Interview with in Demand Musician/Film Composer Robert J. Sedky
Session musician Robert J. Sedky has worked with international artists and record producers, like Charles Fisher (Savage Garden, ToR+ Saksit, The Celtic Tenors) and Jay Newland (Norah Jones, Eran James). He has also scored the music for multiple independent films.
Magesh, Musicngear: You have been performing in the Melbourne music scene since the mid-90s, what do you account for your longevity in the music business?
Practice, preparation, luck, and word of mouth are crucial in sustaining my work.
Being a multi-instrumentalist has expanded opportunities to work in various fields in the music industry.
You have worked as a session guitarist for many Australian artists. Do you need to have great reading skills to do studio recordings?
Depending on the genre, if it was a film score or big band chart, yes you need to have reading skills.
As a guitarist, understanding charts is crucial for chord progressions but having great feel, technique, and improvisation skills is equally powerful. Producers often grant me creative freedom to tailor guitar parts to their requirements, leading to numerous recording opportunities over the years.
Networking and building relationships with aspiring directors, producers, and film departments such as editors is crucial for creating more opportunities
You have also worked as a film composer for multiple independent films. What advice do you have for young musicians who want to write for film?
Networking and building relationships with aspiring directors, producers, and film departments such as editors is crucial for creating more opportunities.
Continually, honing your craft in the language of film and a variety of musical genres will help you develop your own voice.
Can you talk about your experience opening for Sir Elton John?
It was truly an unforgettable experience playing acoustic guitar for Eran James, a talented artist and friend, during our tour across Australia. The professionalism of the crew and meeting music legend Elton John left me in awe!
Elton even signed my guitar, reminiscing about music icons like John Lennon and Eric Clapton, a personal guitar hero of mine.
On a personal note, I have a vivid memory from our performance at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, where I walked on stage to start the evening in front of 20,000 Elton fans with the lights down - hearing the sound of my footsteps amplified by the mics was nerve-racking!
Understanding charts is crucial for chord progressions but having great feel, technique, and improvisation skills is equally powerful
I know you will be opening for Coldplay on their Australian tour in November, how did this opportunity come about?
Emmanuel Kelly and I met after his viral performance of John Lennon's Imagine on X-Factor. I was introduced to him by Gary Pinto, a highly respected vocalist and artist in Melbourne, Australia.
Emmanuel and I wrote songs together and formed a great friendship. A decade later he invited me to be musical director and guitarist for the upcoming Coldplay support tour.
This unique touring opportunity is significant as it led to an Australian Fender Artist endorsement. I have long admired Leo Fender and the iconic brand. I am looking forward to playing a few of my modified Performer Stratocaster's on stage!
What projects are you currently working on?
Current projects include film and documentary scores, session guitar work for Australian artists, and preparation for the Coldplay tour.
I am also working on 2 albums of original works: Volume I - Guitar Instrumentals and Volume - II Contemporary Etudes for Cello and String Quartet.
Connect with Robert J. Sedky
Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
In this section of the blog we host interviews with established but also up and coming artists we love and recommend as well as music industry professionals with tons of useful information to share.
Interested in an interview, writing a story as a guest or joining the Musicngear team as a Contributing Author? Contact us at info+blog@musicngear.com
