We’re looking forward to introducing you to Amy Yu. Check out our conversation below.
Amy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I work at Hero Games, and a typical day for me usually starts with listening to some music to get into the creative zone and prepare for the day’s composition tasks. Throughout the day, I’m immersed in composing music for various game projects, each with its own unique style. Every day feels fulfilling, and I’m constantly learning new approaches and gaining fresh insights into writing music for different genres of games. After work, I like to wind down by playing some casual games, hanging out with friends, or checking out a favorite restaurant for some good food. It’s a perfect way to round off the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a film and video game composer, and a member of the Global Music Education Association. I laid the foundation for my craft with a Bachelor’s degree in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music and further honed my skills during my Master’s studies in Media Scoring and Production at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. There, I had the privilege of studying under Carlos Rafael Rivera, a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer and the chair of the scoring department, and also served as his teaching assistant, providing bilingual instruction for both undergraduate and graduate courses.
I began my professional journey as a game composer at Bilibili’s Xinyuan Studio in Guangzhou in 2022 and am currently composing for games at Hero Games.
My work in film scoring has been recognized on the international stage. My credits include winning Best Original Score for the short film “You Asked me What’s in my Mind?” at the 2022 MIFF Film Festival, and for “End of Summer” at the Hollywood Shorts Festival. The score for “Laura, 29 Old Compton Street” earned the Best Soundtrack award at the 2024 Milan Independent Film Festival, alongside honorary mentions at ARFF Berlin and the Independent Shorts Awards, and is nominated for Best Score at the 2025 Rome Short Film Festival. My latest work, “LEGACY”, has also garnered a Best Score award at the 2025 Canes Film Festival in Miami.
Beyond film, I have composed music for several popular and indie mobile games. As a musician who values both technical depth and artistic expression, I am committed to creating music across film, games, and popular genres. I specialize in blending diverse styles with efficient and professional composition techniques, with the goal of becoming a versatile creator proficient in scoring, arranging, and singer-songwriting.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I believe the meaning of “powerful” evolves through different stages of life. Back in my school days, feeling powerful came from a sense of confidence rooted in academic excellence — mastering the material at hand and looking forward to future career opportunities with excitement. Now, in my professional life, that feeling has transformed. It stems from earning my own income, building savings, and being able to turn the future I once only imagined into reality. Whether it’s buying something I’ve always wanted or achieving a long-held personal goal, that process of making my aspirations tangible is what feels most powerful to me now.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was. When Suno’s latest model was released, I tried it and was stunned to discover that its capabilities far exceeded my expectations. The quality —in terms of texture, instrumentation, mixing, and creative ideas—is already fully capable of meeting the demands of the mass market. In fact, its current standard can outperform a significant percentage, perhaps 60-70%, of human arrangers. As a composer myself, I felt an immense, existential pressure and began to question my path—should I be competing against AI, or just focus on improving myself? I was really disheartened for a while and struggled to see a future for human arrangers. However, I eventually realized that tools like Suno can actually be used to enhance our workflow efficiency. Meanwhile, we can focus on creating our own personal music and artistic expression in our own time. The two approaches aren’t mutually exclusive, and this perspective helped me bridge the gap and find a way forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I would say a pervasive lie in our industry is the belief that “technical proficiency supersedes artistic value.” Many composers are locked in a technical arms race, prioritizing massive sound libraries, cutting-edge software, and flawless mixing, under the assumption that technical excellence guarantees a great piece of music. This has led to an overflow of what I call “standardized” music—tracks that are impeccably mixed but emotionally sterile, with melodies that fail to resonate. We are collectively subscribing to the illusion that technical sophistication equates to artistic merit, overlooking the very essence of music: emotional expression and genuine creativity. The stark truth, especially now that AI can produce technically polished arrangements, is that a creator’s irreplaceable value lies in a unique aesthetic vision, profound emotional insight, and distinctly human expression.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
What I would regret most is not taking the leap to start my own music studio. My ultimate dream isn’t just to be a boss, but to build a creative home. I want to hire a crew of incredible people who love music as much as I do, and most importantly, to bring my closest friends on board. Imagine working every day with your band of brothers and sisters, turning our shared passion into a profession. I’d regret never trying to build that reality—a place where collaboration feels like jamming, and work feels like play, all while leaving our unique mark on the world of media scoring.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amyyumusic.com
- Instagram: amyyujh
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