SoundTrack_Cologne is proud to announce that the Career Achievement Award of its twenty-second edition will go to composer Michael Abels. Best known for his groundbreaking scores for Jordan Peele’s films Get Out, Us and Nope.
SoundTrack_Cologne is proud to announce that the Career Achievement Award of its twenty-second edition will go to composer Michael Abels. Best known f (...)
SoundTrack_Cologne is proud to announce that the Career Achievement Award of its 22nd edition will be presented to composer Michael Abels, best known for his groundbreaking scores for Jordan Peele’s films Get Out, Us and Nope. Abels will attend STC22 on July 10th and 11th, 2025.
On Thursday, July 10th, Michael Abels will engage in an in-depth conversation about his acclaimed career in the film industry with journalist Daniel Kothenschulte (Frankfurter Rundschau). The following evening, on Friday, July 11th, Abels will be honored with the Career Achievement Award during a special ceremony, where the WDR Funkhausorchester will perform a selection of his most iconic film compositions.
Michael Abels is a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer – honored for his opera Omar – whose scores have redefined expectations in both cinema and concert music. His score for Us received the World Soundtrack Award, the Jerry Goldsmith Award, a Critics Choice nomination, and was named "Score of the Decade" by The Wrap. His music for Nope was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
In 2023, Abels composed the score for the Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte and co-wrote the original song "The Power Of Two" with Grammy-winners Victoria Monét and D’Mile. Beyond to his screen work, Abels is an acclaimed concert composer. His works have been performed by the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Kronos Quartet, and many others. Recent commissions include Emerge for the National Symphony, the guitar concerto Borders for Grammy-nominated artist Mak Grgic, and Unbound, a symphonic tribute to Olympic champion Jesse Owens. His upcoming projects include commissions for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, New World Symphony and the Detroit Symphony.
As co-founder of the Composers Diversity Collective, Abels is a leading voice for the increased representation of composers from diverse backgrounds in the film, television, and gaming industries. In 2024, he served as commencement speaker at USC’s Thornton School of Music, inspiring a new generation of artists to follow in his footsteps.
Join us in Cologne as we celebrate Michael Abels’ remarkable contributions to film music and beyond.
Submit your music to a given scene, get expert feedback, and receive practical improvement tips from renowned composer Pieter Schlosser at the Videogame Cutscene / TV Series Scoring workshop at the 22nd edition of SoundTrack_Cologne.
Submit your music to a given scene, get expert feedback, and receive practical improvement tips from renowned composer Pieter Schlosser at the Videoga (...)
Do you want to sharpen your scoring skills for video games and television? Submit your music to a given scene, get expert feedback, and receive practical improvement tips from renowned composer Pieter Schlosser at the Videogame Cutscene / TV Series Scoring workshop at the 22nd edition of SoundTrack_Cologne.
This hands-on session is designed to help you enhance your workflow for efficiency and speed, so you can focus more on creativity. You’ll gain real-world skills to write additional music for a specific in-game cutscene or TV episode by receiving detailed critiques of your cue, with a focus on musical cohesion, thematic integration, and professional delivery standards.
The workshop will centre around a scene from the Disney TV series Secrets of Sulphur Springs. Before the session, you’ll receive a scene, spotting notes, and pre-existing cues to study. This material will help you understand the tone, instrumentation, and style you should aim to match when scoring the scene on your own.
During the workshop, you’ll get direct feedback on your cue, focusing on tone, thematic consistency, instrumentation, and technical delivery (including stem prep and file naming). Pieter will also share the final version of the cue used in the show, offering you a unique opportunity to compare and discuss.
This is your chance to get hands-on experience with the creative and professional standards expected of composers working in real-world TV or video game production environments.
Attendance will be limited to 15 participants (who submit their work) and 5 observers (don’t submit their music). All participants should purchase a STC accreditation and pay additionally the workshop fee.
Active participants: €95
Observer: €45
Music has become a crucial narrative force in modern video games, shaping worlds, deepening emotional engagement and bringing stories to life. At SoundTrack_Cologne 22, we spotlight the creative minds behind some of the most compelling game scores.
