Richard Pryn writes music for film trailers, teaches composers through courses and The Composer Academy, and builds websites about the things he loves.https://richardpryn.com/en-gbhttps://richardpryn.com/safety-in-making-pointless-shit-no-one-wants/https://richardpryn.com/safety-in-making-pointless-shit-no-one-wants/There Is A Certain Safety In Making Pointless Shit That No One Wants Or Even Cares About . You Don’t Have To Worry About It Being Successful Or Not Because It Is Shit And You Know…Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:23:54 GMThttps://richardpryn.com/i-dreamt-this/https://richardpryn.com/i-dreamt-this/How a rabbit hole can fill up your cupWed, 16 Sep 2026 10:04:54 GMTmiscellaneoushttps://richardpryn.com/fossil-hunting-tiny-pebble-people/https://richardpryn.com/fossil-hunting-tiny-pebble-people/Me and my family went fossil hunting on Charmouth beach on the Jurassic coast over the weekend. I’ll be honest we really didn’t have a clue what we were looking for and at first…Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:46:06 GMTmiscellaneoustravelhttps://richardpryn.com/combining-the-joy-of-creating-with-networking-marketing-and-portfolio-building/https://richardpryn.com/combining-the-joy-of-creating-with-networking-marketing-and-portfolio-building/By making music for other people's content and sharing it with them.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:28:30 GMTCinematic MusicCreating contentmiscellaneousMusic Marketinghttps://richardpryn.com/what-are-we-exactly/https://richardpryn.com/what-are-we-exactly/Thoughts on struggling to find the words to define what you do and as a result who you are.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:15:30 GMTcomposingmiscellaneoushttps://richardpryn.com/gangland-official-trailer/https://richardpryn.com/gangland-official-trailer/Sound design for the win.Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:55:29 GMTPlacementshttps://richardpryn.com/too-many-choices/https://richardpryn.com/too-many-choices/Overwhelmed by choice and fear of focus and boredom...Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:42:55 GMTCreating contentmiscellaneoushttps://richardpryn.com/the-honest-truth-about-production-music-income-in-2026-with-real-numbers-from-my-career/https://richardpryn.com/the-honest-truth-about-production-music-income-in-2026-with-real-numbers-from-my-career/Everyone talks about passive income from music. Almost nobody shows you the actual numbers.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:24:18 GMTproduction musiccomposingincomeTrailer Musiclibrary musichttps://richardpryn.com/how-to-score-a-haunted-house-and-other-small-miracles/https://richardpryn.com/how-to-score-a-haunted-house-and-other-small-miracles/Learn the secrets of writing orchestral comedy music for TV sitcoms. Join me as I break down the production of "The Polite Poltergeist," featuring MIDI tips, sample delay tricks, and instrument selection for a "haunted house" vibe.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:15:58 GMTcomposingcomedy musichttps://richardpryn.com/secession-studios-youtube-composer-strategy/https://richardpryn.com/secession-studios-youtube-composer-strategy/Composer Greg Dombrowski reveals how he built a thriving YouTube career without relying on trends, algorithms, or optimisation hacks, just one track a week and an unwavering belief in his craft.Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:13:03 GMTInterviewTrailer MusicYouTubehttps://richardpryn.com/the-custom-music-survival-guide/https://richardpryn.com/the-custom-music-survival-guide/I had to work all night to meet LA deadlines while juggling a day job, leading straight to burnout; here is how I learned to survive the time zone trap, set boundaries with production houses, and make custom music work on my terms.Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:39:34 GMTTrailer MusiccomposingMusic Businesshttps://richardpryn.com/free-horror-music-sample-pack/https://richardpryn.com/free-horror-music-sample-pack/A free collection of professionally recorded cello, violin, and vocal samples designed specifically for horror composition—recorded dry in mono so you can layer, manipulate, and transform them into your own signature terrifying sounds.Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:14:44 GMTHorror Musicsample packhttps://richardpryn.com/5-things-that-make-great-horror-music/https://richardpryn.com/5-things-that-make-great-horror-music/Think horror music is all about shrieking violins and ominous drones? Think again. After years of scoring horror films and trailers, I've discovered that the most unsettling music often sounds surprisingly sweet.Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:58:13 GMTHorror Musichttps://richardpryn.com/how-to-make-terrifying-horror-music/https://richardpryn.com/how-to-make-terrifying-horror-music/Whether you are looking to create a spooky track, a tense build, or a full on scare-fest of a score, these tips for making horror music will be invaluable.Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:52:12 GMTHorror MusicCinematic MusicTutorialhttps://richardpryn.com/composing-the-soundtrack-for-petes-dragon-trailer/https://richardpryn.com/composing-the-soundtrack-for-petes-dragon-trailer/Learn my approach to writing uplifting family adventure trailer music through my track "The Sun Will Rise," which was featured in Pete's Dragon and showcases the power of simple hooks, cohesive progressions, and magical orchestration.Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:53:03 GMTTrailer MusicTutorialhttps://richardpryn.com/the-reality-of-a-composers-income/https://richardpryn.com/the-reality-of-a-composers-income/After nearly 20 years as a composer earning everything from pennies to hundreds of thousands per year, I've discovered the counterintuitive money management system that turned feast-or-famine chaos into sustainable creative freedom—and it starts with what you do with your very next payment.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:32:46 GMTcomposingmoneyincomehttps://richardpryn.com/how-to-write-better-epic-percussion-in-7-steps/https://richardpryn.com/how-to-write-better-epic-percussion-in-7-steps/Learn the 7-step process for composing powerful, epic drum and percussion tracks for trailers, from setting up your template to creating massive, attention-grabbing moments.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:25:56 GMTCinematic MusicTrailer MusicTutorialhttps://richardpryn.com/how-i-wrote-the-pale-blue-eye-trailer-music/https://richardpryn.com/how-i-wrote-the-pale-blue-eye-trailer-music/Discover how I created the haunting cello-driven track "Frost" from my Throat Four album, which was featured in The Pale Blue Eye trailer—recorded entirely with basic equipment and minimal instrumental skills.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:16:58 GMTTrailer MusicThriller MusicTutorialhttps://richardpryn.com/inside-the-production-music-industry-with-taz-mattar-a-library-insiders-guide-to-getting-your-music-placed/https://richardpryn.com/inside-the-production-music-industry-with-taz-mattar-a-library-insiders-guide-to-getting-your-music-placed/After reviewing thousands of composer submissions for one of the UK's largest music libraries, an industry insider reveals the counterintuitive strategies that actually get your music placed.Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:46:59 GMTcomposingInterviewhttps://richardpryn.com/why-music-streaming-is-broken-and-what-composers-can-do-about-it/https://richardpryn.com/why-music-streaming-is-broken-and-what-composers-can-do-about-it/After earning just $100 from 400,000 streams, I realised the streaming game is rigged—but there's a better way to build a sustainable music career.Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:45:50 GMTStreamingMusic Streamsdirect to fanMusic Businesshttps://richardpryn.com/time-zone-juggling-fitting-custom-composer-work-into-your-life/https://richardpryn.com/time-zone-juggling-fitting-custom-composer-work-into-your-life/If you're a composer outside LA trying to fit custom trailer work into your life, you're probably working through the night and burning out fast—but there's a smarter way to approach it that doesn't involve sacrificing your sanity.Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:54:50 GMTcomposingTrailer MusicCustomhttps://richardpryn.com/my-process-for-composing-horror-music-for-an-abandoned-asylum/https://richardpryn.com/my-process-for-composing-horror-music-for-an-abandoned-asylum/Writing creepy music for one of my horror music projects.Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:03:08 GMTHorror MusicCreepy Musichttps://richardpryn.com/no-time-to-compose-here-are-5-steps-to-change-that/https://richardpryn.com/no-time-to-compose-here-are-5-steps-to-change-that/Feeling like you have no time to compose? This article shares how I learned to make time for music around a job and family in just 5 essential steps.Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:18:27 GMTgoalscomposinghttps://richardpryn.com/the-truth-about-making-it-the-ongoing-composer-journey/https://richardpryn.com/the-truth-about-making-it-the-ongoing-composer-journey/In this post, I share 5 crucial strategies to take control, build consistent income, and master the real game of being a full-time composer.Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:03:18 GMTMindsetMusic BusinessThe Diary of a Music Makerhttps://richardpryn.com/how-id-start-a-career-as-a-composer-in-2025/https://richardpryn.com/how-id-start-a-career-as-a-composer-in-2025/The three impactful things you can do when starting out as a composer.Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:03:10 GMThttps://richardpryn.com/what-is-the-minor-second-interval/https://richardpryn.com/what-is-the-minor-second-interval/Pssst, it's the one you hear in JawsTue, 03 Jun 2025 13:39:29 GMTintervals in musicMusic Theoryhttps://richardpryn.com/the-5-best-free-synths-for-dungeon-synth/https://richardpryn.com/the-5-best-free-synths-for-dungeon-synth/Create mystic Dungeon Synth Vibes on a budget with these 5 Free SynthsMon, 26 May 2025 14:07:00 GMTDungeon Synthhttps://richardpryn.com/beat-overwhelm-and-take-control-of-your-day/https://richardpryn.com/beat-overwhelm-and-take-control-of-your-day/The two ways in which I manage my time these days.Wed, 21 May 2025 13:53:47 GMTproductivitymiscellaneoushttps://richardpryn.com/be-with-your-fears-to-help-achieve-your-goals/https://richardpryn.com/be-with-your-fears-to-help-achieve-your-goals/Your deep-rooted beliefs can derail even the most decisive action.Mon, 12 May 2025 13:58:42 GMTmiscellaneousMindsetgoalshttps://richardpryn.com/music-for-when-you-feel-happy-and-sad/https://richardpryn.com/music-for-when-you-feel-happy-and-sad/Rich's playlist number 2Fri, 09 May 2025 09:13:24 GMTplaylistsspotify playlistsmiscellaneoushttps://richardpryn.com/what-is-with-these-drops-in-youtube-views/https://richardpryn.com/what-is-with-these-drops-in-youtube-views/And why does it keep happening to me?Fri, 09 May 2025 08:28:18 GMTYouTubemiscellaneousCreating contenthttps://richardpryn.com/this-weeks-numbers-1/https://richardpryn.com/this-weeks-numbers-1/Streams and llistens that my catalog albums is gettingThu, 08 May 2025 10:04:43 GMTMusic Streamsrecord labelmiscellaneoushttps://richardpryn.com/editing-audio-getting-distracted-walking-in-the-woods/https://richardpryn.com/editing-audio-getting-distracted-walking-in-the-woods/Internet rabbit holes = bad Walks in nature = goodWed, 07 May 2025 13:47:46 GMTmiscellaneousPiano MusicMindsethttps://richardpryn.com/good-vibes-piano-improv-newsletters/https://richardpryn.com/good-vibes-piano-improv-newsletters/Keeping the nice things people say about you and being inspired by the world around you to write music.Tue, 06 May 2025 14:21:57 GMTmiscellaneousnewsletterPiano Musichttps://richardpryn.com/the-first-official-playlist-is-live/https://richardpryn.com/the-first-official-playlist-is-live/The next step in my journey to build my own record label...Fri, 02 May 2025 12:40:19 GMTmiscellaneousplaylistscontent planninghttps://richardpryn.com/blown-around-like-a-leaf-in-the-wind/https://richardpryn.com/blown-around-like-a-leaf-in-the-wind/When everything everyone else is doing distracts you from your own goalsWed, 30 Apr 2025 13:00:16 GMTmiscellaneousrecord labelself doubthttps://richardpryn.com/i-spent-the-morning-doing-this/https://richardpryn.com/i-spent-the-morning-doing-this/Sometimes a good day is when you find something that doesn't bring you joy.Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:25:30 GMTmiscellaneousvideo editinghttps://richardpryn.com/im-scared-but-i-am-going-to-do-this/https://richardpryn.com/im-scared-but-i-am-going-to-do-this/I have decided to go full steam ahead with plans that I have put on the back burner for way too long nowMon, 28 Apr 2025 11:10:46 GMTmiscellaneousrecord labelcontent planninghttps://richardpryn.com/trying-to-figure-out-what-works/https://richardpryn.com/trying-to-figure-out-what-works/I am currently trying to figure out the best way to package all the music I create through my own record label, Pryn Music. I have a YouTube channel where I am slowly but surely…Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:28:03 GMTmiscellaneousplaylistsnewsletterhttps://richardpryn.com/ive-got-the-name-of-the-new-project-doamm17/https://richardpryn.com/ive-got-the-name-of-the-new-project-doamm17/There is progress on my new Cosmic Synth project, a name, album artwork, and of course, a new track.Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:00:53 GMTThe Diary of a Music Makerhttps://richardpryn.com/distrokid-review-an-honest-take-from-an-indie-musician/https://richardpryn.com/distrokid-review-an-honest-take-from-an-indie-musician/After having now released 20 artists through Distrokid, these are my thoughts ⤵️Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:15:29 GMTMusic MarketingMusic BusinessThe Diary of a Music Makerhttps://richardpryn.com/31-super-sad-slowcore-songs/https://richardpryn.com/31-super-sad-slowcore-songs/Feeling overwhelmed and need music to match your mood? These 31 slowcore songs are the perfect Spotify playlist for sad days and deep emotions. Save this pin for heartfelt music to cry to anytime.Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:07:44 GMTslowcorespotify playlistshttps://richardpryn.com/doamm10/https://richardpryn.com/doamm10/🧙🏻‍♂️ Embracing old-school sounds, fantasy, and metal 🤘🏼Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:02:40 GMTThe Diary of a Music MakerDungeon Synthhttps://richardpryn.com/doamm7/https://richardpryn.com/doamm7/Putting your music first above all else and just sitting down and writing music as the first thing you do, for me, it was Dungeon Synth 🤘🏼Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:52:32 GMTThe Diary of a Music MakerDungeon Synthhttps://richardpryn.com/doamm06/https://richardpryn.com/doamm06/Doing work you want to do not work you think you should be doing.Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:06:52 GMTThe Diary of a Music MakerLofi musichttps://richardpryn.com/what-is-dungeon-synth/https://richardpryn.com/what-is-dungeon-synth/An introductory guide to Dungeon Synth, exploring its origins, defining characteristics, and why it captivates fans of fantasy and ambient music.Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:52:09 GMTDungeon Synthhttps://richardpryn.com/doamm-5/https://richardpryn.com/doamm-5/Watch as I write a complete instrumental slowcore track from scratch (sorry for the audio pops from my soundcard!)Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:00:12 GMTThe Diary of a Music Makerslowcorehttps://richardpryn.com/15-albums-in-3-months-the-one-habit-that-made-it-possible/https://richardpryn.com/15-albums-in-3-months-the-one-habit-that-made-it-possible/How you can take one action every day and build a music portfolio to be proud of!Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:35:15 GMTMindsethttps://richardpryn.com/doamm-4/https://richardpryn.com/doamm-4/The art of finding the "you" in your musicWed, 20 Nov 2024 11:06:44 GMTThe Diary of a Music Makerhttps://richardpryn.com/5-tips-to-make-better-slowcore/https://richardpryn.com/5-tips-to-make-better-slowcore/5 ways to make your slowcore even sadder sounding, well, maybe not sadder but more "slowcore" for sure 🤘🏼Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:44:45 GMTslowcore