We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Matt Sofo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Matt, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
This is an interesting one. I’m not the kind of writer that sits around and waits for ideas or to overcome writers block and working in a professional environment and being on deadlines we don’t always have the luxury of time.
For me, ill take a minute to make a coffee, meditate, go outside etc. but I wont sit around and wait.
Ill get back in front of the computer and begin experimenting, even if it’s not directly related to what I’m working on.
Ill play with new sounds, new instruments, play random notes just so I’m being active.
Sometimes this mindless experimentation is where the magic happens!
The simple act of “doing” and not waiting around for it to come naturally is what sets apart good writers and great writers.
I think it’s normal to get frustrated and want to give up, but thats the time to really dig in and work.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For me, my complete focus is on composing. Ive worked on a bunch of TV shows doing everything from titles music to underscore, from Documentaries to comedic shows to cooking shows to a Drama. This year has been a wonderful mix mash of projects.
Hopefully expanding further into Dramatic productions in the year ahead.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most important qualities above all else are work ethic and resilience.
Talent and skill can only get you so far, but if you don’t have the grit to keep working and the resilience for the hard times and the knock backs.. you have nothing!
We get so many “no’s” in creative industries that if we let it, it can get you down. Knowing how to dust yourself off and keep going is a key to a successful career.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
haha i think its a mix of both!
Having a well rounded knowledge base, especially in composing & music production is an incredible asset to have.
You become more hireable in your early years of work while you establish yourself and your sound.
You don’t have the luxury of only working within your Niche or sound in the early years of a career, being nimble, flexible and well rounded will help you gain experience before you specialise.
Also, you never know what curveball a director or producer will give you while working on a show, so being adaptable in knowledge is important.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsofo
Image Credits
Hugh Stewart
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