I studied piano from the age of 4, then double bass in my early teens, performing a mix of classical, jazz, and playing in bands on bass guitar. I studied at the Royal College of Music, then began working as an orchestra conductor, for classical orchestras to begin with, and later for film recording sessions. It was a short step from there to arranging and orchestrating for other film composers, whilst building up credits and a portfolio as a composer on short films and factual documentaries, before moving into working on drama and feature films.

As a composer: The Railway Children Return, Beyond Existence, DNA Family Secrets, Prince Phillip: Man Behind the Crown, Race Across the World, and as an orchestrator/conductor, The Crown, Bridgerton, Trial of the Chicago Seven, Enola Holmes and an album of James Bond soundtrack themes re-recorded with the Royal Philharmonic at Abbey Road.

Scoring The Railway Children Return was a real highlight. There is a long scene towards the end of the film which culminates in a big train-stopping climax. I had an idea for the music at dinner on Sunday evening, and remember leaving the table to write down a few notes. I started scoring it early the following morning, I think it was a 16 hour day, and by the end of Tuesday evening it was done.

I played it to the director Morgan Matthews later that week. He gave me a knowing smile and just nodded. Writing something that you like is easy. Writing something that experienced filmmakers like, that conveys the soul of their story, is a big challenge, but when it works, it’s the best feeling in the world!

I don’t work in Yorkshire often enough. But I’ve been looking for opportunities to work more in my home county. Though many productions are set in Yorkshire, the music is often recorded elsewhere, due to the availability of recording studios and session musicians who are experienced in film music recording. There is a world class orchestra in Leeds at Opera North, so all it would require would be the right investment into recording facilities to make it possible.

Learn your craft. Whether it’s music, editing, acting, or any technical skill, study hard, don’t cut corners, and don’t rush. Music is a language, and you need to be fluent in it before you start selling your skills in it. With the advancement of technology and sample libraries it’s too easy for composers to get away without proper musical training – it will come out in the wash in the end, and you’ll be limited to writing a certain type of score. Study the language and all stories and genres of music will be available to you.

You can find out more about Edward and his work and stream the film score for ‘The Railway Children Return’ via https://linktr.ee/edwardfarmer