Portfolio by Genre – Dave Merkel Music & Sounds

Dave2024-11-13T20:05:56-07:00

Still, Still, Still

Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Still, Still, Still

Recorded by Dave Merkel

Sound Recording Copyright ℗ 2024, Dave Merkel Music & Sounds

Public Domain

Warm, Minimalistic, Solo Piano

Dave2024-10-26T11:09:25-06:00

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Recorded by Dave Merkel

Sound Recording Copyright ℗ 2024, Dave Merkel Music & Sounds

Public Domain

Warm, Minimalistic, Solo Piano

Dave2024-10-26T11:13:50-06:00

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Recorded by Dave Merkel

Sound Recording Copyright ℗ 2024, Dave Merkel Music & Sounds

Public Domain

Warm, Minimalistic, Solo Piano

Dave2024-10-26T11:14:15-06:00

Deck the Halls

Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Deck the Halls

Recorded by Dave Merkel

Sound Recording Copyright ℗ 2024, Dave Merkel Music & Sounds

Public Domain

Warm, Minimalistic, Solo Piano

Dave2024-10-26T11:14:41-06:00

Angels From the Realms of Glory

Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Angels From the Realms of Glory

Recorded by Dave Merkel

Sound Recording Copyright ℗ 2024, Dave Merkel Music & Sounds

Public Domain

Warm, Minimalistic, Solo Piano

Dave2024-10-10T08:56:29-06:00

Perky Perc

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave

Perky Perc

Composed by Dave Merkel

Fun, uptempo and rhythmic percussion track

Dave2023-04-22T15:34:09-06:00

Solitary Suspension

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Solitary Suspension

Composed by Dave Merkel

Minimalistic, Pensive, Solo Piano

Dave2022-09-07T19:49:09-06:00

Dueling Dynasties

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Dueling Dynasties

Composed by Dave Merkel

Building, Epic Orchestral & Sound Design Trailer

Dave2023-03-26T06:45:09-06:00

What Child is This?

Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

What Child is This?

Produced by Dave Merkel

Sound Recording Copyright ℗ 2022, Dave Merkel Music & Sounds

Public Domain

Lilting Jazz-Waltz Feel, Instrumental

Dave2022-08-31T18:56:46-06:00

Even the Prodigal Belongs

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Even the Prodigal Belongs

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Orchestral Trailer, Building, Mysterious to Triumphant.

Dave2022-08-31T18:58:26-06:00

Running Off the Rails

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Running Off the Rails

Composed by Dave Merkel

Instrumental Tension Cue, Hybrid with Synths & Orchestra, Sound Design.

Dave2022-08-31T18:58:59-06:00

Lurking Unnoticed

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Lurking Unnoticed

“Lurking Unnoticed”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Pulsing, Melodic, Repetitive Tension Cue. Piano, Bells, Sound Design.

Dave2022-08-31T18:59:25-06:00

In the Shadows

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

In the Shadows

“In the Shadows”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Repetitive and pulsing dark ambient Tension Cue feat. Piano and Bells.

Dave2022-08-31T18:59:55-06:00

Cotillion of the Undead

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Cotillion of the Undead

“Cotillion of the Undead”

Composed by Dave Merkel

18th Century Dance Music adapt. for Ghostly Settings

Dave2024-02-16T20:24:40-07:00

On the Edge

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

On the Edge

“On the Edge”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Epic Hybrid Trailer

Dave2022-08-31T19:00:59-06:00

Catch that Spy

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Catch that Spy

“Catch that Spy”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Tense Action Instrumental Cue

Dave2022-08-31T19:01:29-06:00

An Artist’s Groove

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

An Artist’s Groove

“An Artist’s Groove”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Cool, Confident R&B Instrumental Cue

Dave2022-08-31T19:01:57-06:00

Life of an Artist

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Life of an Artist

“Life of an Artist”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Warm, Reflective Piano Instrumental

