We recently connected with Edouard Brenneisen and have shared our conversation below.
Edouard, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly hard-working individuals throughout my life. From an early age, I observed my father’s dedication to his business, tirelessly working long hours while still making time for his family. This instilled in me the value of sacrifice for the well-being of loved ones, a principle that has stayed with me.
My musical inspirations have also played a crucial role in shaping my work ethic. Immersing myself in the biographies and interviews of artists like Pat Metheny, Maurice Ravel, and the rock legend Steve Vai, I was struck by their relentless commitment to their craft. My deep admiration for their work illuminated the path of discipline I aspired to follow.
Through my own experiences, I’ve come to understand the profound significance of a strong work ethic. The rewards, both personal and professional, are truly substantial, making the effort wholly worthwhile. In the fiercely competitive realm of music composition for games, films, and television, a robust work ethic isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a composer for video games, film, and television, my career has afforded me the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented individuals. Together, we’ve crafted stories that have reached millions of people worldwide. There’s something profoundly rewarding about knowing a concept that originated in my mind has the power to touch others globally.
My projects have spanned a diverse range of musical styles and narratives, yet I’ve managed to carve out a distinct storytelling approach. I’m often sought after for my ability to create memorable themes and bold sounds.
My work is grounded in three main pillars: the symphony orchestra, world music, and electronic instruments. While I sometimes focus on one, I frequently blend elements from all three to create something truly unique.
A recent highlight of my career was receiving the Hollywood Music in Media Award for the 2023 Best Video Game Score for my work on Amazon’s ‘New World.’ This accolade is a testament to my passion for fusing different musical elements to craft a distinctive sound for each project.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as pivotal: resilience, a business-minded approach, and the importance of relationships.
Resilience is crucial in the creative industry. The path is fraught with challenges and rejection, but maintaining focus on your long-term goals while embracing the journey’s ups and downs is vital.
Understanding the business aspect of creativity is equally important. Balancing artistic integrity with commercial viability can be challenging, but it’s necessary for success in art as commerce.
Lastly, cultivating relationships is key in a field driven by connections. Prioritizing the development of strong professional networks can open doors and provide opportunities that are essential for growth.
For those starting their creative careers, focus on building these qualities. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, understand the value of your art in a commercial context, and invest in relationships that will support and propel you forward.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Currently, my challenges are symptomatic of growth, encapsulated as “growing pains.” The key issue lies in determining where I can make the most impact with my work amidst a myriad of daily decisions, from managing creative tasks to strategic planning.
How to effectively grow a team, allocate time, invest resources, select projects, and delegate tasks are questions that demand my attention. Time, being our most precious asset, requires judicious management—a skill that has become increasingly vital throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eb-music.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebrenneisen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554216591651
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrenneisen/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brenneisenmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/EBMusicForTheMedia
Image Credits
Photo credits: Billye Donya Photography (portraits, beige jacket, Edouard playing) Colin Young-Wolff
