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Lionel Fabert: Maestro of Melodies and Sonic Architect Extraordinaire


In the sprawling tapestry of the music industry, Lionel Fabert stands as a luminary, his compositions weaving tales that traverse realms both real and imagined. Born amidst the vibrant rhythms of Guadeloupe, his journey from the shores of the Caribbean to the bustling streets of Paris echoes the melodic cadence of his life's symphony. Fabert's love affair with music began in childhood, his fingers dancing across the strings of a guitar at the tender age of nine. As the years unfolded, he embraced the rhythms of percussion, the melodies of piano keys, and the beats of drums, each instrument adding depth to his musical repertoire. "Music has always been my true north, guiding me through the ebbs and flows of life," reflects Fabert. Despite carving a successful career in IT project management, Fabert's heart yearned for the boundless horizons of music composition. In 2018, fueled by an unrelenting passion and a thirst for creative expression, he bid adieu to the comforts of corporate stability and embarked on a journey into the unknown.

Initially, Fabert aimed to work predominantly with artists, focusing on composing and producing music for rappers and pop singers. However, a fortuitous encounter in the transformative year of 2013 redirected his trajectory. A serendipitous meeting with a film producer left an indelible mark, as the producer was mesmerized by the intricate musical landscapes crafted by Fabert's team, "TheStormz." This encounter paved the way for a remarkable opportunity – an invitation to contribute to the soundtrack of "La Cité Rose," alongside esteemed luminaries of the French music scene. It was amidst this collaborative endeavor that Fabert experienced a profound epiphany. The process of synchronizing music with the visual narrative of the film unveiled a remarkable synergy between sight and sound. The evocative power of music to accentuate and intensify emotions within the cinematic storytelling framework became abundantly clear. This revelation served as a catalyst for a significant shift in Fabert's creative focus, leading him to redirect his artistic energies towards the composition of music tailored specifically for visual media, including advertisements, trailers, and films.

Crafting Cinematic and Redefining Brand Soundscapes
From the grandeur of blockbuster films to television series, Fabert's compositions have left an indelible mark on the landscape of visual media. One of his most notable collaborations was with Universal Pictures on "Argylle" (2024), a high-octane thriller featuring A-list stars like Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa. For the international trailer Fabert's work elevated the anticipation surrounding the film, earning praise from audiences and critics alike. “It's one of my most successful trailerizations to date, with Universal Pictures choosing it for all international trailers and promotional materials. I have so many people reaching out to me to listen to the full song but I can’t because I don’t have permission to release it.”

In "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" (2023), Fabert's musical prowess lent depth and emotion to the cosmic odyssey, contributing to its success as the fourth highest-grossing movie of the year. His ability to infuse narratives with emotive resonance earned him accolades, including recognition for his composition featured in the film's trailers, which contributed to the film's overall success. The film itself went on to win an Oscar for Best Achievement in Visual Effects, showcasing the collective effort of the entire production team.

The gripping suspense in the trailer of "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Season 3" (Prime Video) found its sonic counterpart in Fabert's compositions, underscoring the trailer’s intrigue and intensity. Collaborating closely with music supervisors, he crafted compelling soundtracks that captivated audiences worldwide.

For "The Gray Man" (Netflix, 2022), Fabert played a pivotal role in the award-winning TV marketing campaign, composing music for one of the trailers featuring an arrangement of the classic song "Anything You Can Do." The campaign garnered critical acclaim, earning two Clio Awards and one Golden Trailer Award, affirming Fabert's position as a preeminent composer in the industry. “Trailer music typically comprises three main sections. I believe the introduction is crucial; I dedicate significant effort to teasing the song with engaging rhythms, melodies, and sound design. While the middle section and climax are also important, my focus here is on amplifying the 'wow' effect crucial for a movie trailer with big drums, orchestra, and a lot of sound design!”

Beyond the realms of cinema and television, Fabert's creative vision extends to the realm of advertising, where he lends his talents to global brands seeking to carve out their auditory identities. From McDonald’s to LinkedIn, his compositions resonate with audiences, striking a delicate balance between creativity and commercial appeal. "When crafting music for global brands, my focus shifts towards creating thematic melodies that resonate with the brand's identity," explains Fabert, shedding light on his approach to music production for diverse clientele.

Celebrating Success: Awards and Accolades
In addition to his groundbreaking projects, Lionel Fabert's musical prowess has been celebrated through a slew of prestigious awards and accolades. Among his notable achievements is the 2023 Production Music Award for Best Hip Hop/Rap Song, a recognition bestowed upon the creation of the song "Know My Name," featuring the stellar vocals of Canadian artist Patrik Kabongo and published by Infinity Scores. This esteemed award, which celebrates the finest production music libraries and composers worldwide, serves as a testament to Fabert's dedication to innovation and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Furthermore, Fabert's contribution to "The Gray Man" TV spot earned him the coveted 2023 Golden Trailer Award for Best Music TV Spot, underscoring his exceptional talent in crafting captivating soundscapes for film and video game marketing.

Lastly, Fabert's collaboration on the score of "Alternatum" with the group "TheStormz" earned him an Honorable Mention at the prestigious Los Angeles Film Awards in 2016, further solidifying his status as a luminary in the realm of music composition. These accolades serve as a testament to Fabert's remarkable talent and enduring impact on the music industry.

"Each award serves as a testament to the collective effort and passion poured into every composition. It’s really satisfying to see my work being recognized by all these experts in the music and film industry," remarks Fabert, reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success.

A Glimpse into the Future: Unveiling New Horizons
"As I embark on new musical odysseys, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation," enthuses Fabert, offering a glimpse into his forthcoming endeavors. His forthcoming projects, including new albums for the trailer world under his music label “Cooking Noise,” a new music house specializing in music for brands, trailers, and sports, promise to captivate audiences and redefine auditory experiences for generations to come.

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