How to be a Composer for Minecraft with Crispin Hands
Crispin Hands’ journey into composing wasn’t traditional—he left college early and couldn’t even read music at first. Yet, through sheer persistence and raw talent, he carved out an incredible career. In this episode, he shares how that unorthodox path led him to scoring huge titles like Minecraft Legends and Gears of War. It’s an inspiring story that proves there’s no single way to break into the industry in ‘How to be a Composer for Minecraft’.
How to Get Hired as a Composer
Want to score your dream project? Crispin reveals what actually makes a demo stand out and how to land an interview. His advice is gold for aspiring composers trying to get their foot in the door. Plus, he shares insight into the real-world pitching process at studios and how networking continues to be the cornerstone of a sustainable composing career.
How to be a Composer for Minecraft
Landing a major gig like Minecraft Legends isn’t just luck—it’s timing, reputation, and delivering great work. Crispin takes us behind the scenes of how he joined the project, the creative freedom he was given, and how he approached building a sound world for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. His process is both technical and deeply intuitive—perfect for fans and creators alike.
Composer Life: Passion, Play, and Pressure
Crispin opens up about what it’s really like to work in games. From whether he plays video games himself to how he gets creatively inspired, this part of the conversation uncovers the balance between personal passion and professional deadlines. He also shares what attributes make a great composer—hint: it’s not just musical talent.
Advice for Directors and Aspiring Composers
Whether you’re directing your first film or sending out your first demo reel, Crispin has practical, powerful advice. He breaks down the best ways directors can communicate with composers and reflects on what he wishes he’d known at the start of his own career. It’s a valuable listen packed with takeaways for creatives on both sides of the collaboration.
Find out more about Crispin on his official Instagram Page
Want to hear from a composer that moved into directing features? Check out the episode with Eric Wong.
