Summary:
I’m a Music Composer and a Copywriter for the Entertainment Industry.

But to truly give you an idea of the type of person I am, there’s only one place to start.

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

That’s the question, isn’t it? It plagues every young person’s mind with uncertain purpose. There’s a well-known pressure to decide what you want to be for the rest of your life, once barely old enough to call yourself an adult. That’s not true, of course, nor does your choice have to define you forever. But that wasn’t exactly common knowledge. That question is too deeply rooted in society for a person to not hear it at least a dozen times before turning 18 years old.

When I was in high school, I had big plans to move to Boston, go to MIT, and study computer science. That was my “dream”. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say—things didn’t really work out that way. At one point, I thought I found my calling in journalism. After all, I love to write. Then I took a creative writing class, and I realized why I love to write. See, I’m a dreamer. The problem was, I had too many dreams.

Why Music?

I’ve always loved music. I played in the school band since middle school—concert band and marching band in high school—and also did musical theatre. Essentially, I followed in the footsteps of my entire family. However, it wasn’t until I took AP Music Theory in my junior year that my eyes were truly opened to the possibility of music as a career. My teacher planted a seed in my mind that inspired me to write my first piece of music. It was terrible, but I was so proud, and so was he.

From then on, it wasn’t a question of what I was going to do, but rather a question of how. Writing stories, poetry, and music aren’t exactly money making fields, unless you’re in the right industry, or have big connections. I had no idea where to even begin, but this time, I was certain of what I loved doing. It’s not just the music itself. It’s the emotion you feel behind each note of a performance. For me, composing music is another outlet for storytelling.

So, after a few pre-career career changes, I decided to double down and double major in Music Composition and English. Now looking back on things, had everything gone the way I wanted at the time, that degree combo would not have been a bad choice for my current career. A copywriter and music composer with two degrees, one related to each of those fields? Yeah, no kidding, that would have been nice. However, that plan didn’t work out either.

So…What Happened?

Well, I applied to a variety of programs, including MIT… Unfortunately, I didn’t have the scores to get into most of the schools I applied for, and retesting produced unfruitful results. Some universities accepted me for music but denied me for English… Others accepted me for English, yet they denied me for music. And I could afford none of them without racking up at least $20,000 in student loans. I was presented with a difficult decision that many young people in similar situations to mine encounter.

When finances are tight, when home circumstances aren’t what you wished for, when you need to get out of the town you grew up in… Regardless of your circumstances, I guarantee there’s a sweet-talking military recruiter right around the corner ready to solve all your problems. Mine was no exception. He gave his presentation to my class at just the right time, and when I felt God pushing me in that direction, I signed the contract. It wasn’t what I planned for my life, but it was an answer and an opportunity.

I like to tell people, “I’ve never been the smartest, strongest, or fastest, but I will always make sure I’m the hardest working person in a room.” Joining the Marine Corps was an chance for me to demonstrate that, as well as prove to myself that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined. Not only did my fitness improve—so did my mind. Everything is a mindset. That’s what they engrain in you from bootcamp on, throughout the rest of your life. No one’s journey is perfect. I was nowhere near the perfect Marine, but I’m proud to be one. I’m proud of that title and the work I put in.

From Musician to Marine, to Musician Again?

I served for four years as a Data Systems Administrator. Internet Technology (IT) wasn’t as big of a passion as music, but it did still interest me. I decided it was a good, practical solution until I could make the transition to my career as a full-time media composer. Throughout my service, I studied music composition online at Berklee College of Music. I took the hit on some student loans, but with Tuition Assistance (TA) from the US Government, it was worth the cost. Once out of the Marine Corps, I finished my studies just one month later, graduating in December of 2023 with my Bachelors in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games. In that same month, I founded Oblique Motion LLC to act as my own music publisher.

I continued my tech career until November of 2024. I had been working in a helpdesk at a company called Fourteen Foods, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant for something more. I searched for college programs in tech. I even almost committed to a Master’s program in Database Systems using my GI Bill. However, something still didn’t feel right. I pulled out of the program before the semester began, and I began contemplating entrepreneurship. This was the first time I had ever thought about leaving the IT field before becoming an established film composer. I even considered becoming a realtor or an Uber driver just to get a change of scenery. Once I discovered copywriting, I knew it was the answer, and I made the plunge into being a full-time business owner.

And…Why Copywriting?

In many ways, copywriting is a skill people accomplish every day. A friend of mine told me, “We learn to copyright as little as four years old, when you learn the difference between how to ask one parent for ice cream, versus another.” Fun fact about me: I love languages. I think “language” both as a concept and a construct is astounding, because when you think about it… isn’t everything a language? Spoken languages, sign languages, creative writing, poetry, music, martial arts, social cues, body language—it even has it in the name! These are all languages with different structures.

They each have forms and rules, and you can follow or break these rules to communicate a message or intent. That’s language, and copywriting is no different. Copy is just persuasive writing, at the end of the day. The benefit of hiring a copywriter is that you are hiring someone who knows exactly the type of persuasive writing that works in your industry. A good copywriter is a person of the people who is knowledgeable in their niche, knows what the customers want to hear, and is genuine and thoughtful in what they write. Once I discovered the field, I knew it was the prefect bridge to get me out of a draining career and refocused on my passion for telling stories.

As a copywriter for the Entertainment Industry, I have the privilege of working with musicians, film directors, producers, writers, comedy clubs, and so many more. Not only is it an interesting field to me, but I get to use my writing to help people tell their story. How exciting is that?! It’s thrilling! And on top of that, the connections I make as a copywriter last a lifetime, especially in this industry. Once people get to know me and they love working with me, maybe they’ll want to hear my music. One thing leads to another, and that’s one more opportunity to help tell someone’s story.

Where Does That Leave You Now?

Living my very best life. Becoming a copywriter and taking the dive into running Oblique Motion full-time was the best decision I could have made for myself. I’m in a position where I am privileged to work from anywhere. I only support businesses that I agree with. From a certain perspective, storytelling is my full-time job, whether that be my own, or helping tell my clients’ INCREDIBLE stories. It doesn’t matter if you’re a musician, an author, a film/tv director, producer, videogame creator, comedy club, local theatre, or anyone else. Whether you need copy or music, I am more happy to write it for you. Now I have a question for you.