Dave2022-08-31T19:03:04-06:00

Hip Homedy

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Hip Homedy

“Hip Homedy”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Hip-Hop Dramedy Instrumental Cue

Dave2022-08-31T19:03:38-06:00

Dystopian Dust

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Dystopian Dust

“Dystopian Dust”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Dark & Gritty Synth-based Instrumental

Dave2022-08-31T19:04:06-06:00

Epic Exploration

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Epic Exploration

“Epic Exploration”

Composed by Dave Merkel

Epic Uplifting Trailer

Dave2022-08-31T19:04:43-06:00

Time’s Up

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Time’s Up

“Time’s Up” – Dave Merkel

Composed by Dave Merkel

Orchestral Tension Cue

Dave2022-08-31T19:05:15-06:00

Stargirl Scoring Competition

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Score to Video / Film

Stargirl Scoring Competition

Dave’s entry for the Stargirl Score Competition by DC, CW, and Spitfire Audio. The challenge: compose music for a scene from CW’s Stargirl.

Music composed and produced by Dave Merkel

Action and Drama.

Dave2022-08-31T19:05:43-06:00

Oath of the Warrior

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Oath of the Warrior

“Oath of the Warrior” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Epic Action Trailer.

Dave2022-08-31T19:06:11-06:00

Grand Teton

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Grand Teton

“Grand Teton” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Epic Hip-Hop/Orchestral Hybrid Instrumental cue.

Dave2022-08-31T19:06:42-06:00

Dangerous Facts

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Dangerous Facts

“Dangerous Facts” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Suspenseful, Investigative, Hybrid Instrumental Cue.

Dave2022-08-31T19:07:15-06:00

Tense Consternation

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Tense Consternation

“Tense Consternation” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Tension Hybrid (Orchestra, Synths, & Effects) Instrumental Cue.

Dave2022-08-31T19:17:02-06:00

One Step From the Abyss

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

One Step From the Abyss

“One Step From the Abyss” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Slow-burn Hybrid Trailer, Tension, Impacts, Sound Design.

Dave2022-08-31T19:17:57-06:00

Forest of Mystery & Wonder

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Forest of Mystery & Wonder

“Forest of Mystery & Wonder” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Trailer Music, Orchestra, Family Friendly.

Dave2022-08-31T19:18:27-06:00

It’s Finally Christmas

Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

It’s Finally Christmas

Words & Music by Justina Lee Black.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

Pop/Rock, Christmas, Holiday

Dave2022-08-31T19:18:57-06:00

Same Kind of Different

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Same Kind of Different

Words & Music by Alexandra Christ & Dave Merkel.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

Anthemic, Gritty, Pop/Rock

Dave2022-08-31T19:19:29-06:00

Spicy Attitude

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Spicy Attitude

“Spicy Attitude” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Electronic Pop Instrumental.

Dave2022-08-31T19:20:00-06:00

Thinking On Your Own

“Thinking On Your Own” – P.ii

Written by Craig Westwood

Produced by Craig Westwood, Patrick Peeters, Peter Süoss, Tim Elifritz, and Dave Merkel.

P.ii is an international band of five musicians/producers spread across four countries. P.ii is an acronym for Producers in Isolation.

Brit-Pop.

Dave2022-08-31T19:20:32-06:00

Eleven Squared

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Eleven Squared

“Eleven Squared” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Hybrid Trailer Music, Building with Tension.

Dave2022-08-31T19:20:58-06:00

Larger Than It Appears

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Larger Than It Appears

“Larger Than It Appears” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Trailer Music, Sound Design-based, Intense, with Tension.

Dave2022-08-31T19:21:33-06:00

Momentum

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Momentum

“Momentum” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Percussive instrumental cue with drums, percussion, handclaps, stomps, and gang shouts.

Dave2022-08-31T19:22:20-06:00

No Stoppin’ No Stoppin’ Me

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

No Stoppin’ No Stoppin’ Me

Words & Music by Dana Halle, Alexandra Christ, and Dave Merkel.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

Uptempo, Pop, Empowerment, Determination.

