If you've ever wanted to learn the ins and outs of film composing from a working professional, now's your chance. Composer and producer Tom Holkenborg, aka Junkie XL, is launching a new tutorial series on YouTube, Studio Time with Junkie XL. The series will offer rare insight into the techniques and mechanics of a Hollywood composer. Holkenborg has composed for a number of major blockbusters over the years, most recently scoring everybody's new favorite movie, Mad Max: Fury Road. He'll also be composing the Batman segments for Zack Snyder's Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice alongside Hans Zimmer.

This is pretty damn cool and a very rare opportunity to learn a trade from a working industry professional. I've always been fascinated by the inner workings of the various filmmaking professions, so I'm definitely looking forward to checking out the tutorial series when it launches next week on May 26th. Check out the trailer below.


Studio Time with Junkie XL is born out of Holkenborg's love for teaching. The composer previously worked as an associate professor at ARTEZ, the Dutch music conservatorium, where he developed a four year music program.

studio-time-with-junkie-xl
Image via Junkie XL

Holkenborg explains,

“I’ve always been passionate about teaching and collaborating. The ‘Studio Time’ series is an extension of that. I created this series as a way for me to share what I’ve learned as a composer with aspiring musicians, whether they’re looking for technical knowledge or are in need of inspiration.”

Here's the full press release.

Composer Tom Holkenborg Launches YouTube Tutorial Series “Studio Time with Junkie XL”

“Studio Time with Junkie XL” Launching May 26, 2015 

Watch the trailer here: youtube.com/junkiexlofficial

 

(Hollywood, CA) May 22, 2015 — Grammy nominated producer and composer Tom Holkenborg aka Junkie XL is launching a new YouTube tutorial series “Studio Time with Junkie XL.” The series will give aspiring composers, producers, and musicians a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a Hollywood composer. The tutorial topics will range from technical advice, such as string and drum arrangements, to programming tips and advice on how to channel your musical influences. “Studio Time with Junkie XL” will launch on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at youtube.com/junkiexlofficial.

 

 

In addition to music, teaching has always been one of Holkenborg’s passions. He was an associate professor at ARTEZ, the Dutch music conservatorium where he developed and taught a four year music program based on all of the elements of his career. His latest teaching endeavor is an online video series that will allow him to reach a broad audience directly from his home studio and share his knowledge of composing. “I’ve always been passionate about teaching and collaborating. The ‘Studio Time’ series is an extension of that. I created this series as a way for me to share what I’ve learned as a composer with aspiring musicians, whether they’re looking for technical knowledge or are in need of inspiration,” explains Holkenborg.

 

junkie-xl
Image via Junkie XL

 


Junkie XL (Tom Holkenborg) has built a reputation on musical experimentation. The Grammy-nominated multi-platinum selling producer and composer’s versatility puts him on the cutting edge of contemporary music, as well as at the vanguard of film composition.  Holkenborg is able to draw on his extensive knowledge of classical forms and structures while maintaining a connection with popular music. His recent film credits include George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road, Divergent, 300: Rise of an Empire, and Run All Night. Holkenborg’s upcoming projects include Black Mass starring Johnny Depp, Point Break, andBatman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. He is teaming with Oscar® winning composer Hans Zimmer forBatman v. Superman. Holkenborg has collaborated with Zimmer on several projects including The Amazing Spiderman 2, Man of Steel, Madagascar 3, and one of the highest-grossing films of all-time, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. He is also currently creating new themes for EA Sports’ prestigious NFL video game franchise Madden ’16.

 

Holkenborg’s artist career began in 1993 when he founded the industrial band NERVE, while producing hardcore and metal bands like Sepultura and Fear Factory. Drawn by electronic breakbeats he became Junkie XL in 1997 debuting with the album “Saturday Teenage Kick.” Holkenborg went on to produce five more albums under the moniker while headlining shows worldwide. In 2002 the producer/remixer scored a number 1 hit in 24 countries with his rework of Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation”. Following the success, Holkenborg collaborated with celebrated artists including Dave Gahan, Robert Smith, Chuck D, and remixed artists such as Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake.

studio time with junkie xl 2
Image via Junkie XL