Biography
Blair has composed numerous scores for theatre, film and media, with clients ranging from independent production companies to the likes of Channel 4. He is a 4Talent short-listed, award-winning composer with a BA (Hons) in Music from Durham University and an MA in Composition for Film and Television from Bristol University, for which he was awarded a Distinction.
Blair has written music in almost every style imaginable, whether it be epic full orchestral compositions, pounding dance music, acoustic folk tunes or gritty experimental horror scores. He has his own professional studio equipment to cater for any conceivable project. He specialises in using both live players and sampled instruments.
Blair studied conducting under RSNO conductor James Lowe and conducted various orchestras and ensembles whilst studying at Durham and Bristol. In March 2008 he became the founder and principal conductor of the Bristol Film Orchestra. The BFO brought together players in the Bristol and Bath area for the exclusive purpose of performing and recording new composers. film scores, as well as playing Hollywood favourites for audiences.
Blair was the co-founder of the Durham Opera Ensemble and remains Composer in Residence with the experimental theatre company Captain Theatre. His film scoring studies began with an intensive two week course led under two-time Emmy Award winning film composer Hummie Mann in 2004. In 2008 he was awarded a Dewar Arts Award for excellence in the arts as well as winning the Exposures National Film Festival Composition Competition.
His own style of film scoring centres on the idea that understanding the theory of narrative itself is essential before beginning to manipulate a story or control an audience's emotions through music. His prior experiences in directing, producing, editing and writing for film have all contributed to his ability to communicate effectively with any client, no matter what their understanding of musical terminology. He is dedicated to promoting the education of music and tries his best to give tutorials in composition when time allows.
Blair's music has been performed all over the UK in venues such as the Wales Millennium Centre, the Southwark Playhouse and the Soho Theatre. His music for film has included showings worldwide including the BFI London Film Festival, the New York City International Film Festival, Raindance Film Festival, the Cambridge International Film Festival, the Bristol Filmmakers Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Film Festival, the West Hollywood International Film Festival, the East End Film Festival, the Portobello Film Festival London, Screentest, Exposures, and Filmstock.
Blair continues to write music professionally for film, theatre and television, as well as composing commissioned concert works. He assesses every proposal of work individually and is always interested in discussing potential projects, however large or small, in the UK or abroad.