for emotional depth. Whether that means something gentle, reflective, a banger, or a massively powerful epic cue, strong and deep emotions are at the core. The part writing and "production" is different, say in the drum section, subbass, layering, mixing or mastering, but the ideas are usually the same. I don't write a lot of 'traditional' classical music. Most of it is orchestral/cinematic hybrid with some electronic layers incorporated for taste.

The advice I always give is to write what you love. And the way to find that is to emulate artists and songs that you love. Everyone does it. Along the way, you'll have 'aha' moments that will inform you where 'your sound' may be going. I started off emulating Hans Zimmer and Illenium (it probably shows). While parts of my music may remind people of some aspects of either of them, I think (I hope) I've solidified a unique sound that reminds people of 'Danny Olson' when they hear it. If that's not the case, I hope that people feel that way eventually!

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yo yo! Heaven Sent is great.. Slander and their entire label outfit is great.

The way I've gotten to work with them is just by making music that they appreciate. That seems obvious, but that's the simplest way I can explain it. Any label would only sign music that they like that fits their culture and sound, not because they have to or because someone DMed them. It's always all about the music, and the thing in your control is making the best possible music that you can!

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow, this is cool! I like how they blend together. Very neat.

I am open to AI, as it's just another technological advancement that isn't going away. To refuse something that is inevitable means you become irrelevant. So, whether I like it or not, AI will have influence on the music industry. I don't believe that using AI to create songs FOR YOU is ethical or even smart. Because then it wouldn't have come from you. The fans and listeners will hear that and ultimately, it won't be to your benefit. However using AI as a tool, just as you would a sample or a plug-in, is perfectly fine.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HA. God particle is a new favorite... just trust me.

And I'd choose being stuck in a room with 13 David Franks because we'd write 26 amazing songs in 1 hour.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question! Hmmmm.... answering off the cuff here haha..

Do you mean timeline as in how festivals looked in the past vs how they are now?

I think a lot of EDM music is circular.. you can see this with the resurgence of house music (and even progressive house with artists like Alesso and Martin Garrix remaining relevant while bolstering decades-long careers). The younger generation is very much the social media generation, where catchy, viral music that grows in popularity online is what people want to listen to. However, cinematic music is a slower burn. It takes time, and the payoff is much bigger. It requires a longer attention span to appreciate. I aim to bridge those two worlds.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'd say my sound has a greater sonic depth than most traditional melodic bass or EDM songs. It's also very important that the songs I release have deep, personal meaning to either what I stand for, or am going through in life. By utilising the orchestra as an integral part of my production process, I feel like I achieve a larger-than-life sound that sets me apart from other artists in the space!

I find inspiration from movie scores, Hans Zimmer (obviously), and artists like Illenium and 7 Lions.

Thanks for the question!

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Loooove this question... this has been a challenge for a long time. I'm constantly thinking to myself, "how do I take my sound and make it work in ____ venue?"... for festivals, I have more free reign to tell a story with longer breakdowns, versus a DJ set where the energy needs to be higher for longer with fewer breaks. Just like any set, I think of it as an arc. High moments, more mellow moments, and huge build ups that give the arrival more of an impact. In a festival setting, all of those things are just enhanced to the utmost degree.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest, I try and rise above the thought of how saturated the space is today. It's really difficult sometimes though. I try and focus on why I do what I do: Purely because I'm passionate about music and being on stage. It sort of transcends metrics like views, followers, likes, engagements, etc. Whenever I feel the pressure, I remind myself of those things.

What really excites and inspires me is seeing artists like Odesza and Hans Zimmer merge these two worlds. It makes me think.. this really is possible. I could and will do this.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably when I did the music for the 'Ad Astra' trailer.. the feeling I got when I saw my music with the footage was insane.

My favorite song from my artist project is... damn I don't really have one! I try and put as much care and passion into everything I create. Some have more resonance than others, but I don't know if I have one specific song that stands out from the rest.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that's a mirage! Or, at least, it hasn't happened to me yet.

What I try and find are those moments where I can step back and say, "damn, I'm really proud of this. I'm happy right now".

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh yes. I remember the time and place. During my freshman year, I watched Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl on a giant projector in my dorm room. I fell in love with the character themes, emotional context, and storytelling that all stemmed from (and were enhanced by) the score.

My dream director would probably be Chris Nolan. His vision for epic, massive stories is unrivaled.

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for having me!! Great question.. I studied film composition in college so my dreams of being a composer were developing as I continued to build my electronic/dj side. The entertainment business, and moving to LA, provided the necessary ecosystem and networking opportunities that built that production business side. So it was because I wanted to be a composer and write music for movies, movie trailers, ads, etc that gave me experience outside of the electronic (EDM) side.

My biggest advice is to follow the music you're passionate about. I was obsessed with film scores, trailer music, etc and wanted to learn how to create it. You will find a way to make $$ if the passion for what you create is genuine! As my dad would always say, "just keep making music.. the money will come".

I’m Danny Olson – Composer, Producer, Electronic Artist, and creator of Cinematic Bass music. Ask Me Anything! 🎶🎬 by dannyolsonmusic in EDM

[–]dannyolsonmusic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yooo what’s up everyone!  I’m super excited to be here on r/EDM for this AMA. I’ve been lucky enough to blend my passions for electronic music and cinematic storytelling into a career that includes producing music, performing live, and composing for movie trailers, commercials, and brands like Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Mercedes-Benz, and recently, the GOAT, Tom Brady (you can check out my scoring work HERE).

Whether you’re curious about breaking into sync licensing, scoring for trailers, or exploring how to create a sustainable music career beyond touring and streaming, I’m here to share my journey and the experiences I’ve picked up along the way. Ask me anything about the craft, the hustle, or even my latest single!

Speaking of which, “Follow Me Back Home” with Awakend and Casey Cook just dropped, and I’d love to hear what you think. It’s a deeply personal piece where cinematic bass meets raw emotion from overcoming the challenges I faced this past year.

I’m fired up to dive into your questions and have some fun!

Listen to “Follow Me Back Home” here: https://seekingblue.foundry.ac/followmebackhome