I’m a composer and music producer based in London. Alongside freelance work with artists and creatives worldwide, I create sample libraries, share my musical ideas with a community of over 20,000 YouTube subscribers, and work as a Music Producer for Gary Barlow.
I received a keyboard for Christmas when I was 2 years old, and the future was pretty much set for me after that. Music is all I’ve ever known. It has been and continues to be my entire life.
About Me
I grew up in East Sussex, UK. I went to state comprehensive schools throughout my childhood, and was financially supported by bursaries to study at the Royal College of Music Junior Department.
I studied a degree in Music at the University of Southampton, and a Masters in Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music. These institutions most importantly gave me time to hone my craft and develop my skillsets. I loved being in studios and composing my own music. 5 years on, not much has changed.
During its fledgling stages, I found success as a leading sample developer of free instruments for Pianobook, which led to my first commercial sample library with Spitfire Audio, for whom I later became an in-house Composer for 2 years.
Perhaps the most important education was that being a friendly face on YouTube would get you a long way… like a really long way.
Gary Barlow found me on YouTube one day, and shortly invited me to work with him at his studio in London. I have worked with him since November 2020, where I arrange and produce for his wide range of projects – from musicals to films; stage shows to TV shows. The work is incredibly rewarding, and I’ve met some of my heroes along the way.
As a classically trained pianist, violinist and violist, much of my compositional language is inspired by classical composers. Poulenc, Ravel, Bernstein – all straddling a beautiful blend of extended harmony and lush florid passages. I’ve also played the drums since I was 8. A brief but torrid love affair with prog rock also inspired a rhythmic backbone of funk and alternative rhythmic flavours in my music.
Portfolio
There are lots of projects still in the works. Below are just a few highlights.
- Royal Variety Performance 2022 finale “Sing”. Credit: Arrangement, production, conducted
- Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win (theme tune) for ITV. Credit: Co-produced with Gary Barlow
- Doobie Brothers: “Amen Old Friend” (2021). Credit: String arrangement
- MARCH: Greens and Blues. Credit: recorded, mixed, produced
YouTube
My YouTube channel is the bedrock of my career. It’s given me every opportunity I’ve had. I started uploading in January 2020, and have loved improving my videography and storytelling skills. Being a familiar face to over 20,000 subscribers has provided a solid foundation for sharing my products and musical projects. Here are some of my favourite videos.
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dankeenmusic 2023