In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, Gabe Shadid sits down with composer Alex Pfeffer to talk about the journey of finding your voice in cinematic music.

From early experiments writing rough demos to discovering his own powerful epic orchestral sound, Alex shares how he pushed and took chances to achieve goals beyond being just a composer.

The conversation explores the realities of building a career in music—how composers actually meet collaborators, the importance of creative community, and how relationships still matter in an increasingly digital world.

They also dive into one of the biggest questions facing artists today: what happens to creativity in the age of AI? As technology changes the landscape of music production, composers are redefining how they connect, collaborate, and stay creatively relevant.

Whether you're an aspiring film composer, trailer music fan, or creator navigating the evolving music industry, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges and opportunities of building a career in cinematic music.

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In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid shares the story of an unexpected moment when Epic Score's music crossed into mainstream Hip-Hop. Drake released his hit song "First Person Shooter (feat. J. Cole)," and it featured a sample from the Epic Score track "Redemption".

Gabe shares a behind-the-scenes look at how trailer music can travel far beyond promo licensing to the wild world of global pop culture. "First Person Shooter" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and that was just the start of even more adventures.

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In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, Gabe Shadid sits down with longtime friend and SuperBloom ad agency owner Tom Dunlap for a wide-ranging conversation about creative careers, advertising, and what it takes to sustain long-term professional growth.

Tom shares how his creative curiosity evolved into a decades-long career in marketing and agency leadership. The discussion explores creative instincts, adapting to new technology, building momentum over time, staying relevant in a changing world and the mindset required to keep moving forward in a competitive industry.

Whether you work in music, advertising, or the broader creative world, this episode offers practical perspective on following your interests, developing your skills, and playing the long game.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

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To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of The Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid reflects on the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in a rapidly changing creative landscape.

Drawing from the early days of Epic Score's launch in 2006, Gabe shares personal stories about building expertise, navigating industry shifts, and gaining perspective through experience. A thoughtful look at how deep focus and flexibility can coexist in today's fast-moving music world.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

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To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of The Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid sits down with composer/sample developer Nick Phoenix, co-founder of Two Steps From Hell, and founder of Quantum Leap for a deep conversation about artistic longevity, creative discipline, and the evolution of epic music and sound sampling.

Nick shares candid insights into building a global cinematic music brand, navigating industry shifts, and maintaining independence in a rapidly changing music landscape. From the early days of trailer music and sound sampling to the challenges of becoming a rock artist, this episode explores what it truly takes to sustain a career in the creative world.

Plus, Nick shares news of some exciting upcoming epic projects.

Whether you're a composer, producer, or serious fan of cinematic music, this conversation offers rare perspective from one of the architects of the genre.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

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To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of The Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid, founder of Epic Score, continues with Part 4 of the story of his journey into the world of audio and music.

Gabe opens up about the long road to creative confidence—and how believing in yourself is so important, but something many of us find difficult.

From early self-doubt that held him back, to unexpected validation from music libraries and others, Gabe shares real stories from his music career as it was slowly building with production music, tv themes and beta testing. You'll hear how external feedback, timing, and persistence slowly built momentum—even when confidence lagged behind results.

This episode is part reflection, part encouragement, and part behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to build a career in cinematic and television music. If you're a composer, producer, or creative who's putting in the work but still questioning yourself, this conversation is a reminder to give yourself a chance—and let the work speak.

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To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of the Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid sits down with Karen Cirillo, a senior creative director/editor whose career path proves there's no such thing as a straight line in Hollywood.

Karen's journey began as a receptionist at CBS before moving through the world of television promotion with relentless deadlines and sink-or-swim expectations. Along the way, she faced roadblocks, self-doubt, and moments where taking a risk was necessary to move forward. But taking those leaps led to a two-decade career at NBC where she ultimately became a senior creative director of promo.

🎬 This conversation digs into:

Starting at the bottom and learning on the job

The reality of promo, post, and "day-of" deadlines

Taking risks before you feel ready

Why careers never stop evolving

It's an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a creative career—not through glamour, but through persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

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To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com

In this episode of The Epic Score Podcast, host Gabe Shadid, founder of Epic Score, continues with Part 3 of the story of his journey into the world of audio and music.

In 1999, the technology in the industry was evolving and it was causing major changes in the workflows around LA. Gabe's mixing career came to a grinding halt, and switching to freelance became a necessity. From rock bottom and full of doubt to busy beyond belief, tune in for a roller coaster ride!

🎬 In this episode, you'll learn:

About the importance of making in-person personal connections

About a new naming suffix on the titles of Epic Score's current album release

About how Gabe entered the world of music software beta testing

How Pro Tools changed an entire industry

How Gabe bounced back from a major mixing career setback

If you're interested in the history of Epic Score and the promo industry in Los Angeles, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Subscribe to The Epic Score Podcast for in-depth conversations with the creators and executives shaping the sound of modern cinema.

Subscribe to Epic Score's newsletter for events and more: https://go.epicscore.com/

To reach out to us directly email: podcast@epicscore.com