Tony Mitchell, warts and all …

After riding around the block a few thousand times with various bands and artists of all different shapes, sizes and egos, it was time to take a different direction.

In 2004 I came off the road and formed XGypsy with my wife Dawn, specialising in music for Film, TV and Media. Having a huge back catalogue of original material wasn’t enough. To do this, I had to fine tune myself as a composer by orchestration. I had to get inside the scenario to create the perfect piece to fit.

At first, I worked to storyboards from independent film companies and did this for free just for the experience, which proved to be invaluable. I found out that I was more than qualified to do this and took it to the next level. Although, to an extent, soundtracks have to be contrived, I think of myself edgier, darker and more dynamic than the normal and love to create on demand, if need be.

Even though I love creating high energy, metal riffs that would speed through any action scene, I also like the earthiness of the acoustic guitar, which lends itself to a more honest, personal theme. Orchestration and choirs pieces are what I am requested to create the most. I love to do this, especially when blended with tribal or war drums and makes for the ultimate blockbuster or trailer.

Those who know me know I am a huge fan of the horror and dark fantasy genre and get great satisfaction out of composing for this field. If I have a forte, I would say dark western or Latin American films, ranging from 60s Ennio Morricone to present day composers. I am a huge fan of Tarantino too, who is a perfect template for a vast amount of my music. He inspired my 2010 concept album, Kingdom of Deadmen’s Black Rhapsody, of which, I am very proud of and have people pitching this for a movie in the US.

Now fully established, not only am I passionate in what I do, I look to the next challenge I am always looking to better what I have already achieved.

XGYPSY continues to grow, with DTM Music Portrait, which allows people to give the gift of song by taking those thoughts and feelings from their hearts and turning it over to us to create the perfect song for the perfect person in any style or genre.

I also continue to write for various projects, which can be purchased via the XGYPSY shop.

Those who know me, know I have to have things done right, and won’t take “that’ll do!” as an option -    I have not made many friends this way. I have been criticised for living like a recluse when writing and shutting myself off from the rest of the world, but this is how I work and always have.

In order to create the right composition, you really have to be it! I am my own worse critic but this is me.

 This is who I am … this is what I do … MY GIFT, MY CURSE!

Tony Mitchell

Facebook XGYPSY for messages, instant news & updates...