CV
Introduction
I am a media composer and producer who writes music for adverts, film, TV and games.
Ambition
I love music and my ambition is to be recognised professionally whilst successfully building a career (and living) which touches on as many different aspects of the music industry as possible. I enjoy the challenge of engaging with new genres, technologies and distribution media, alongside the emotional and creative attributes of music to tell a story.
Musical Development
My ability in composition was hugely developed at university as a great deal of emphasis was put on critically listening to music and analysing compositional characteristics. One of my first attempts at writing music to video was when I was asked by students from the Department of Theatre, Film & Television to compose music for the final scene of their short film, an emotional farewell between father and son who was sent off to fight in WW2. The film was nominated for a Royal Television Society Yorkshire Student Award for Best Drama.
I get huge satisfaction in researching, understanding, and putting into practice new techniques and technologies, which is increasingly important in the ever-changing world where staying current is imperative. I have spent time writing music to adverts as part of my portfolio, to demonstrate my ability to write engaging music that enhances the visuals. You can find these examples in my portfolio here.
This demonstrates my desire to learn, and self motivate myself to complete tasks that will improve my skill set. These attributes mean I can compose in a variety of genres, from orchestral scores to house tracks.
Music Production Libraries
I have recently been writing for music production libraries such as No Sheet Music and Boost Music, where I have been given briefs to compose in a variety of styles, from tense cinematic, atmospheric beats, and calm reflective music. Thanks to my ability to critically analyse music, and my proficiency on a variety of instruments including guitar, keyboard, violin, clarinet, bass guitar and ukulele, I can analyse a new genre and produce a high quality track very efficiently. An example of an album I have written for a production library can be found in the link below:
Cool Contemplative Album - No Sheet Music
Other examples of my work for production libraries can be found on the Music page of my website.
Film
I am in the process of working on a short animated film by artist and director Joanna Korus called ‘Once Upon O’Clock’, the story of a young girl who has long admired the family heirloom, but in an attempt to finally hold this clock she drops and breaks it. She and her grandfather then go on an enchanted journey to fix the broken clock. The director has asked for an orchestral score, with a modernised Disney style. The project is set to be complete in the second half of 2023.
Another project I have recently started work on is a horror film called ‘Wiccan’ directed by Martin Handsley.
Communication and People Skills
These projects have been acquired as a result of attending networking events for filmmakers and industry professionals, events where my people skills and ability to make connections have been incredibly important. I am not afraid to talk to people I don’t know, and strive to make a friendly and professional first impression. I very much enjoy the process of working collaboratively, and always welcome feedback from the director or producer to ensure the final score enhances the visuals as much as possible.
Independent Musician
Since graduating, I have extended my skills as a songwriter, producer and performer to write and release my EP ‘Stories Left Untold’ which was featured on a BBC York radio show. I was later interviewed on the same show and performed 2 songs live with my backing band on the radio.
All music written under my artist name George Wilks can be found from the links at the bottom of this document. My music is inspired by artists such as Jamie Cullum, Coldplay, Tom Misch, Sam Wills and Rhys Lewis and is a mixture of pop, jazz, soul and R&B.
This project provided an opportunity to research and use social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube) and the principles of marketing and business decision-making. My presence on these platforms led to become a featured performing artist on a ‘Tango’ delivering streams in a regular slot every week.
Working In a Team
As an independent musician I have proven myself to be a self-starter, and an excellent independent worker, but I have missed the opportunity of working collaboratively with others.
As a founder of a function band, I am used to organising rehearsals, establishing setlist’s, ensuring the quality of our performances, and developing marketing materials. I have also worked with the film crew providing on-set sound recording for a short independent film called ‘Initiation’ which will shortly be released. Whilst not experienced in this work, I drew on my previous experience in field recording from university, knowledge of studio sound equipment, and my willingness to research and learn, prior to the shoot to allow me to work to a high level.
As well as composing for media, a prominent aspect of my current workload includes coaching and mentoring developing musicians, both young and old, in person and online. I enjoy sharing my experience and seeing talented people becoming accomplished musicians.
What Can I Do For You?
I am keen to bring my creative and technical skills to a wider range of work, adding value to your projects and services. My hope is that my goal of providing exceptional and highly regarded music will reinforce your reputation of creating high quality music for a variety of situations. My work is not a chore: my day begins and ends with music.