About

We create award winning music and sound design for all media. We write, record, perform and release original music all over the world.


People

DAN HIGSON

Executive Producer/Composer/Sound Designer

Dan has worked in the music industry all his life. He was in Hawaii's first punk rock band (Open Wide) and for a brief spell played bass for 80's pop band Matt Bianco due to a clerical error. But it wasn't until he jumped the fence into composing and producing music to picture that things really started to come together. Since making the switch to producing music for the moving image in London over 20 years ago, Dan has worked as Executive Producer at some of the world’s most successful music companies before moving to Sydney Australia to join forces with Nick to form Smith & Western.

dan@smithandwestern.com.au
+61 411 420 884

NICK WEST

Creative Director

Starting his music career as a DJ in Tokyo, Nick soon focussed on music production and created various electronic music projects including Shades of Gray (an internationally touring house act). He has released 6 studio albums under a variety of monikers, worked as a professional busker and toured Europe, Asia and South America. He stumbled on working to picture through his director brother who gave him a shot at his first commercial. It went well and he soon built a formidable career in the screen composing business, working on major film projects, prime time network shows and 100's of commercials to date. He continues to release, produce and tour internationally with the various projects he is involved in.

nick@smithandwestern.com.au
+61 406 068 126

ABBY DORRIAN

Head Of New Business

After studying linguistics and music theatre, Abby started her career as an actor in London appearing in soap operas, dramas, films and TV commercials for well over a decade. Having since worked internationally in the advertising in a range of roles to include Voiceover artist, Directors' Rep, Costume Stylist and New Business, Abby fast developed an addiction to the industry and the thrill of delivering creative solutions for clients and the hunt for award winning briefs. It was her skills as a VoiceOver artist that first introduced her to Smith & Western and enticed her to move from Film Production to Sonic Branding, Music + Sound Design combining all her passions. Her hybrid history affords her a broad knowledge of the production cycle, creative sales and marketing along with a unique understanding what both creatives and clients seek. Abby continues to be an in demand VO artist alongside her role here at S&W.

abby@smithandwestern.com.au
+61 449 950 454

The Place

Awards

AWARD AWARDS 2023 SILVER MUSIC COMPOSITION

Belong "Thummit"

ADFEST 2023 BRONZE MUSIC COMPOSITION

Coopers "Roll On"

AGDA 2021 DISTINCTION AWARD

Oculus

AGDA 2021 MERIT AWARD

Bank West

AGDA 2021 MERIT AWARD

Finch

AWARD AWARDS 2020 FINALIST SONIC BRANDING

Event Cinemas

BRITISH LIONS 2017 GOLD AWARD SOUND

Temptations Treats "Keep Them Busy"

AWARD AWARD 2017 BRONZE AWARD BEST MUSIC

Tourism Queensland "I Know Just The Place"

AWARD AWARD 2017 GOLD AWARD CHARITY

Parkinson's NSW "The Lucky Ones"

ADFEST 2017 GOLD AWARD INTERNET FILM

Parkinson's NSW "The Lucky Ones"

PROMAXBDA 2016 GOLD BEST MUSIC

Happy Birthday David Attenborough

CANNES BRONZE LION 2016 HEALTH + WELLNESS

Parkinson's NSW "The Lucky Ones"

PROMAXBDA SILVER 2015 BEST REALITY

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here

SPIKES ASIA BRONZE 2015 FILM CRAFT

Nutri-Grain 'Unstoppable'

PROMAXBDA SILVER 2014 BEST REALITY

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here

SPIKES ASIA GOLD 2014 RADIO

VW Spare Parts 'William Tell’

SPIKES ASIA SILVER 2014 RADIO

VW Spare Parts Campaign

AWARD AWARD 2013 RADIO Up to 30-sec

VW Spare Parts 'William Tell'

AWARD AWARD 2013 RADIO CAMPAIGN

VW Spare Parts Campaign

AWARD AWARD 2013 RADIO BEST Use of music

VW Spare Parts Campaign

ADFEST 2013 BEST MUSIC

Toohey's Five Seeds

APRA SCREEN AWARDS 2013 BEST MUSIC

TIGER BEER 'Rise of the Megacity'