Music has become a crucial narrative force in modern video games, shaping worlds, deepening emotional engagement and bringing stories to life. At Soun (...)
Music has become a crucial narrative force in modern video games, shaping worlds, deepening emotional engagement, and bringing stories to life in ever more complex, interactive ways. At SoundTrack_Cologne 22, we spotlight the creative minds behind some of today's most compelling game scores. This year, five panels and one masterclass will delve into the artistry, challenges, and innovations of renowned composers: BAFTA-nominated Olivier Derivière (A Plague Tale: Innocence & Requiem · Streets of Rage 4), Paul Wolinski (No Man's Sky -with 65daysofstatic- · Wreckage Systems), Venus Theory (Avowed · Ground Branch), Ivor Novello Award-winning duo The Flight (Alien: Isolation · Assassin’s Creed Shadows) and Pieter Schlosser (Destiny 2 · Gears of War 2 & 3).
And as a special highlight, we’re also offering a concert of Games music by and with Paul Wolinski (See below for more details).
Composing for Video Games
Wednesday 9 July 2025 · COMEDIA Theater, Probebühne
Moderator: Helge Borgarts
10:30 – 11:30
Olivier Derivière
A Plague Tale: Innocence & Requiem · Streets of Rage 4
Workshop - Discussion
12:00 – 13:00
Paul Wolinski
No Man's Sky (with 65daysofstatic) · Wreckage Systems
Workshop - Discussion
14:30 – 15:30
Venus Theory
Avowed · Ground Branch
Workshop - Discussion
16:00 – 17:00
The Flight
Alien: Isolation · Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Workshop - Discussion
17:00 – 17:30
Olivier Derivière, Paul Wolinski, Venus Theory and The Flight
Games Roundtable with Helge Borgarts
674FM Konzertraum
19:00 - 20:30
Game Music Composer Concert with Paul Wolinski
Performance
Friday 11 July 2025 · COMEDIA Theater, Die Zwei
Moderator: Helge Borgarts
14:30 – 15:30 / 16:00 - 17:00
Pieter Schlosser
Destiny 2 · Gears of War 2 & 3
Masterclass (a registration form for this event will be sent in a separate newsletter in the coming weeks)
Composers and sound designers, the submission deadline for the ETC is April 15th, 2025 10:00 am CEST. Hurry up and apply to the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD and SOUND DESIGN creating the score or the sound design for the short film "BLOOM".
Composers and sound designers, the submission deadline for the ETC is April 15th, 2025 10:00 am CEST. Hurry up and apply to the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD an (...)
Attention composers and sound designers: The submission deadline for the EUROPEAN TALENT COMPETITION is less than three weeks away. Don’t miss your chance to apply for the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD and the EUROPEAN TALENT AWARD in SOUND DESIGN by creating the score or sound design for the short film BLOOM (directed by Michael Dämmig).
Submission deadline is April 15th, 2025 10:00 am CEST.
Contestants may either compose the score or create the sound design for the short film and may also work together in a team with another composer or sound designer. Sound designers in particular are encouraged to submit sound-only projects!
The twelve finalists will be presented with their work to the audience and jury during the SoundTrack_Cologne competition screening. The award ceremony will take place during the official Gala on Friday, July 11th, 2025.
The recipient of the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD will have the opportunity to record an original composition, lasting 7 to 9 minutes, with the WDR Funkhausorchester. For many young composers, this may be their first experience working with a full orchestra, providing a valuable opportunity to build their film-scoring portfolio.
The winner for the best SOUND DESIGN will receive a 5.1 cinematic mix down in the prestigious sound mixing studio TORUS POST.
The contest is open to all current students in sound, music, and/or composition at European film or music schools, regardless of age, as well as young European creatives up to the age of 30.
After the online registration you may download the short film and start your project.
Short film “BLOOM” (Germany, 2023, 3:53 min.)
