1.) What genre do you usually make and why do you make this genre so often? Do you like spreading out to different genres?
Typically I make 'video game' music, just with my own twist. I suppose the reason why I make this type of music so often is because video game music is what first inspired me to start with music in the first place. As for other genres, I like experimenting with many, though I tend to lean towards Trance, House, or Classical.
2.) What is your favourite genre to listen to? Or will you just listen to anything?
Definitely the Game genre again (surprise, surprise), but other than that my musical tastes are very broad.
3.) Are you taking music as a career or is it just a hobby?
Mostly as a hobby, but I have always dreamed of taking it to the next level...so who knows?
4.) Do you play any instruments? If so, what do you play?
Mandolin, Bass, Guitar, Tin Whistle.
5.) What does the music-making process entail for you? How do you get your inspiration? What steps do you usually take to make a full song?
Inspiration is a first. If I have no inspiration than my will to make music is at a complete zero. If I have inspiration, then I move towards working out a tune in my head (this could take a few minutes to several days), afterwards I arrange the piece, and then finally I listen to it over and over to work out the kinks.
Inspiration for me comes from many place. Nature, stories, games, books, conversations, but primarily from how I feel.
6.) What's more important to you? Putting your own thoughts and emotions in your track, telling a story, or making something that sounds good?
All of the above for sure, but mostly placing my emotions in the song.
7.) Which is the hardest part of making music for you? Why?
The hardest part for me would be in actually finishing a song. I suppose it's because I need to be reassured that it's 'good' enough for everyone else....though usually if I like it, that's all that should matter I guess.
8.) What do you enjoy about making music?
To put it simply, making music is both a joy and a therapeutic experience for me. I get to draw stuff out of my imagination and tell my own stories through sound.
9.) What is the most important thing to look out for when producing a track?
Hmm...I'm not quite sure. There are a whole variety of things one has to consider and watch when producing a piece, though I'm not certain what is the most important. I suppose I must think on that one.
10.) How much importance do you give to mixing, mastering and overall technical production of your music, as opposed to its composition?
Honestly....during the process of composing an actual song I could care less about the technicalities of it all (though I believe it is important at the same time...yeah it's a little complicated I know :P). Some people put extraordinary emphasis on this part of the overall composition of a song, and I think that in the end it is this emphasis that makes the song better, but as I said, I do not consider this as the 'end all, be all' of making music.
Personally, it's about the 'heart' of the song that matters most. Not the sound quality, not the intricate amount of detail and other such things, but the feelings you get when making a piece (and listening to it). I should note again that I think that these things are important, but to me it's the creativity, the imagination, and the 'soul' of the song that truly makes it what it is.
Best of luck with your research! :)