We were lucky to catch up with Kevin Leysath II recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kevin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a child I was around music all of my life, but one moment stood out the most which I have reflected on as the moment I realized I wanted to write music. When I was around six or seven years old I remember that I was watching a movie and out of nowhere I started to cry. My dad walked in and asked me why I was crying and all I could think of was to say “It was sad” because I didn’t know at the time what gave me such emotion. From that moment and looking back, I knew I wanted to create music that could touch people’s hearts in the same way it touched mine whether it be through film or the concert stage.

Kevin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a composer, conductor and saxophonist from Rochester, NY, who is currently based in NYC. I completed my undergraduate degree in Music Composition at Nazareth College where I was awarded the Instrumental Conducting and Music Composition award. I am now pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition: Screen Scoring at NYU Steinhardt. My compositional training throughout the years has been led by esteemed composers, Octavio Vazquez, Diana Rosenblum, Alba Torremocha and now currently, Shruti Kumar.

As a composer who strives to always tell a story through their music whether it be for the concert stage or screen, I craft my music using an array of instruments to convey a mix of human emotions. I think the deep emotional connection that I have with music and my love for a memorable hook and theme is what sets me a part from others.

In addition to scoring several films, I also compose concert music. My music has been played by ensembles such as the Nazareth College Wind Symphony, 1924 Quartet, the Bernadette Quartet, the mdi ensemble in Milan, Italy, Highland Street, and the Irondequoit String Orchestra under the direction of Evan Meccarello. My favorite pieces I have written so far has been “Yasuke” for wind ensemble and “Introspection”, for saxophone quartet. A third runner-up and audience favorite is “Red Tail Visions”. All three tell different types of stories ranging from cultural and historical context, self awareness and growth, and a child’s playtime fantasy.

One of the most rewarding experiences in my journey so far has been my selection as one of five composers out of 115 to participate in the 2024 ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop, under the guidance of Alex Steyermark. This opportunity allowed me to collaborate with director Chad B. Hamilton on his film, Way Back Home. I had the incredible experience of having my score professionally recorded and mixed at Power Station Studios, where I led professional musicians to bring the music to life. This process taught me invaluable lessons about film scoring, from deeply analyzing a film to ensuring the music evolves with the story. It was a profound experience that reaffirmed my passion for scoring films, and I look forward to more opportunities to collaborate in this way.

What draws me to the collaborative nature of film scoring is the journey itself. I love watching behind-the-scenes footage of films because it reveals the collective effort that goes into creating something meaningful. Being part of that “village” is an incredible feeling, especially when you see the audience and actor’s reactions at a screening. As a film composer, I spend so much time with the characters and the director that I develop a deep connection with the story. Crafting a musical arc that aligns with the narrative is one of the most fulfilling aspects of this type of collaboration, and it’s a journey I am eager to continue to do.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I feel we as humans are connected through music in many aspects so that in reality music is life and life is music. I am driven to bring music to life to touch people’s hearts and my willingness to venture out of my comfort zone to learn new things is what continues to elevate my style and craft. Another aspect of my mission is to be a role model for people of color who aspire to be composers and musicians just like how Kris Bowers, Jongnic Bontemps and Michael Ables are to me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think that the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is when someone is emotionally affected by your music. There is no better feeling than knowing that the music you’ve poured yourself into connects with the listener and provides impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leysathkevin.wixsite.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinleysathmusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-leysath-ii-7b6123199/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kevinleysathii
• Other: Way Back Home (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): https://tr.ee/VEFPP2jpURFilm Music Reel: https://play.reelcrafter.com/f9bYHpjyRe6RcTLbdXTTdw

Image Credits

Kevin Leysath – CreativEye Photo
Nora Marris
Alan Tirré – Samba Fotography
January Yucheng Li