Podcast Scores
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling is an audio documentary that examines some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world's most successful author.
This project was particularly fun to work on. The challenge here was creating an original score for a something that is already associated with some pretty iconic compositions. Specific scores featured in the podcast can be found here.
Crimetown (NY Times best new podcasts of 2016) does a fantastic job of crafting an edgy, rock-and-roll vibe. My aim was to build on that energy, blending it seamlessly with a mobster storyline while preserving a sense of intrigue and mystery. Listen here for specific scores from this project.
My goal with Honestly was to create a distinctive sonic identity—music that was both catchy and perfectly complemented the intricate details of the stories being told. Scores from this podcast are compiled here.
Much of the music created for this podcast revolves around the concept of repeating motifs. The aim was to craft repeating melodies that subtly evolve, while ensuring they complement the themes and subject matter of the show. A compiled source of scores from this podcast are coming soon!
Creating scores for podcasts is a unique challenge. When listened to on their own, podcast scores might feel incomplete, almost like unfinished songs. This is by design—to ensure the music supports the podcast's content without overpowering it. My philosophy is that the score should enhance the listener's experience subtly, moving them emotionally without drawing attention to itself. Below, you'll find links to the podcasts as well as the standalone scores for a deeper dive.
The Hudson Branch
Beginning in 2008, Cobey was the lead singer and songwriter for Chicago indie-rock band The Hudson Branch
Live Performance
Cobey
At the Orkenoy in Chicago, IL
Other Projects
Awana
Awana is a faith-based organization that reached out requesting music to compliment their curriculum. The ask was to create catchy, kid-friendly songs that would help children remember selected Bible verses.
For Grace
For Grace is a documentary shot in Chicago, IL about two-star Michelin chef, Chris Duffy, and his journey of starting a new restaurant. It originally premiered in the SXSW and Hot Docs Film Festival and was featured on Netflix.
The production team for this film reached out to The Hudson Branch requesting to use our music as the score. Not only did we help curate the songs that ended up in the film, we also recorded original songs for the film to complete the soundtrack. You can find the full length feature here & listen to music from the documentary here.
Big10
Chicago Recording Company reached out for music to put behind their Big10 "Maps" Commercial. Ultimately they ended up going a different route, but I am still really proud of how this turned out and the attention to detail that went into creating a song that matched the sounds created in the original video.
Projects come in a variety of forms! Below are just a few that have defied categorization.
Timmy II
I collaborated with Jacob Boll and Enoch Kim to compose the score for the short film Timmy II, which aired on PBS in late 2016. The goal was to craft a soundtrack that was both minimalistic and lighthearted, while deeply resonating with the emotional journey of the characters.
VW Atlas
I composed an original piece for the director's cut of a Volkswagen Atlas advertisement. The music brief called for an upbeat indie-pop track that builds in energy, culminating in a crescendo as each angle of the SUV is unveiled. The composition blends infectious rhythms and dynamic melodies to perfectly complement the visual storytelling, adding excitement and highlighting the vehicle's features with a vibrant, modern sound.
Albie - A Story From Back on Track
I collaborated with Enoch Kim to create the soundtrack for 'Albie'. Back on Track is a feature-length documentary about the thoroughbred horse racing industry, off the track thoroughbreds, and the organizations and individuals that rescue, retire, adopt, retrain and help retired racehorses into second careers. Albie is one of the stories.