Client: Joshua Humphreys
Project Title: Change of State

Objective:
This project focused on composing a modern, high-impact score for the action thriller short film Change of State, as well as its official trailer. The goal was to create music that would drive momentum, heighten tension, and support the film’s gritty narrative. We aimed to reflect the contemporary suburban London setting, using music to capture the energy, danger, and urgency of a night club and bar environment.

Music Composition Approach:
From the outset, modernity and propulsion were central to the musical direction. We drew inspiration from contemporary electronic and hybrid thriller scores, utilizing driving rhythms, pulsing synths, and minimalist motifs to establish intensity and forward motion. Low-end textures, percussive elements, and distorted synth layers were combined to mirror the nocturnal atmosphere and raw edge of the film’s urban setting.

The score was written to align closely with the film’s pacing and action beats. Repetitive rhythmic patterns underscored moments of tension and anticipation, while dynamic builds and drops supported fight sequences and narrative turning points. Themes were kept concise and adaptable, allowing the music to respond fluidly to shifts in energy and control throughout the story.

For the trailer, the music was restructured into a more condensed and impactful form, emphasizing immediacy and escalation. Rising tension, clear thematic identity, and punchy transitions were prioritized to quickly establish tone, stakes, and genre, ensuring the trailer delivered maximum impact within a short runtime.

To maintain cohesion across the film and trailer, we focused on a consistent sonic palette and tonal identity. The music was designed to feel contemporary and grounded, avoiding overly orchestral gestures in favor of a sleek, urban sound that reflected the club-centric environment and modern London backdrop.

Logo Animation Music:
The closing titles featured a restrained variation of the main motif, stripped back to minimal rhythmic and tonal elements. This provided a controlled and unresolved ending, reinforcing the film’s sense of tension and instability.

Tone and Style:
The score was modern, tense, and rhythm-driven—characterized by electronic textures, strong pulse, and a dark urban edge. It was crafted to support the action-thriller genre while anchoring the film firmly in its contemporary setting.

Technical Delivery:

Delivered in stereo format for online, festival, and trailer distribution.
Mixed for clarity and impact, with emphasis on low-end control and rhythmic precision.