We were lucky to catch up with Gilde Flores recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gilde, appreciate you joining us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

I believe my scaling up as a music composer/producer came from strategic planning, followed by years of “bootstrapping” knowing that I had to prove my self, (really to myself), in this audio and visual media industry.

My approach came from a humbled mindset, once I removed the ego from the equation. I knew it would take hours in many different areas to level myself to the point of execution, so I invested the time in doing just that.

I broke my day(s) up into sections and balanced this way for a couple of years before even starting the journey as I knew I had to dedicate countless hours to studying various techniques, experimenting with different genres and styles. For instance, my day would start with knowledge and education via reading, videos, and mostly ear training by listening to mediums I was interested in creating. I would then block off the next bit of time into practical skill and create music, depending on whatever genre or technique I was focused on that day. I would then spend the rest of time on researching for leads or people I would one day reach out to once I felt I had the right quality and material to showcase.

This was my process on a daily basis until I decided I was prepared to initiate the next phase which consisted of reaching out via email, the occasion cold call for emails, and looking for any opportunity all while continuing my growth regime, and maintaining societal and familial life. Once I had my first opportunity from a music publisher who took interest in my work, I made myself available around the clock for any musical and creative needs available.

I eventually scaled with this publisher into many genres and skill sets, which resulted in the placing my work in various and high profiled tv shows, as well as work on a Block Buster superhero film. This foundation built a strong repertoire of high-quality music that would later become my key asset which helped launch me into the next chapter of my career.

The next phase was, and is, an ever going one, as it resulted in leveraging my credentials into starting conversations with other publishers and decision makers for opportunities for various mediums outside of tv/film, but into trailer music for theatrical advertisements, commercials, and so on. Eventually my catalog and credits/placements went from the hundreds on into the thousands throughout the years allowing me to fulfill many dream projects and working along side of the industry heavy hitters, all while continuing to leverage myself into other opportunities.

These placements not only provided exposure and recognition but also acted as a proof of my talent and professionalism in the industries which ultimately expanded my network and expertise, leading to scaling up my career as a seasoned music composer/producer.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a musician before any other hats I’ve found myself wearing throughout my career. I started out from a bedroom and transitioned into working in some of the best studios in the states, as well as with and alongside some of the industry top tiered talent. I say all of this to really showcase my work ethic and consistency being the key values which eventually led me to this career in the industry.

Once I eliminated the self-imposed obstacles I had created, I developed a strong ability to bounce back from setbacks and became resilient. I shifted my focus from merely seeking success to a sharp focus on my “why,” and understanding the underlying reasons behind my drive to accomplish great things.

The discipline I instilled in myself to adopt a new mindset and a perspective lens to analyze life became the catalyst for my transformative journey for personal growth, in both skills and mindset. It was by consistently dedicating myself to working on my craft every day, following a disciplined routine, that I acquired the essential skills as a composer, producer, engineer, and eventually as an educator and with an entrepreneurial mindset.

In this pursuit, I discovered that I had transformed into a versatile creator, capable of composing and producing music across various genres. This ability was attained through the countless hours I devoted to honing my skills in sound selection and recognizing different musical instruments as essential components, similar to how a skilled chef possesses knowledge of their ingredients, spices, and tools.

Having this skillset has made me more capable of assisting clients in solving many issues they face while searching for the perfect music, while still maintaining its genuine and authentic essence. I believe that my adaption of the mindset of a chef has offered a differential from others. For example, it having the capability to deconstruct and analyze the music (reference/temp track) shared by the client, understand its components thoroughly (like identifying the ingredients), and then skillfully compose a fresh piece of music (like preparing a dish) while preserving the clients cherished essence of the original reference (like sticking to the recipe).

I take great pride in constantly exceeding expectations and adding value to every aspect of life. I consider everything I do and create to be valuable, which is central to my identity and brand. I’ve just set up two companies: “Paint the Noise” (music production) and “Sync the Noise” (music licensing). Value is at the core of everything we do in both ventures. From brand communication, to music representation, and client interaction. The strongest aspect I prioritize in my career and personal life is value, which has greatly influenced both myself and my businesses, enabling a continuous cycle of giving.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The main purpose, or goal, that drives my creative journey is simply to contribute and provide opportunities for creative individuals, particularly in the field of music, to discover their own path and minimize the overwhelming various distractions that can hinder their dreams and progress.

I have been on a personal journey for the past 13+ years where I have taken control of my own path and searched for a method that suited me. I recognize that every person’s journey has its own challenges and hindrances. However, I am working to develop a universal framework that can be customized to suit each individual’s unique narrative. This involves identifying the common problems faced by creative individuals and recognizing the various complexities inherent in the music industry for those embarking on a path as I did when I first started; without guidance.

In relation to my businesses, Paint the Noise and Sync the Noise, my objective is to prioritize the delivery of value above all else. I aim to create a nurturing environment where creative individuals can pursue their dreams instead of simply engaging in work. In reality, the names of my businesses come from the concept that “noise” symbolizes the different distractions that creatives often face as they juggle their aspirations alongside their societal and familial responsibilities.

As for my main mission, I aim to emphasize the importance of valuing every aspect above anything else, both in our services and in the overall experience of collaborating with us.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I believe that pursuing a career in music entails the idea of constantly pivoting, adapting, and evolving. It is the only way for a creative individual to truly grow, in this space and throughout the various stages and aspects of a musical career. It involves being open to exploring new paths and stepping beyond the expected boundaries, even if it may lead you off track. Sometimes, it is during these detours that one stumble upon a newfound passion in an unexpected area.

All of these experiences contribute to the incredible journey of my career in music. To provide some background, I initially embarked on my music producer journey with dreams of collaborating with the top artists and traveling to numerous known studios. However, the reality turned out to be quite different, as I found myself working independently in my own home studio, and in a completely different field: visual media. This experience made me realize that this filed is what I want to pursue for the remainder of my professional career.

I now have a strong desire to continue working in the visual media industry scoring and composing music for various platforms such as TV, film, theatrical and game trailers, video games, advertisements, and so on. This is a passion that I am determined to hold onto, and it aligns perfectly with the clear vision I have for my businesses all discovered by the accidental pivot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/gilflo
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gilfloproductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gildeflores
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/gildef
• Other: www.paintthenoise.com

Image Credits

Gilde F., Amira V.