Meet Anisha Thomas

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anisha Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anisha , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As a minority in a particularly male dominated field, I have learned to be effective/successful by leading with my unique and individualistic perspectives. As a woman of color in the creative field, my journey as a Composer has involved navigating unique challenges and forging nontraditional paths to establish my career and business. My experiences have deepened my commitment to creating opportunities for others and fostering innovation— not only through the music itself but by encouraging the broader community to discover and embrace their own creative path.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As a composer, I’ve always embraced an eclectic musical identity, guided by a deep desire to reconnect with the origins of sound. This connection often leads me to blend a wide range of acoustic and electronic instruments in my work. I explore pitch, frequency, and tuning not only as compositional tools but also as ways to forge a more intimate connection with listeners. My work frequently merges contrasting genres, moods, and textures to create something both familiar and unexpected.

My compositional work spans extensively across film, television, and media, with projects featured on major platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition and awards along the way. More recently, I’ve been exploring opportunities in the web3, tech, and XR spaces—emerging territories that are already proving to be exciting frontiers for music creators, and I believe these pathways will continue to open new doors for composers and music creators.

Currently I’m composing for a new app, which is a project I’m particularly excited about! The piece, titled ‘Anything Untrue Must Go’, has been previewed on my social media ahead of its official release on music streaming platforms. The composing process involves using sound healing frequencies as well as processed samples of piano, synth pads and organ. The piece reflects on the transformative moment of releasing what no longer serves us—the symbolic “death”—and the subsequent journey toward renewal and reconstruction.

In 2017, I founded Sound-how, a diverse and inclusive platform dedicated to music and sound. Through it, we reach out to a broader community by offering masterclasses, talks, online courses, and educational resources. We also partner with arts and educational organizations to deliver professional development programs tailored for music creators.

Sound-how is currently preparing to launch an e-book that guides composers on how to price and negotiate fees for their services—an often under-discussed topic. Alongside this, we’re running a coaching and career accelerator program that supports early-career composers and music creators. We also offer individual consultation sessions, both for those in the music industry and for non-music professionals who need help with music sourcing, placement, and licensing.

One of the major challenges in our industry is the lack of accessible knowledge and the gatekeeping of valuable information. At Sound-how, we design our programs and resources to demystify the industry and equip creators with the tools they need to pursue sustainable careers.

As a woman of color, I’m acutely aware of the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups in the arts and entertainment industries. This awareness was a foundational reason for starting Sound-how. What makes the platform unique is its focus on supporting women, gender-diverse, and minority individuals in music and sound. Our mission is to close the opportunity gap by providing inclusive programs and practical resources that empower creators with the skills and confidence to thrive in the industry.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The top 3 areas Composers should have an awareness of, in order to build a successful career:

1. Understanding how the arts and entertainment industry works, especially in regards to your field – For composers, its music rights and licensing, royalties and legal and financial preparation that is involved in ensuring that you are able to have a sustainable career.

2. Skills and talent in your creative practice is not enough. You need a business model and mindset!

3. Self belief and awareness is key – Any talented creative person that is called to undertake a creative career, can have one! ‘Competition’ and an oversaturated market is a myth! The key to any successful creative career is knowing who your authentic self is. Also be aware of your strengths and areas of improvement. Once you do, you have the power to create and walk your own path.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Over the years I have gotten into practicing daily meditation, which has helped me align myself and improved my focus on especially overwhelming and stressful days!

Putting things into perspective has also been an incredibly helpful approach. Taking a moment to remind myself of the bigger picture of what I work towards as well as trusting myself, has also helped immensely.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Matt Cornell, Shweta Pai

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