Nicolas Dagnall is a composer and songwriter based in London who has worked with major record labels and publishers including Sony ATV, Universal Music, Warner and Kobalt. Here are his thoughts on freelancing.
1. Introduce yourself and what you do
I am a music supervisor and a composer, currently specialising in creating music for television, advertisements, brand campaigns and other forms of visual media.
2. How and why did you start freelancing?
Before I decided to start freelancing, I was fortunate enough to work at various major labels and publishers including Universal, EMI, Sony & Kobalt over a period of about 10 years. I eventually decided to use my experience, knowledge and contacts of working at those companies to start my own business.
3. Where do you find your clients and new projects?
A lot of my work comes from previous contacts and colleagues I’ve established a good relationship with. This varies between Production music labels, music supervisors and composer agencies that I work with.
4. How do you know what to charge?
I am able to navigate this aspect of freelancing based on my years of experience working as a composer myself and also as a supervisor that employs other composers. It can vary depending on the scale of the job and also the trust I have with the clients I work with, so again it is about developing and maintaining relationships with people in the industry, who are sometimes also people I turn to for advice about this.
5. What important pieces of advice would you give as a creative freelancer?
Always be prepared, professional and have a daily routine. You never know what job is going to come your way and you will inevitably have bad days and good days being a freelancer. If you are prepared with your work set up, have a solid and healthy routine (especially with balancing work & every day life) and you’re professional then you will reap the rewards. Also, network as much as possible. You need to maintain the contacts you have and always look to meet new colleagues and friends in the industry.
To see and hear more of Nicolas’ work, check out the links below.
Official Website: www.nicolasdagnall.com
LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-dagnall-7448b31b/
Nicolas Dagnall Composer Showreel: www.youtu.be/nmZuCzP7Hrs
Five Recent Compositions:
- ISS NATIONAL LAB x ADIDAS RUNNING: Goodbye Gravity
- ATP Tour Campaign: This is Tennis
- The Golden Thread (Documentary Series): Episode 3 – Making Meaning
- R&A: Golf is Good
- USA Through Food: Series Trailer