Directed by: Michael Dämmig
Life isn‘t equally sunny for all: Karl, a tree less fortunate than the trees around him, finds a chance for social acceptance in a fallen mango. But thanks to a cheeky little monkey, Karl realizes what truly makes him happy.
SUBMIT NOW!
Composers and filmmakers don’t miss the chance to submit your short films that stand out for their original compositions to the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD. Submission deadline is April 15th, 2025 10:00 am CEST.
Composers and filmmakers don’t miss the chance to submit your short films that stand out for their original compositions to the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD (...)
Composers, filmmakers and distributors don’t miss the opportunity to submit your short films with distinctive original compositions for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD. The submission deadline is April 15th, 2025, at 10:00 AM CEST.
This prestigious award, honoring the renowned German composer PEER RABEN, offers a prize of 1,500 euros. It recognizes a film score that demonstrates innovation and makes a significant, cohesive contribution to the narrative through music and sound.
Conditions to apply:
To apply, click the button below and fill out the submission form:
SUBMIT NOW!
Filmmakers, producers, and distributors, you still have time to submit your film for this year's SEE THE SOUND festival (9-13 July 2025)! Submission deadline is April 7th, 2025 10:00 am CEST.
Filmmakers, producers, and distributors, you still have time to submit your film for this year's SEE THE SOUND festival (9-13 July 2025)! Submission d (...)
Filmmakers, producers, and distributors, you are still on time to submit your film for this year's SEE THE SOUND festival (9-13 July 2025)!
Submission deadline is April 7th, 2025 10:00 am CEST.
Whether it’s a documentary, feature film, short, or music video, we welcome all works that bring music and sound to life such as biopics about musicians or bands, documentaries about concerts, portraits of composers, portraits of bands or music videos.
Submission criteria
The competition for Best Music Documentary will be held among the selected documentaries. The winner will receive 2,500 euros.
Submit Now!
STC 22 invites budding composers and sound designers to compose music or create the sound design for the short film BLOOM (D: Michael Dämmig). STC will recognize excellence with the WDR Filmscore Award and the Sound Design Award.
STC 22 invites budding composers and sound designers to compose music or create the sound design for the short film BLOOM (D: Michael Dämmig). STC wil (...)
SoundTrack_Cologne 22 (July 8th – 11th, 2025) invites budding composers and sound designers to compose music or create the sound design for a short film in the EUROPEAN TALENT COMPETITION and to apply in the categories WDR FILMSCORE AWARD and SOUND DESIGN.
The aim is to musically interpret and connect the visuals and narration of the short film “BLOOM” (Director: Michael Dämmig, graduation film at the ifs - International Film School Cologne).
Contestants may either compose the score or create the sound design for the short film and may also work together in a team with another composer or sound designer. Sound designers in particular are encouraged to submit sound-only projects!
The twelve finalists will be presented with their work to the audience and jury during the SoundTrack_Cologne competition screening. The award ceremony will take place during the official gala on Friday, July 11th, 2025.
The winner of the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD will have the opportunity to record an original composition of 7 – 9 minutes length with the WDR Funkhausorchester – for many young composers this could be their first opportunity to record with a major orchestra and to fill out their film-scoring calling card.
The winner for the best SOUND DESIGN will receive a 5.1 cinematic mix down for a short film in the prestigious sound mixing studio TORUS POST.
The deadline for submitting the application is April 15th, 2025, 10:00AM CET!
The contest is open to all active students in the fields of composing, music, sound design, sound and editing at a European film or music school (without age limit); or any young European creatives up to and including 30 years of age.
After the online registration you may download the short film and start your project.
Short film “BLOOM” (Germany, 2023, 3:53 min.)
Directed by: Michael Dämmig
Life isn‘t equally sunny for all: Karl, a tree less fortunate than the trees around him, finds a chance for social acceptance in a fallen mango. But thanks to a cheeky little monkey, Karl realizes what truly makes him happy.
SUBMIT NOW
Be an active part in SoundTrack_Cologne 22 and join us!
