Music - A language beyond words
One of the things that first drew me into music composition was discovering that I could convey feelings and emotions that words often couldn’t.
I grew up in an artistic family, and I used to marvel at my mother’s paintings. What fascinated me wasn’t just the colours or technique, but how she managed to embed something deeply personal and profound into her work. As she grew as an artist, her paintings became less about depicting a scene and more about capturing a state of mind.
For me, music became the medium where I could do the same. Let’s face it, there are only so many notes and chords available, and with the sheer amount of music released every day, repeating melodies and motifs is inevitable. Yet, despite these limitations, music still has the power to communicate fresh, exciting, and personal ideas. Every time I’ve written with a clear intention, I’ve found that listeners pick up on it, even without me saying a word.
One of the first albums I ever produced was called Pictures, a collection of instrumental pieces. The theme was simple: our impressions of the world depend on how we choose to see it. A cityscape, for example, can be just as beautiful as a mountain range if we allow ourselves to view it that way.
Technically, the album was far from perfect, The recordings weren’t polished, and the programming was basic, even a little tacky in hindsight. But somehow it found its way into people’s hearts. Over the years, I received many letters from listeners who used it for study and relaxation. It was even featured on Qantas flights to help calm anxious passengers.
Looking back, I realise the production flaws didn’t matter nearly as much as the message behind the music. The intention was strong enough to carry through.
Most of my distributed work since then has been tied to projects for films, ads, and collaborations with other artists. That’s why my recent dive into binaural beats and meditation music has felt like a return to pure composition, creating music for its own sake. And once again, I’ve been encouraged to see these tracks reaching people in meaningful ways.
My message to fellow producers is this: always begin with a clear idea or message in mind. Don’t worry if your tools or skills aren’t flawless. Your intention will shine through the music, and that’s what truly resonates with listeners.
