Journal

Soundtracking for Fashion:

A GRADUATE THESIS

Presented to the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music
California State University, Long Beach

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Music
Concentration in Composition

Committee Members:
Robin Bargar, Ph.D. (Chair)
Martin Herman, Ph.D.
College Designee:
Chiara Ferrari, Ph.D.

The fashion industry inevitably has needs for music, whether in a runway show setting or for social content. Through my research, I wanted to define exactly what these needs entailed and how a composer could establish a career meeting these needs with original music. A majority of my research was conducted through three methods. My first method was conducted through conversations with an established composer currently in the fashion industry niche and an established fashion designer. My second method was conducted through observation of both London Fashion Week and various fashion events local to Los Angeles. My third method was conducted through experimentation as I sought out to gain tangible experience composing for the fashion industry. All of my research led me to shift my focus towards primarily composing for brand social content. To do so, I found that it would be in my best interest to develop my video production capabilities and offer both video production and soundtracking as a package. This particular method yielded the best results. Building upon the themes I took from my conversations and observations, I produced and scored a brand narrative video for “Wellema Hat Company.” I worked with hatter Cody Wellema to create a feel akin to Golden Age American Western films. To do so I conducted extensive research into the sound of these films and created the score for Bikeshop Cowboy, a short film set in the old west showcasing Wellema hats.

In Conversation with Jake Runestad:

A Short juxtaposition of american music

I had the pleasure of talking with the illustrious Jake Runestad this past March in Salt Lake City. I took that interview and wrote an essay comparing his story with the stories of past American composers, commenting more on what defines great American music. The full transcription of the interview is available at the end of the essay. I’m excited to finally finish this piece, so thank you in advance if you choose to read it. 

Read the essay here.

SCHA Hats:

A short juxtaposition of german millinery

Germany might not be the first place you think of when considering the purchase of a quality hat. In fact, the first image that comes to mind on German millinery (AKA hat-making) probably includes a Romantic-era man in lederhosen, knee-high socks, a Tyrolean hat, and a pint in hand. This image may hold historical merit, but the tradition of German millinery has grown so much since, built upon new attention to quality fabrics and cutting-edge aesthetic. While brothers Markus and Gottfried Seeberger helped establish the tradition of modern German millinery, it took a new perspective from Polish born artist, Ewa Kulasek, to reinvent that tradition today. In my most recent post on Medium, I look at German millinery, juxtaposing the story of Seeberger with Ewa Kulasek's unique take: SCHA Hats.
 
Read the essay here. 

Country of Origin:

A short juxtaposition of english knitwear

I recently started writing on Medium.com. Many of these essays and interviews will be on clothing and the world that surrounds it, but I will also explore other interests of mine including music, food, etc. The idea of clothing telling stories has always resonated with me. What exactly are we buying when we make a purchase? Are we buying confidence? Are we buying a brands history? Are we buying a brands quality? Are we finding the cheapest option and looking past the production practices that got it to that price? This first essay looks at the history of English knitwear, juxtaposing the oldest brand in the industry with a promising newcomer.

Read the essay here.