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

Kenny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a project dear to my heart—an animated short film titled “Hair For You.” The director and I had known each other from a few years back when we collaborated on another project. However, we only recently reconnected due to our shared passion for showcasing the beauty of our home country, Indonesia, through various media platforms. Animation has always held a special place in my heart, and composing music for it is always a treat. The fact that this project was set in Indonesia and depicted the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship made it even more significant to me.

I was determined to honor the director’s and her team’s tireless efforts in creating the animation, so I drew inspiration from traditional instruments and even incorporated a subtle reference to a folk song melody in one of the character’s themes. Witnessing how the final product came together was so amazing, and I eagerly anticipate its journey through various film festivals later this year.

Aside from that, another thing that meant a lot to me was the opportunity to be a part of composer John Debney’s music team. I’m still relatively early in my career, so being involved in a big project in such a warm and welcoming environment was really special. I’ve learned so much precious knowledge of the industry in a short amount of time. It has been a source of inspiration for me to push even harder for growth in my career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an Indonesian film and video game composer currently based in Los Angeles, but above all else, I consider myself a huge film enthusiast—that’s what truly brought me here! Growing up, I spent my weekdays learning and playing music, and my weekends at the cinema. It was during one of those weekends that a thought struck me while watching the credits roll: Why not combine these two things I love into a career? That’s when I dived into the world of film scoring.

As I mentioned earlier, my musical upbringing served me well in numerous ways. It instilled in me the ability to learn quickly, adapt to changing circumstances, and connect with individuals from all walks of life. But here’s the thing, I also discovered that I didn’t necessarily want to be in the spotlight, like a performer might. That’s when I found my true calling in composing. It began with taking on roles as a music director and arranger for plays and band performances, eventually leading me to compose for film during my college years.

I understand that college may not be the ideal path for everyone, especially when talking about music. But, I genuinely believe that my time in college greatly benefited my creative growth. Being surrounded by talented peers pushed me to constantly challenge myself and strive for greatness. I’ve always approached every project with a serious mindset, even if it was just a school project. And I believe, that mindset has molded me into the person I am today.

In addition to film, I’ve been fortunate to be able to expand my craft to include composing for video games—something that’s wildly different from film but equally fulfilling. Whether it’s a film or a video game, I’ve come to realize the importance of building a solid relationship with the filmmakers or game developers. When there’s a strong collaboration, you can bet that the final product will shine. Some of the films I’ve scored have even made it to prestigious festivals like the New York Shorts International Festival. And I’ve had the incredible opportunity to have my work selected and recorded at the legendary Power Station studio in NYC. I’m always on the hunt for captivating stories that fuel my creative spark!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Facebook groups! I know that might sound like a funny answer. I had never really used Facebook before and only joined because a friend suggested it as a way to find more composing gigs. I was surprised by what I discovered. It’s a goldmine!

There are countless groups dedicated to filmmakers, composers, and even assistant composers—communities that are perfect for those of us starting out and seeking genuine insights. It’s incredible to have a platform where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, seek advice, and exchange recommendations. If only I had known about these groups when I was still in school, it would have made a world of difference in terms of meeting new people and finding collaboration opportunities.

Besides that, I’ve also come to appreciate the value of the people around me. Sometimes we forget that our friends, family, and acquaintances can be some of the best resources. They know us well and can provide invaluable support and guidance. It’s important to remember to reach out and ask for a helping hand because you never know what doors might open through the connections you already have. Sometimes it just takes that extra nudge or reminder to tap into the network that’s right in front of us. It’s all about being open to new avenues and utilizing the resources available to us.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely! Composing music for films and games brings me so much joy, even more than composing just for myself. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my music has the power to enhance the story and evoke deep emotions in the audience. That’s what truly drives me in my creative journey. I mean, who doesn’t love those unforgettable themes that stick with you and bring back fond memories? If I can create something like that someday, I’ll feel like I’ve really made it.

One major goal that fuels my passion is to shine a spotlight on the amazing talent from Southeast Asia and women composers. Representation is so important to me. While we’ve made progress in giving space to women and diverse artists, there’s still a long way to go. As I move forward in my career, I want to be part of creating a film music industry that’s more inclusive and diverse.

Ultimately, I hope to inspire others and show them that they can pursue their dreams, no matter where they come from or who they are. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m committed to pushing my own creativity while championing diversity and representation in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://play.reelcrafter.com/kennyadrian/music
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenadriian/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-adrian-62b70a1bb/

Image Credits

Ryan Nava, Samuel Gunawan