Audio & Accessories News

Lending his (musical) ear

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:44

A quote from Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s Ode: “We are the music makers and we are the dreamer of dreams” – is the way Johannesburg-based Howard Music, helmed by musician and award winning composer Adam Howard, describes itself.

UK-born Howard has a classical music degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has been principal trumpet player for the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. He provides a full spectrum of professional audio services, bespoke music composition, final mix and musical direction.

“I am in the fortunate position of being able to compose music and to attend to the final mix side of things as well,” says Howard. “This is a great asset as a musical ear is important throughout the entire process of creating a soundtrack for a commercial, including final mix.”

Howard explains the process: “Generally a creative will come into the studio and give me a brief and pointers. I was recently commissioned to write the music for a Wimpy TV commercial. The clients purchased the rights for Mr Sandman but didn’t like some of the detail as they wanted the music to be a bit quirky and up tempo. I brought in a banjo player, played the spoons and added a 13- year-old girl on vocals. The final mix went to another facility which is not unusual, as agencies have their favourite facilities.”

Another facet of Howard’s business is musical direction for corporate events. “I have done five big events this year, including the new sedan range launch of VW where I arranged the music, brought in a full 21-piece big band and soloists Tamara Dey and Kahn Morbee from The Parlotones.

“2011 has been a very busy year for us despite the global recession. Being a session musician, composer, arranger, engineer and musical director definitely keeps me busy and out of trouble.”

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