Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adele Etheridge Woodson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Adele thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I’ve taken (besides committing to working full-time as a musician!) was moving to London earlier this year. I spent months preparing my visa application, gathering evidence to prove to a whole government (!) that I am a working artist. After a few months of preparing and a few weeks of anxiously checking my email, I was approved to stay in the UK for five years! Moving was a whirlwind, and it was more of a learning curve than I anticipated. But after seven months here so far, I can say it was the best decision I ever made. I live in a city full of amazingly creative people from all over the world, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by talented composers and filmmakers!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an American film composer and violinist currently based in London. I grew up as a Classically-trained violinist, attending a performing arts school in Arizona. When I was around 15, I struggled to feel creatively fulfilled just by performing other people’s music. When my teachers suggested composing, a whole new world opened. It took me a few years to find my voice (my first compositions were NOT good, but that’s how you learn!), but I have fully embraced the beautiful chaos that is film scoring.

I love experimenting with all sorts of genres, but I resonate the most with post-classical/electronic hybrid sounds (like using a traditional String Orchestra with lots of electronic effects and synthesizers). I love to push myself every score to try something new and unique to each film, and I feel very lucky to work with a number of filmmakers that give me the space to experiment!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I first started my Instagram during the pandemic lockdowns, where I experimented with posting daily (videos, photos, behind the scenes, etc). For awhile, my page didn’t really grow. When Instagram introduced Reels, I fully embraced those, posting a variety of short videos, and that helped me reach a new audience! Most of my followers are fellow composers, so all my videos posting my process/BTS/music tech setup seem to be the most interesting to them. My advice is to post things you find interesting, to be open and honest as an artist, and to try your best to be aware of the (ever-changing) algorithm. And remember that life is so much more than social media — don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love collaborating. I love meeting new people and learning about their stories and films. I am consistently challenged to go out of my comfort zone artistically by my colleagues, and I feel very privileged to work alongside some amazing artists!

Contact Info:

• Website: adelebrooke.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelecomposer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adelecomposer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelewoodson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/adelecomposer

Image Credits
Lawrence Fung Francisco “Moose” Monarrez