We recently connected with Antonio David and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Antonio, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I don’t really think the imposter syndrome ever goes away. I feel incredibly proud and lucky to have stumbled upon the people that have shaped and defined my life and career, and it’s because of their faith and support in what I do that I manage to pull through those moments where you tell yourself “should I really be where I am?”. it’s important to believe in yourself though, and sometimes it just comes down to having a weird meta-faith in the faith people have put in you and your work.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, in October 2000, into a wonderfully affectionate family. My earliest memory of being captivated by music occurred when my grandmother played Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” and Elvis’s “Only You” on her old square-shaped iPod. The profound emotion and purity of those songs fascinated me, especially when she revealed she had been listening to them since the 60s. These were her favorites since she was 16. The realization that music could evoke such powerful emotions has stuck with me and continues to do so.
This enchantment with music expanded through my mother’s collection of VHS movies in our home’s library. I often joke that I was raised as much by my family as by the movies I watched. Spending hours immersed in the stories on the TV screen was as important to me as playing with friends. It became evident to me that these movies wouldn’t have the same impact without their accompanying music. No dinosaurs or lightsabers without the orchestra, Nemo’s egg is merely an orange sphere without Thomas Newman’s embrace, and bicycles don’t soar without John Williams. My life has always revolved around music and movies, and the pursuit of the emotional connection between the two has been a constant theme.
My quest for this emotional connection led me from taking piano lessons at the age of ten to delving into harmony and ear training at 14. One of the most significant risks I’ve taken was moving to Boston at 18 to study music at Berklee College of Music. I owe everything I am today to the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the kind individuals who trusted me to compose music for their projects (you know who you are, and I love you). It is because of them that I can proudly say, though sometimes with disbelief, that I reside in Los Angeles, engaged in what I love alongside the people I admire the most. From creating short films during the pandemic to composing for feature films and professional video games, this journey has been the ride and privilege of my life. I am confident that the best is yet to come.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say three things really made a difference for me. Firstly, getting a good grasp of both the technical and artistic sides of music was crucial. Berklee College of Music was a game-changer for me in that regard. My advice to anyone starting out would be to take the time to learn the ropes – whether through formal study or teaching yourself. Dive into music theory, explore different composition techniques, and don’t shy away from understanding the nitty-gritty of sound design.
Secondly, being versatile has been a lifesaver. I’ve had the chance to work on a range of projects, from films to video games, and being able to adapt my musical style has been key. For those just starting, I’d say don’t be afraid to dabble in different genres and mediums. Experiment with your own musical flair, and be open to trying new things. It’s a great way to discover what you enjoy and to show off your flexibility as an artist.
Lastly, being a good communicator and really tuning into the vision of other creators has been priceless. Collaborating isn’t just about the music; it’s about understanding and enhancing someone else’s vision. I’d encourage new composers to work on their communication skills, listen actively to what your collaborators are saying, and try to get a deep feel for the story and emotions behind each project.
So, in a nutshell, a solid musical education, adaptability, and good communication have been my go-to tools. My advice? Keep learning, stay open to different gigs, and approach each project with a genuine interest in connecting with others and elevating their artistic vision. It’s not just about the notes or sounds – it’s about sharing a creative journey with some awesome people.
…and watch as many movies as you can. Just for fun.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I’m all about connecting with other creatives and bringing cool ideas to life together. Especially if it’s something I’ve never done before. If you’re into storytelling through music, whether it’s for a film, a game, or any exciting project, I’m totally up for it.
I’m really drawn to working with people who share a love for crafting unique and immersive experiences. So, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey, that sounds like what I’m about,” shoot me a message! You can drop me an email at [email protected], or let’s connect on Instagram @paton.wav. We can have a casual chat, maybe over a virtual coffee, and see how our creative vibes align. Looking forward to hearing from you and exploring the potential of making something awesome together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antonio-david.com/about
- Instagram: @paton.wav
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-david-paton/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/antonio-david-541027812/sets
