INTRODUCTION

This portfolio presents original compositions spanning the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) genre, as well as compositions tailored for Film and TV. However, a subset of these compositions, namely 'Move Your Body', 'Out Of Reach', and 'Playing With Fire', were specifically crafted for a research project conducted at the University of Liverpool. This project focused on exploring the electro-pop, tech house, and progressive house genres in depth, aiming to dissect their aesthetic principles, structural intricacies, and sonic characteristics. The objective was to create music that authentically encapsulates the essence of each genre while meeting industry standards. Employing Logic Pro X as the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), I exclusively utilised stock plug-ins, samples, and sound libraries provided by Logic to ensure purity in the production process, eschewing third-party plug-ins or external samples. Vocal recordings were executed using contemporary techniques, with comparisons drawn between studio sessions at the SSL studio, University of Liverpool, and home recording setups. The compositional approaches employed in crafting these pieces were deeply informed by the traditions and stylistic nuances of each genre prevalent in 2022. Throughout this portfolio, I offer insightful commentary, providing a comprehensive overview of the creative process and evolution of each composition developed for the research project, as well as other pertinent compositions.

 

Within the realm of music composition, written commentary serves as a pivotal tool for providing insight, context, and analysis to accompany a portfolio of works. In the case of compositions crafted for Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and film/TV, written commentary plays a crucial role in elucidating the creative process, thematic elements, technical aspects, and overall artistic vision behind each piece. By delving into the purpose and benefits of written commentary within such portfolios, we can uncover its significance in enhancing understanding, appreciation, and engagement with the music compositions.

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The essence of written commentary for compositions lies in enriching the auditory experience with a comprehensive narrative, offering valuable information and perspective. It acts as a platform for composers to express their intentions, inspirations, and the challenges they faced during their creative journey. Through written commentary, composers can convey the underlying concepts, emotions, and messages embedded within their music, providing listeners with profound insights into the artistic process. Beyond this, written commentary serves numerous purposes, including enhancing understanding by shedding light on the context, themes, and motivations behind each piece. It also serves as an educational tool, offering valuable insights into music production techniques, genre conventions, and creative processes. Furthermore, written commentary fosters a deeper appreciation of the artistry and craftsmanship inherent in each composition, highlighting the composer's unique vision and innovation. Ultimately, it fosters engagement and connection by encouraging dialogue between the composer and the audience, nurturing reflection and interpretation of the music.