Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Bertola. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I took the risk of making a living from my passion. But it was a necessary risk because I couldn’t see myself thriving in any other field than music. Although I dreamed of dedicating my professional life to it, I initially started my higher education in France at a business school before daring to take a complete 180-degree turn. Embarking on an artistic career involves a significant amount of uncertainty. Talent and hard work are, of course, essential, but luck also plays a role. While it’s possible to create your own opportunities, there’s still a strong element of chance that determines whether it will work out or not. Being in the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, and working on a project that turns into a huge success—these are not things that follow a traditional career plan. This is especially true today because the world is changing so fast, and it’s essential to try new things, not be afraid to take risks, even if they seem crazy, and to dare to put yourself out there. More broadly, I would say that a creative life is a constant risk, one where you need to have an ever-active mind to push the boundaries of creation. It’s this constant search and evolution that makes an artist’s life so exciting.

Alex, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, and music producer. I started learning the piano at the age of 5, followed by electric guitar at 12, and then acoustic guitar. Early on, I enjoyed composing with my different instruments. While I’m open to all styles, I was primarily influenced by rock, hard rock, and pop. Later, I developed a passion for film music, and around the age of 17, I began teaching myself orchestral composition. I spent thousands of hours studying composition and orchestration techniques, as well as learning how to replicate the sound of an orchestra using samples. I was only 19 when I worked as the lead composer on several documentaries aired on French television, including a portrait of Bruce Willis. I am particularly proud that a producer trusted me, despite my lack of professional experience at the time, and gave me the opportunity to take on such projects. I was able to work closely with several directors, engaging in constructive discussions throughout the filmmaking process to bring my vision to life and create the soundtrack.

I later honed my craft at Berklee College of Music, where I earned a Bachelor of Music with a major in Film and Media Scoring. After graduating, I founded my own company in Los Angeles, offering music for visual media as well as music production across various styles. My years at Berklee allowed me to work with other artists on different projects, including working with singers, and I am always seeking new collaborations of this kind. I value the creative exchange that occurs in collaborative works, whether it’s with directors, musicians, or the engineering team. Listening to and sharing ideas is enriching and helps move the project forward together until its completion.

While I put great care into my compositions, I also spend a lot of time perfecting the sound of the samples I use. They’ve become essential tools and help give a clearer sense of the final result. The key is to make them sound as authentic as possible to create a convincing demonstration. I add real instruments, particularly guitars, and synths, which I record myself. My goal is to offer a sound experience that truly resonates with the audience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’d say that expressing my emotions through my work and sharing them with others is incredibly fulfilling. Music is a universal language. It helps forge connections through art, bringing people together to share a collective experience. It’s a form of communication that taps into everyone’s sensitivity and can evoke a wide range of emotions.
Another rewarding aspect is the sense of purpose I feel. When collaborating with a director, I’m always reminded of the power music has over visuals—how it enhances and elevates them. Without music, the film wouldn’t have the same impact.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The industry is changing due to a significant shift in media consumption, a transformation that continues to solidify. The challenge now is finding your place as we navigate this transition period. Since the rise of YouTube and the multiplication of streaming platforms, a huge amount of media is consumed at home, even though big films still fill theaters. With every shift, entrepreneurs have had to adapt by evolving their methods, much like how Steve Jobs navigated technological change by consistently staying ahead of consumer trends, as described in his biography by Walter Isaacson.
This is exactly what the film-music industry is experiencing now. As a young composer, the key is understanding and applying your vision to this market evolution. In his book Creativity, Inc., Ed Catmull shares insights on how Pixar thrived by embracing change in the film landscape, highlighting the importance of innovation and flexibility—lessons that resonate deeply with today’s evolving entertainment industry. An article I read in the LA Times this summer, “Hollywood’s slow rebound: Netflix, Amazon lead the way in production restart,” further illustrates this current transition in Hollywood, with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon leading the charge. This shift underscores how important it is for composers to adapt their approach to new production models and changing consumer habits. Entrepreneurship is one of the keys to positioning oneself in this movement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alexbertola.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.bertola_music/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bertola-18661a233/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Alex_Bertola
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/4h7Pd0GKEMhmorMHP3lwb7?si=Xdap9libTe-pTiikgl3meg

Image Credits

Alex Bertola
Eric Ling