Dave2022-08-31T19:22:51-06:00

Make It Count

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Make It Count

Words & Music by Alexandra Christ & Dave Merkel.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

Uptempo, Driving, Pop/Rap, Empowerment, Improvement

Dave2022-08-31T19:23:24-06:00

Choose Love

Composing/Songwriting, Live Performance & Tracking, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Choose Love

Words & Music by Alexandra Christ & Dave Merkel.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

Pop Ballad.

Dave2022-08-31T19:23:53-06:00

Foster the Feeling

Composing/Songwriting, Live Performance & Tracking, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Foster the Feeling

“Foster the Feeling” – Dave Merkel

Written and produced by Dave Merkel

Uplifting Instrumental Pop

Dave2022-08-31T19:24:19-06:00

Together In a New Way

Live Performance & Tracking, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Together In a New Way

Words & Music by Marina Bennett, Latrissa M. Thomas, Leyla Mesic.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

We’re living in a new way due to COVID-19. Bright, Happy, Light, Pop Swing.

Dave2022-08-31T19:24:47-06:00

Bold

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

Bold

Words & Music by Cynthia Hooley & Dave Merkel.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

A song about empowerment.

Dave2022-08-31T19:25:14-06:00

The Place We Go

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

The Place We Go

Words & Music by Alexandra Christ & Dave Merkel.

Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dave Merkel.

Uptempo, Fun, Pop Funk with a Family Party vibe.

Dave2022-08-31T19:25:46-06:00

Mirror Looking In

Composing/Songwriting, Live Performance & Tracking, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Mirror Looking In

Written and Produced by Dave Merkel.

Felt piano instrumental. Quiet and introspective.

Dave2022-08-31T19:26:55-06:00

Everybody Knows

“Everybody Knows” – Christina Holmes

Recorded at Spitfire Studio in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by Warren Huart
Remixed & Mastered by Dave Merkel, with additional tracks and sound design added

Dave2022-08-31T19:27:28-06:00

Lurking in the Bayou

Gallery

Lurking in the Bayou

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Lurking in the Bayou

Video trailer for Point Lookout

Video trailer soundtrack Written & Produced by Dave Merkel

Instrumental — a unique blend of instruments and effects.

Dave2022-08-31T19:28:46-06:00

Hipster Hymn

Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Hipster Hymn

“Hipster Hymn” was written as the closing theme for an ongoing podcast. The melody is from an 1800’s Public Domain song.

Produced by Dave Merkel.

Instrumental. An old hymn set to a laid-back EDM/Pop beat.

Dave2022-09-01T07:15:12-06:00

(A Movement of) Mercy & Grace

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

(A Movement of) Mercy & Grace

Words and music by Dave Merkel.

Available on: iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, and other online services.

Written and produced by Dave Merkel.

Pop/Rock and almost anthemic feel.

Dave2022-09-01T07:17:56-06:00

The Challenge

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Sync Licensing

The Challenge

Intro theme music for a documentary series on social issues.

Written and Produced by Dave Merkel for full orchestra with boys choir.

Has a determined feel to it.

Dave2022-09-01T07:21:14-06:00

Audio Engineering for Corporate Video

Audio Post-Production

Audio Engineering for Corporate Video

This is one of a series of three videos for which Dave handled the audio engineering: editing, reduce mic bleed, reduce background noise, apply processing effects, and keep the voices riding on top of the music bed.

Dave2022-09-01T07:21:48-06:00

Whiskey

Mixing & Mastering

Whiskey

“Whiskey” – Steve Maggiora

Produced by Warren Huart – Produce Like a Pro

Dave Merkel mix

Dave2022-09-01T07:23:22-06:00

Sophia’s Strut

Composing/Songwriting, Mixing & Mastering, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Sophia’s Strut

Commissioned as intro theme music for a podcast.

Written and Produced by Dave Merkel for rhythm and horns combo.

