Following up on last week's discussion about finding time for music composition, today we're diving into a specific challenge many composers face: fitting custom music work into an already packed schedule, especially when dealing with different time zones.
The Time Zone Challenge
For composers outside of Los Angeles (where most movie trailers are produced), custom work presents unique scheduling challenges. If you're in Europe, LA's workday begins just as your evening starts. This means receiving briefs at 6 PM your time and working through the night to meet tight deadlines.
The typical cycle becomes gruelling: work your day job, receive feedback in the evening, work until 2-3 AM, wake up at 6-7 AM, and repeat. After just a few days, burnout becomes inevitable.
The Middleman Factor
Not all music production companies treat their composers equally. Some prioritise their reputation over composer wellbeing by:
- Shortening already tight deadlines unnecessarily
- Claiming a Friday deadline is actually Tuesday "to look good"
- Leaving composers scrambling without proper support
However, the good companies do exist.
They:
- Provide honest deadlines with flexibility when needed
- Push for demo fees
- Offer support when you're struggling
- Maintain open communication
Finding these companies requires research. Reach out to composers already working with them. If they're unhappy, most will be vocal about it, or you can read between the lines.
The Reality Check: Is Custom Worth It?
Consider this trade-off: in one week, you could write 3-5 album tracks that generate ongoing income, or spend that entire week on a single custom that you'll probably lose. Unless you're exceptional (and most of us are middle-of-the-road), the odds are stacked against you in custom work.
The financial reality varies dramatically too.
Some customs pay £5,000, others £30,000. You need to weigh whether the potential payout justifies the time investment when you might not win at all.
Making Custom Work: Practical Strategies
1. Set Clear Boundaries
- Ask if deadlines are real or artificially shortened
- Practice saying "Can I have more time?" or "No"
- Remember: good companies won't drop you for reasonable requests
2. Optimise Your Workflow
When you only have two days (perhaps two 4-6 hour blocks), you must:
- Have templates ready to go immediately
- Use preloaded groups and basic setups
- Sketch your track within the first hour
- Spend the remaining time improving, not starting from scratch
3. Know When to Stop
Recognise when you're mindlessly looping tracks at 2-3 AM without making progress. At this point:
- Go to bed, or
- Submit what you have to get fresh ears feedback
4. Communicate with Your Support System
If you have a partner or family, discuss the time commitment upfront. Caring for children is more than full-time work, so you need to share responsibilities and plan coverage for your custom work hours.
Alternative Approaches
Consider production music as an alternative. For example: 10 tracks at £200 each equals £2,000 upfront plus backend royalties. While you might miss out on potentially larger custom payouts, you have 10 tracks working for you instead of one, with guaranteed income rather than a gamble.
The Bigger Picture: Know Your Why
Ask yourself why you're pursuing custom work:
- Is it the chance of "winning big"?
- Do you enjoy the pressure and stress?
- Do you need to feel needed?
- Is it purely financial?
Understanding your motivation helps determine if custom work aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Find companies that respect you - they exist and make all the difference
- Set boundaries - protect your time and wellbeing
- Optimise your workflow - be ready to hit the ground running
- Remember, it's a partnership - you're not just helping the company, you're working together
- Consider alternatives - custom isn't the only path to success
- Look after yourself - burnout helps no one
Final Thoughts
Dropping custom work was one of the best decisions I ever made, though I recognise the landscape has changed. AI proliferation and market oversaturation have made customs more important than ever. But if custom work consistently stresses you out and you're winning only one in ten projects, it might be time to reassess.
Whatever you decide, make sure it works for your life, your family, and your long-term career goals. The music industry offers many paths to success - custom work is just one of them.
Remember: You don't have to be the best composer to be successful. Being a composer involves many skills, and finding the right balance is key to a sustainable career.
