RouteNote Interviews: Alex Doan
Alex Doan is a 20 year old German composer who has built himself a massive audience from his fantastic, orchestral compositions that take inspiration from Soundtrack legends like Hans Zimmer.
With tens-of-thousands of fans and hundreds-of-thousands of plays across SoundCloud and streaming services Alex Doan is a name to watch out for in the future. As his popularity continues to grow with no signs of slowing we wanted to talk to Alex about finding his passion in music, how he’s made it this far and what’s next for the talented composer.
How did you first discover that you enjoyed creating music?
Uhm, let me think about it. It was like 6-7 years ago. I started playing piano when I was 6 years old and when i was 13, I composed a few piano songs and played them live in school.
My teacher at this time thought that I will have success in the future and he believed all the time in me and helped me a lot with writing down my stuff in DAWs (digital audio workstation) and on paper.
Where do you find inspiration for the sprawling soundscapes you create in your tracks?
Most of my inspirations comes from watching movies, listening to other composers or writing some pieces in a totally new genre. But the nature has also a big impact on my creations. I love to visit new places, I prefer places where are not that much people, places where I can enjoy the silence itself.
I’m also a huge fan of the universe. I’m reading through different articles, watching documentaries about space and thinking a lot about it.
Who have been your biggest influences along the way and how have they impacted your music?
My biggest influences are definitely Hans Zimmer and James Horner. They changed my life massively. The first time I got deeper into composition and analyzing stuff was when the movie ‘Avatar’ was released back in 2009. I was completely blown away.
The music matched perfectly with the movie and I immediately bought the piano notes because I wanted to learn how to create those beautiful chord progression and melodies. I think that was the hidden start of Alex Doan! But also don’t forget Hans Zimmer, his music is godlike!
When the movie ‘Interstellar’ was released and I heard the music, it was clear for me that my goal is to become someone to be recognized in the soundtrack scene. I can’t describe the OST of Interstellar in words, it just changed my life 100%!
But my goal is not to copy any of those composers, each composer should have their own style, you can use it as an inspiration but never copy them. My goal is to get inspired by them and try to create a new world of music, my music 🙂
If you were stuck on a desert island and could only take 2 tracks and one possession what would they be?
Hm, that’s a hard question.
I think the first track would be Cornfield Chase by Hans Zimmer
The second one: The Destruction of Hometree by James Horner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv4xB7X-m5I
I got plenty more songs I would like to take with me, but sadly it’s limited to two. My possession would be my studio, haha.
Who would you collaborate with if you could choose anyone, past and present?
James Horner, that was my dream. Too sad it’s never going to happen, due to his death in June 2015. But there are so many other great composers out there, just to name a few: Hans Zimmer, Steve Jablonsky, Thomas Bergersen, Audiomachine, Ivan Torrent, Blakus and many more.
What is your favourite piece of hardware/software or instrument that you use?
My hardware setup i’m using is not that big. I’m using two Focal Alpha 65, NI Komplete Audio 6, Nektar LX49, Rode NT1-A, NI Maschine Mikro MK2 and some AKG Headphones. It’s not that much but it’s enough for me at the moment.
But to be honest a bigger Keyboard would be nice, which has a direct control with Kontakt 5. This is my favorite software instrument overall. My favorite library is Albion One & Cinebrass Core + Pro. I’m using them in every project!
What are your plans moving forward into 2017?
For 2017, I have huge plans. I want to build up a professional website, with a site for licensing and stuff. Also going deeper in the Trailer Music scene and trying to achieve my first placement in a movie this year. Also meeting up with my friends all over the world, making new connections and releasing more music than before and develop my skills.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and producers?
Never give up!
Also if the situation may be extremely hard. If you give up, you will lose. If you fight for your dreams you will achieve them at some point.
But it takes time.
I’m started with producing seriously 4 years ago and I haven’t achieved my dreams yet, but I’m closer than before to them and I’m ready to give anything.