Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Larry Chang of New York City

Larry Chang shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Larry, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about immersive audio is that it’s just “making things sound good.” In reality, it’s about crafting an experience that’s as much about emotion, psychology, and storytelling as it is about technology. A well-designed soundscape can subtly guide a player’s attention, influence pacing, or even change how they interpret a scene—often without them realizing it.

Another misunderstanding is that audio comes in at the end of a project, like a layer of paint after the house is built. In truth, sound design works best when it’s part of the creative conversation from the very beginning. When audio is integrated early, it becomes a tool for shaping the world itself, not just decorating it. This can lead to richer, more immersive experiences that feel cohesive and intentional.

I see my role as both a creative partner and a problem solver—someone who helps teams discover what their world should sound like in a way that serves the bigger vision. That process isn’t always flashy, but it’s deeply rewarding. When a player feels something powerful in a moment, even if they can’t pinpoint why, I know the sound is doing its job.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Larry Chang, a game audio designer and creative technologist who has spent the past decade exploring the intersection of sound, storytelling, and immersive technology. My journey has taken me from composing film scores in Taiwan, to designing interactive soundscapes for VR narratives showcased at festivals like Sundance, to speaking internationally about the craft of immersive audio. At the heart of my work is a belief that sound is more than just something you hear—it’s an emotional bridge that can transport, connect, and transform.

Through my studio, I collaborate with developers, artists, and storytellers to bring audio into the creative process as an integral design element, not an afterthought. I love helping teams who might not have dedicated audio resources find new ways to make their worlds come alive, whether that’s through adaptive music systems, spatial sound design, or innovative technical implementation. Every project is a chance to experiment with how sound can deepen immersion and emotional engagement.

What makes my journey unique is that it’s been shaped equally by curiosity and resilience. I’ve had moments of uncertainty, of starting over, of learning entirely new skills just to solve a problem I believed was worth solving. And yet, each of those moments has added a new dimension to my craft. Today, my focus is on creating experiences that leave people with a memory they can feel—not just recall.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful wasn’t about winning or being the best. It was about creating something from nothing. I remember as a child recording everyday sounds on a simple tape recorder and then layering them with music I played on the piano. It felt like magic to turn small, ordinary noises into something that could tell a story. That was the first time I realized that creativity could be a kind of power.

That moment taught me that power didn’t have to come from authority or recognition. It could come from the ability to shape an experience for someone else. Even back then, I wasn’t thinking about it in terms of a career. I was just following my curiosity and noticing how sound could evoke feelings and spark imagination.

Looking back, I see that moment as a seed for everything that came later. It was the first glimpse of the path I would eventually walk, a reminder that even the smallest creative experiments can carry the power to inspire, connect, and move people.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: “You are enough, even before you prove anything to anyone.” Growing up, I often felt like I had to constantly achieve, learn, and deliver in order to deserve my place in the room. That drive helped me grow, but it also sometimes left me feeling like I was always chasing the next milestone instead of appreciating where I already was.

If I could go back, I’d remind myself that value doesn’t only come from output—it comes from the way you see the world, the questions you ask, and the relationships you nurture along the way. Even the moments of uncertainty and doubt are part of the process, not signs of failure.

I think hearing that earlier would have helped me trust the slower seasons, the times when growth isn’t visible yet. It’s a lesson I still practice today: knowing that my worth isn’t conditional on the applause, but is grounded in the commitment and integrity I bring to the work.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I hold deeply is that immersive audio can be more than entertainment. It can be a bridge for empathy, understanding, and shared human experience. I’m committed to exploring how sound can connect people across cultures and perspectives, and how it can be used to tell stories that stay with you long after the moment has passed. This isn’t a quick or linear pursuit; it’s a lifelong exploration that grows as technology evolves and as I continue to learn from others.

A project I’m dedicated to, whether it takes five years or fifty, is building a body of work that blends artistic vision with technical innovation in a way that feels timeless. That means not chasing every trend, but instead crafting experiences that people can revisit years later and still feel moved by. It’s about designing soundscapes and music that are emotionally rich, culturally nuanced, and responsive to the audience in real time.

I know this kind of work takes patience. Some pieces may take years to fully realize, and some ideas might have to wait until the right collaborators or tools come along. But I’m okay with that, because the journey itself…the experimentation, the learning, the refining—is just as meaningful as the final result. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well, no matter how long it takes.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Many of the projects I’m most proud of were built in quiet moments, long before anyone outside the team ever saw them. Praise can be encouraging, but it’s not the fuel that keeps me moving. The real motivation comes from the joy of building something that feels true to my vision and values.

I’ve learned that the act of giving your best is its own reward—it sharpens your skills, strengthens your discipline, and leaves you with work you can stand behind no matter the outcome. When you focus on the process rather than the recognition, you free yourself from the constant question of “Is this good enough for others?” and instead ask, “Is this as honest and excellent as I can make it?”

That mindset has carried me through long nights of experimentation, through projects that never went public, and through challenges that didn’t end in applause. In the end, the work becomes a reflection of your character, and that’s something no lack of praise can diminish.

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