What does it really take to make a living writing music today? In this episode, composer Sean Doherty shares with co-host, James Woodhall, how his career started, beginning with one of the first pieces he wrote and heard performed. He walks us through how he actually writes now: how he starts a new piece, what a typical working day looks like, and why composing is so hard to plan out in advance. Sean explains how he unlocks a text and turns it into music. He also talks openly about why he keeps writing when success is never guaranteed, and picks a piece of his own that he wishes more people knew.
From there, the talk turns to the modern side of the job. Sean explains how short-form social media content became part of his career and why practical, singer-focused videos strike such a chord. He covers what kind of content actually works for composers, and which skills beyond writing music a composer needs in 2026. He also shares what performances and rehearsals have taught him and gives advice to aspiring composers. We finish with a round of rapid-fire questions, including Sean's pick for the best chord of Christmas. This is an honest, practical look at the craft and business of composing
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