How to Be Industrial Music Composer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 13, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Industrial music composers use a variety of electronic instruments to create unique, experimental sounds and rhythms. Their compositions often incorporate elements of metal, punk, and ambient music, resulting in a fusion of styles that can be both powerful and unsettling. By manipulating and combining these sounds, industrial music composers can create an intense atmosphere and evoke strong emotions.

This type of music has been used in many different contexts, including film scores, video games, and even fashion shows. It has grown in popularity over the years and continues to influence a variety of genres, from hip hop to pop. Industrial music composers often rely on sound synthesis, sampling, and studio production techniques to create their art, and their knowledge of sound engineering and audio software is essential to creating quality tracks.

Steps How to Become

Learn how to play an instrument. It is important to be able to play an instrument if you want to compose industrial music. Develop your skills in playing guitar, bass, piano, synthesizer, and/or drums.
Learn how to use music production software. Digital audio workstations (DAWs) are essential to composing industrial music. Learn how to use popular programs such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and Reason.
Learn how to mix and master. Mixing is the process of blending different sound elements together in order to make them sound good together. Mastering is the process of optimizing the final mix for a specific purpose, such as radio airplay or an album release.
Practice composing. Create different musical pieces and experiment with different sounds and genres. This will help you to develop your own unique style and sound signature.
Listen to industrial music. Listen to a variety of industrial music from various artists to get a better understanding of the genre and its history.
Connect with other musicians and industry professionals. Networking is key in the music industry. Reach out to other musicians, producers, engineers, and industry professionals who may be able to help you get your music heard or collaborate on a project.
Promote your music. Create a website or social media page to promote your music and connect with potential fans. You can also consider submitting your music to blogs, radio stations, record labels, and other outlets that specialize in industrial music.

In order to remain up-to-date and competent as an industrial music composer, it is important to stay informed about new trends and technologies in the music industry. Keeping track of the latest advancements in production software, audio engineering techniques, and music industry news can help the composer stay ahead of the competition and be ready for the ever-evolving needs of the industry. Additionally, attending live shows, networking with other musicians, and experimenting with new sounds are all important ways to stay current and develop a unique style. With these methods, industrial music composers can ensure they remain cutting-edge and competitive.

You may want to check Hip-Hop Composer, Jazz Composer, and Pop Composer for alternative.

Job Description

Music Producer: Responsible for producing music, from recording and engineering audio to mixing and mastering.
Music Arranger: Responsible for arranging musical pieces for various instruments and vocalists.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Operator: Responsible for operating and programming digital audio workstations to create, record, and mix music.
Sound Designer: Responsible for creating sound effects and music for various projects.
Sequencer Programmer: Responsible for programming and sequencing music using software tools such as Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton Live.
Audio Technician: Responsible for setting up and operating audio equipment for live events, studio sessions, and recordings.
Live Performance Technician: Responsible for setting up and monitoring live performances of industrial music at festivals, clubs, or other venues.
Music Teacher: Responsible for teaching students the fundamentals of industrial music composition and production.
Music Supervisor: Responsible for selecting and coordinating the use of music in films, television shows, commercials, and other media projects.
Music Publisher: Responsible for protecting the rights of musicians by negotiating contracts with labels, publishers, and other organizations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of music theory
Ability to create original compositions
Understanding of various music production techniques
Proficiency in digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, or Ableton Live
Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of various sound equipment and software
Experience with synthesis and sampling, as well as sound design
Knowledge of different musical genres, particularly those related to industrial music
Ability to work with a variety of artists from different backgrounds
Knowledge of the music industry, including marketing and promotion
Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects at once

Industrial music composition is an art form that requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. Creativity, technical proficiency, and an understanding of the genres history and conventions are all essential for success. Creativity is necessary to come up with original ideas, while technical proficiency allows the composer to manipulate sound and create the desired effect.

It is also important to understand the genres history and conventions in order to draw inspiration from predecessors and craft a unique sound. knowledge of music theory and synthesis techniques can be useful in creating complex sounds and textures. Finally, having a broad appreciation of different musical styles can help the composer to develop their own unique sound.

These skills, when combined, can provide the composer with the ability to create industrial music that stands out from the crowd.

Ballet Composer, Electronic Music Composer, and Choral Composer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How did you get into composing industrial music?
What techniques do you use to create unique industrial music tracks?
How do you stay current on the latest developments in industrial music?
What techniques do you use to create different sounds and textures?
What are your favorite software tools for creating industrial music?
What challenges have you faced while composing industrial music?
How do you collaborate with other musicians to create industrial tracks?
How do you ensure that your industrial music is at its best quality?
What tips would you offer to someone who is just starting out in industrial music composition?
How have you used technology to help further the development of your industrial music compositions?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). A digital audio workstation (DAW) is a software program used to create, record, mix, and master music and other audio files. (eg: Pro Tools, FL Studio)
Synthesizers. A synthesizer is an electronic instrument used to create a wide range of sounds. (eg: Korg MS-20, Roland Jupiter 8).
Samplers. A sampler is an electronic instrument that records, edits, and plays back audio samples. (eg: Akai MPC60, Ensoniq ASR-10).
MIDI Controllers. A MIDI controller is a device used to control external musical instruments, such as synthesizers and drum machines. (eg: Novation Launchpad, M-Audio Axiom).
Drum Machines. A drum machine is a device that creates and plays back drum patterns. (eg: Roland TR-808, Vermona DRM1).
Effects Processors. An effects processor is a device used to modify audio signals in a variety of ways. (eg: Eventide H3000, Lexicon PCM80).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
Society of European Stage Authors & Composers (SESAC)
International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)
Association of Music Producers (AMP)
International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML)
International Music Producers Association (IMPA)
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
Music Producers Guild (MPG)
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)

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Common Important Terms

Arrangement. The way in which the different instruments, sounds and elements of a piece of music are organized and put together.
Production. The process of creating and recording a piece of music, including choosing the instruments and sounds, mixing, mastering and editing the audio.
Sampling. The process of recording and manipulating sound from a variety of sources and using them to create new sounds.
Synthesizer. An electronic instrument used to create and manipulate sounds.
Sequencer. A device used to program and arrange musical patterns, allowing for complex arrangements to be created.
MIDI. Short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a system used to connect electronic musical instruments and computers.
Mixing. The process of combining multiple audio tracks into one final track, often using EQs, compressors and other effects.
Mastering. The process of creating a finished version of a track ready for release, often involving equalization, compression and other effects.