Amir Hedayah
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Amir Hedayah At Image-Line, we’re proud that FL Studio is used by so many people in so many different ways. A wonderful example of this concept comes from Egyptian composer & producer Amir Hedayah, who utilizes our DAW to create masterful musical soundscapes for TV & Film. Whether working on projects for Disney+ or even creating the epic intro music for our FL Studio 21 release video, Amir knows how to set just the right tone, and we’re happy to have him on board as an official FL Studio Power User. FL Studio 21 | What’s New? (intro music prod. by Amir Hedayah) Tell us about yourself and how you got into music. Born into a musical family in Alexandria, Egypt, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been immersed in the world of classical music from the earliest days of my life. My father played the piano and frequently took me to classical concerts, while my mother was a piano and music theory professor at the Conservatoire d’Alexandrie. My childhood was steeped in music, whether attending concerts with my parents, accompanying my mom to her work, or sitting at home, soaking in the sounds of private piano lessons. Occasionally, I’d even receive my own bits of musical education. Those formative years shaped my love for music and planted the seeds for everything I do today. How did you start using FL Studio & what does it mean to your productions? My father used to buy a monthly computer magazine in Arabic called Loghat Al-Asr (Language of the Era). This magazine was a window into the emerging world of computers, and every issue came with a compact disc loaded with games, software, videos, and more. One day, in 1998, I found the first version of FL Studio (I was 10 years old). By that time, I was already playing piano and guitar and had started composing music. Discovering FL Studio was nothing short of a revelation. The ability to layer sounds opened a new dimension for me. I became addicted, often skipping classes to spend hours on the magical FL sequencer. My parents were incredibly supportive; they encouraged guests to listen to my creations, which gave me the confidence to explore further. With time, I discovered film music. Armed with FL Studio and unrelenting passion, I had no choice but to try my hand at creating film scores. I dreamed of making music for film for the rest of my life, and somehow, that dream came true. Tell us about your work and some of the artists you have worked with. I entered the industry at a young age, starting with music for athletes (gymnastics shows) that I composed at home. Later, I moved to Cairo, Egypt’s capital, to immerse myself in the heart of the industry. I worked hard on building connections and honing my skills, and by the age of 16, I landed my first commercial music project on TV. Clients were drawn to my unique sound, which helped me transition from TV shows to low-budget films and eventually to box-office hits. Recently, I had the honor of working with Disney on Kizazi Moto (Generation Fire), a milestone project in my career. And what’s coming next? Let’s just say it’s even more exciting! |
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (music prod. by Amir Hedayah) Tell us about your production environment and the gear you use. I like to keep things simple. Minimalism in my equipment and environment helps me eliminate distractions and channel my full focus into the creative process. I’ve even removed the tiny power indicator LEDs from my monitor speakers to avoid unnecessary visual clutter because every fraction of focus counts. I use a powerful PC with a Babyface PRO interface and still rely on my Yamaha HS5 monitors for their exceptional translation across different systems. My primary controller is the Novation Impulse 61, complemented by an M-Audio Hammer 88 for classical control. My setup includes an Alesis electric drum kit, a Korg PadKontrol, and a breath MIDI controller for capturing human dynamics. For reality checks, I trust my Grand Audeze headphones. My studio wouldn’t be complete without my collection of classical, acoustic, and electric guitars, along with ethnic instruments and percussions, they’re the heart of my sound’s identity.
Amir in the Studio What is your top FL Studio tip for up-and-coming producers? I never formally learned how to use FL Studio, I just explored. That’s why I use it in ways that might be unconventional. I didn’t realize it would become synonymous with electronic music; for me, it was a natural fit for classical and orchestral compositions. I invented my own methods, orchestrating, arranging, mixing, and mastering without even knowing the formal names of those processes at the time. My advice? Don’t box yourself into learning predefined techniques. Learning is important, but your creativity is limitless. Hold onto the sound in your head and find your own way to bring it to life, even if no one has done it that way before. That’s how you create something uniquely yours. |
