Meet Hanan Townshend

We were lucky to catch up with Hanan Townshend recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Hanan with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I learned work ethic before I even knew what it was. Growing up on a dairy farm in rural New Zealand often meant early mornings, feeding calves in the cold, helping with milking, moving fences. It was not glamorous, but it was steady and faithful work. On the farm there was an unspoken expectation: you pitch in, even when you don’t want to, and you help finish the job. My dad was not in the arts, but the way he carried himself each day without shortcuts made a deep impression on me.

All of this was put to test when I left New Zealand to chase something far less certain: a career in film scoring. Landing in Austin, Texas as a study abroad student, I did not have industry connections or a sense of how to get work. What I did have was that farm-bred instinct to show up even when the outcome was unclear. Alongside constantly writing music, I spent time around the UT film school hoping to build relationships. I posted ads on filmmaking forums, found ways into private film events, and did whatever I could to connect with filmmakers while continuing to develop my craft. There were many quiet seasons when nothing seemed to move forward, but I held onto the idea that consistent effort would eventually open doors. That trail of persistence is what prepared me when the opportunity to work with director Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) came along. Although my first introduction to him might have looked like just “a lucky break,” it was really the result of years of quiet, unseen, and consistent work that opened the door to many projects as his composer.

Since then I have carried that same ethic into every corner of my career, whether it is scoring a feature film, writing music for a global ad campaign, or working on my own personal record. I have learned that work ethic is not about running yourself into the ground. It is about consistency, faithfulness, and care. I see my work as something entrusted to me, not just a hustle for recognition, and that keeps me grounded through the inevitable highs and lows of this industry.

Today, even while balancing big projects with raising a family, that same rhythm carries me: show up, do the work, do it well. It is not about being the busiest or the loudest person in the room. It is about being faithful with what is in front of me, whether it is a short music cue that needs to be sketched out or a daughter who wants to jam at the piano before bed.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a composer and recording artist, originally from New Zealand and now based in Austin, Texas. Over the past 20 years I’ve written music for films, documentaries, and advertising campaigns, working with directors such as Terrence Malick. What excites me most about this work is its range: one week I might be creating an intimate piano piece for a film, and the next I’m building large-scale orchestral and choral soundscapes. At the heart of it, I see music as a way to tell stories and to create spaces for people to feel something beyond words.

In addition to my film work, I’m developing a project called Father which is probably the most ambitious creative undertaking of my career so far. It begins as a concept record, but the vision is to grow it into a live touring experience and ultimately an immersive performance at the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. The project brings together diverse vocalists, musicians, and cultures to create a tapestry of sound that reflects something beyond ourselves — a multi-ethnic, intergenerational journey into longing, grief, and divine presence.

What I hope readers take away is that I’m not only committed to the craft of composition, but also to creating experiences that bring people together and invite them into wonder. Right now, my focus is both on my ongoing film scoring and on bringing Father to life through our first investor pitch event this October at Violet Crown Cinema here in Austin.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Consistency and Discipline
Growing up on a farm taught me early that you show up whether you feel like it or not. That discipline carried over into music. The industry is unpredictable, but the one thing you can control is your consistency. My advice is simple: write every day, even if it’s just a sketch or an idea. Over time, that habit builds both your skill and your resilience.

Curiosity and Openness
I’ve learned that creativity thrives when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. Early in my career, I would hang around film schools, post ads on forums, or sneak into events just to connect with people. That spirit of curiosity and openness is what leads to opportunities. For those starting out, don’t wait for the “perfect” path to appear. Just say yes to things, meet people, and stay teachable.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Even after years of working on major films and projects, imposter syndrome is something I’ve had to wrestle with. It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong, especially in rooms full of talented people. What has helped me is shifting the focus off myself and onto the work: Am I serving the story? Am I bringing my best to what is in front of me today? For those starting out, know that these feelings are normal. Don’t let them paralyze you. Keep showing up, keep learning, and over time your confidence will grow through the work itself.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

A book that has played an important role in my development recently is The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. What struck me most was how he frames creativity not as a talent reserved for a few but as a practice that anyone can cultivate. That perspective took a lot of the pressure off of needing to “be inspired” all the time. Instead, it reminded me that creativity is about showing up, paying attention, and being open.

One of the most impactful ideas was his emphasis on listening. Not just to music but to the world around you, to silence, and even to yourself. That way of listening has deeply shaped my work as a composer. He also talks about art as service, as something bigger than self-expression. That idea resonated with my own sense of calling: that the music I make isn’t just for me but for others, and maybe even a way to point toward something beyond us.

For me, the wisdom in the book was less about technique and more about posture. It reinforced the importance of approaching the creative life with humility, curiosity, and faithfulness. I also love that the chapters are short and bite-sized. Its a great book to dip your toes into whenever you need a little extra encouragement.

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Image Credits

All photos by Jennifer Townshend

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