Be an active part in SoundTrack_Cologne 22 and join us! (...)
Be an active part in SoundTrack_Cologne 22 and join us!
We are looking for volunteers. Read more and apply today!
See and apply!
Accreditions for SoundTrack_Cologne 22 are availble at lower prices until Monday, March 31, 2025! From June 28, 2025, late fees apply for Regular Pass und Students Pass.
Accreditions for SoundTrack_Cologne 22 are availble at lower prices until Monday, March 31, 2025! From June 28, 2025, late fees apply for Regular Pass (...)
Accreditions for SoundTrack_Cologne 22 are available at lower prices until Monday, March 31, 2025!
Early-Bird Regular Pass: 89,00 € instead of 125,00 €
Full accreditation
Early-Bird Students Pass: 40,00 € instead of 60,00 €
Students full accreditation
Early-Bird Union Pass: 75,00 € instead of 85,00 €
Full accreditation
Looking for other SoundTrack_Cologne 22 passes?
Day Pass: 60,00 €
Available from April 1, 2025
Students Day Pass: 35,00 €
Available from April 1, 2025
Students Group Pass: 40,00 € per person
For students groups of at least 5 people including teaching staff
Early-Bird AI MusicCon: 15,00 € instead of 19,00 €
The conference on AI and Music on July 10, 2025. No access to other panels, events or receptions of SoundTrack_Cologne. No access to the opening and award ceremony.
Decide early - book online!
From June 28, 2025, late fees apply for Regular Pass und Students Pass. An additional on-site handling fee is charged for accreditations bought at the accreditations counter.
The Union Pass is online only - not available on-site!
*As our event takes place in the summer, we kindly recommend booking your hotel as early as possible.
SEE THE SOUND (July 09 – 13, 2025), the film festival of SoundTrack_Cologne invites all film makers, producers and distributors to submit films with a focus on music.
SEE THE SOUND (July 09 – 13, 2025), the film festival of SoundTrack_Cologne invites all film makers, producers and distributors to submit films with a (...)
SEE THE SOUND (July 09 – 13, 2025), the film festival of SoundTrack_Cologne invites all film makers, producers and distributors to submit films with a focus on music.
SEE THE SOUND is dedicated to all forms of motion pictures, that visualise music and sound. Music documentaries and feature films with focus on music like biopics about musicians or bands, documentaries about concerts, portraits of composers, portraits of bands or music videos may be submitted.
Since its inception, SoundTrack_Cologne grew as a festival and conference program into Europe’s leading platform for music and sound in film, games, TV and multimedia in general. With SEE THE SOUND, SoundTrack_Cologne offers a platform to outstanding films about music to be presented on the big screen.
In addition, SEE THE SOUND honors the Best Music Documentary!
The prize for the Best Music Documentary will be awarded at SEE THE SOUND for the twelfth time. The prize winner will receive 2,500 euros.
Submission criteria
Submission Deadlines:
Early bird submissions: March 17th, 2025, 10:00 CEST.
Late submissions: April 7th, 2025, 10:00 CEST.
All conditions and online submission
SoundTrack_Cologne 22, which will take place from July 8th to 11th, 2025, invites film composers* and filmmakers* to submit their short films with their original compositions in the call for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD.
SoundTrack_Cologne 22, which will take place from July 8th to 11th, 2025, invites film composers* and filmmakers* to submit their short films with the (...)
We are happy to announce the open submissions for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD for the best music in a short film.
SoundTrack_Cologne 22, which will take place from July 8th to 11th, 2025, invites film composers* and filmmakers* to submit their short films with their original compositions in the call for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD.
The award, now in its 17th edition, will award a prize of 1,500 euros to the film scores that stand out for their innovation and for coherently reinforcing narration from music and sound.
The award, first presented in 2009, commemorates the great German film composer Peer Raben.
The submission deadline for the competition is April 15th, 2025 10:00 am CEST.
Submission criteria:
Terms, conditions and the application form for the competition can be found here:
Submit now
