An Inspired Chat with Derrick WERLE of Los Angeles

Derrick WERLE shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Derrick, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
Every day, I feel a spark of true joy when I’m making music. When I sit down to compose, I’m not just putting notes on a page—I’m building something that didn’t exist before. There’s a unique satisfaction in shaping sound into meaning, in taking raw emotion and giving it form through rhythm, harmony, and melody. It’s not always easy; creating music demands focus, patience, and a willingness to accept imperfection—but that’s where the magic lives.

The thrill isn’t just in finishing a piece. For me, it’s in the act of creating itself. It’s in the moment a melody starts to take shape, in hearing harmonies lock perfectly together, in finding that one chord or line that makes everything finally click. Music has become my lens for clarity, my way of experiencing purpose. And I’ve learned something crucial: joy doesn’t wait for applause, it doesn’t need recognition. It lives quietly in the private moments of experimentation, discovery, and pure, unfiltered creation. That’s where I feel most alive, most myself, and most connected to the world I’m shaping with sound.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Derrick Werlé, a French composer and orchestrator specializing in film and TV music. Trained at Paris conservatories and holding a PhD in Music Composition from UCLA, I have collaborated on acclaimed projects like Dunkirk, Boss Baby, and Kung Fu Panda 3, working alongside world-renowned artists including Hans Zimmer. What sets my work apart is my approach to orchestration: I transform composers’ initial ideas into rich, intricate orchestral pieces, always considering how the music will feel in live performance and recording.

Beyond film, I explore a wide range of musical projects—from classical concerts and contemporary sound installations to “variété française,” working with artists like Jonatan Cerrada, a celebrated French singer and Eurovision 2004 representative. My personal journey in music is deeply connected to history and emotion, exemplified by Dunkirk, which honors my grandfather’s bravery during WWII.

I’m also a passionate pianist, revisiting the works of French composers like Debussy (Suite Bergamasque) and Chopin (Ballade No. 4), which continue to inspire my creative work. Recently, I was honored to join BAFTA and became a voting member of the Grammy Awards, milestones that fuel my commitment to pushing the boundaries of composition and orchestration while connecting audiences to the emotional power of music.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work ethic is Hans Zimmer. Collaborating with him, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, precision, and sheer passion required to excel in music. One memorable moment was when he told me, “You don’t make mistakes!” Coming from a Hollywood superstar renowned for his perfectionism, this compliment meant the world. Someone nearby even thought he was talking to them, but Hans quickly clarified that it was for me—a humorous moment that underscored the importance of focus, skill, and meticulousness in every detail.

Hans also shared a philosophy that has stuck with me: “The only time you don’t come to the studio is when you’re dead.” This phrase perfectly captures the unparalleled commitment and passion he brings to his craft every single day, regardless of challenges or obstacles. It’s a mindset that reveals the secret behind true excellence—not just talent, but the consistent willingness to show up, embrace the process, and persevere through every hurdle.

Learning from Hans has been foundational in shaping how I approach every project. His example inspires me to maintain resilience, confidence, and an unwavering work ethic, reminding me that hard work and passion are as essential to music as creativity itself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to recognize earlier the power of sport in nurturing confidence, well-being, and creativity. As a composer and orchestrator, I’ve learned that physical exercise is not just about keeping the body healthy—it feeds the mind and spirit, sparks new ideas, and gives energy for the creative process. Sport can boost confidence, reduce stress, sharpen focus, and unlock the mental clarity that makes art truly shine.

When I was younger, I would spend endless hours at the piano without pause, often ignoring how it affected my body and mind. Over time, I discovered that movement and physical activity sustain energy, sharpen concentration, and keep the mind fresh—helping me make music with more depth and emotion. Sport also teaches discipline, patience, and resilience, qualities that flow directly into every creative project. It provides inspiration and balance, a reminder that music truly flourishes when the body feels strong and cared for.

I also carry a lesson from Mstislav Rostropovich, who shared it with me during a masterclass in chamber music. He told me that the best music comes from sourcing ideas and emotions from outside your own discipline. This wisdom reminded me that inspiration can be found everywhere—from movement and sport to literature, visual arts, and life experiences—which fuels creativity in ways technical skill alone cannot.

If I could speak to my younger self, I would encourage embracing sport, curiosity, and physical wellness as the foundation for artistic growth. By taking care of the body and opening the mind to diverse influences, you build confidence, focus, and resilience—qualities that allow music not only to reflect skill, but to touch and connect with people in profound ways.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends what really matters to me, they would likely say it’s the pursuit of meaningful creativity with authenticity and integrity. I have always believed that doing the work you love every day should never come at the cost of losing yourself or your principles. In this industry, talent alone isn’t enough—if you maintain a strong work ethic, are reliable, and act with integrity, people notice, and trust naturally follows.

Being an artist comes with challenges—patience, hard work, and perseverance—but I find deep fulfillment in expressing myself through music and seeing how it resonates with others. I also care deeply about connection and growth. Authentic relationships, balance between personal and professional life, and time spent with family and close friends keep me grounded and inspire my creativity.

Mentors like Hans Zimmer, renowned cellist Tina Guo, celebrated flutist Pedro Eustach, and Jason Hayes, the composer of World of Warcraft, have shaped not only my skills, but also my approach to work and life. Their example reinforced that talent paired with integrity and reliability creates lasting trust and meaningful opportunities.

Ultimately, what matters most to me is to keep evolving as an artist while staying true to myself, my values, and the power of music as a universal language that connects people.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone is that of an artist who lived with integrity, loyalty, and a deep love for music—someone who never lost himself in the pursuit of a career, but stayed true to his values while creating art. I want to be remembered as a composer and orchestrator who brought passion, authenticity, and emotion to every note, shaping unforgettable cinematic moments while honoring the human stories behind the music.
More than technical skill, I hope people recall my dedication to being reliable, trustworthy, and supportive—someone who elevated the voices of others, collaborated with incredible artists, and mentored emerging talents. I want my work to be seen as a bridge between tradition and innovation, grounded in classical music but open to new ideas and expressions, always striving to inspire and move audiences.
Ultimately, I hope to leave a legacy defined by creativity, resilience, and unwavering integrity. I want people to remember that success in this industry doesn’t require losing yourself—true artistry comes from heart, honesty, and loyalty. Music has the power to connect souls and tell stories that transcend time, and I hope my life reflects that belief in every way.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than