Instrumental. Fun, happy, and a touch quirky.

Dave2022-09-01T07:23:53-06:00

Courage in the Wilderness

Composing/Songwriting, Live Performance & Tracking, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Courage in the Wilderness

Video trailer soundtrack.

Written and Produced by Dave Merkel for piano, synth strings, and women’s choir.

Instrumental. Soft and contemplative with a sense of overcoming.

Dave2022-09-01T07:27:02-06:00

Piano/Keyboard Live Performance & Tracking Demo

Live Performance & Tracking

Piano/Keyboard Live Performance & Tracking Demo

This recording is a mashup of Dave playing a few select but diverse genres on piano. This track gives brief highlights of various playing styles in different genres: classic rock, novelty, classical, kids jazz, pop.

Dave2022-09-01T07:28:49-06:00

I’m Not Dead Yet

Mixing & Mastering

I’m Not Dead Yet

“I’m Not Dead Yet” by Lovesick Radio

Remix by Dave Merkel

Produced by Warren Huart @ Spitfire Music

Dave2022-09-01T07:29:19-06:00

Audio Repair Example

Below are two short audio clips. The “before” clip is the audio as it was received, containing excessive and annoying clicks and crackles that distract from the message. The “after” clip is the audio after it was repaired; the clicks have effectively been removed or reduced to an unintelligible level. (Only audio repair results are demonstrated here. No other processing was applied to this audio example.)

Before audio repair:

After audio repair:

Dave2022-09-01T07:29:45-06:00

Easy Enough

Composing/Songwriting, Produced by Dave, Production Music, Sync Licensing

Easy Enough

“Easy Enough” was the theme song for an online DIY video series.

Written and produced by Dave Merkel for upright bass and ukulele, with whistling and hand claps.

Instrumental. Positive and quirky vibe.

Dave2022-09-01T07:30:23-06:00

Down By the Riverside

Live Performance & Tracking, Mixing & Mastering

Down By the Riverside

“Down By the Riverside”

Produced for a worship resource project. Lyric video.

Produced by Dave Merkel (recording, mixing, mastering).

New Orleans / Dixieland jazz feel.

Dave2024-11-15T06:22:55-07:00

A Better Place

Notation & Charts

A Better Place

No matter who you are—what religion, race, caste or gender—no matter where you live, each one of us has the right to live in freedom, dignity and peace.

“A Better Place” by Playing for Change was released on International Human Rights Day in 2012.

Playing For Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire and bring peace to the world through music. Learn more at Playing for Change at playingforchange.com.

Download the lead sheet (PDF)

Dave2022-09-01T07:31:48-06:00

Harvest Time

Notation & Charts

Harvest Time

For United Methodists across Montana and northern Wyoming, “Harvest Time” is a theme song, and is associated with “Brother Van”. Rev. William Wesley Van Orsdel was a Methodist pioneer in Montana. For more information about Brother Van, see this entry on Wikipedia. Written for Piano/Guitar/Vocal.

Download Piano/Guitar/Vocal score (PDF)

Dave2022-09-01T07:33:19-06:00

Bread of Life

Notation & Charts

Bread of Life

Dave says, “This song and arrangement reminds me of the Israelites on their journey from Egypt. It’s a wonderful song to use for Holy Communion.” Pianists take note: the right hand is played one octave lower than notated, as indicated by the score. Written for Piano/Guitar/Vocal with Optional Descant.

Visit the composer’s website at www.sueyoungmusic.com

Download Piano/Guitar/Vocal with Optional Descant (PDF)

Dave2022-09-01T07:36:14-06:00

Jesus Loves Me: Variations in C for Piano

Notation & Charts

Jesus Loves Me: Variations in C for Piano

An old standard from the 1860’s revisited in a new light. Dave was inspired to create this arrangement while spending a relaxing evening at a piano. Music by: William B. Bradbury. Public Domain. Arrangement and Sound Recording Copyright ℗ 2018 Dave Merkel.