We were lucky to catch up with Owen Nathanael recently and have shared our conversation below.

Owen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of my goals as a composer is to create a tangible impact in society by shedding light on stories that deeply resonate with me. My most recent scoring project, an animated short film titled “52Hz” by MEGANErd Productions, allowed me to achieve just that. In this five-minute movie, various themes such as disability, nature, and war are explored, all presented in an adorable animation that audiences of all ages can enjoy.

One particular aspect of the film revolves around the true story of the world’s loneliest whale, whose distinct calls occur at a frequency of approximately 52Hz. Fortunately, these calls were captured by the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) Ocean Acoustics Program. Intrigued by this fascinating recording, I transformed the whale’s voice into a musical instrument using granular synthesis techniques.

Throughout the film’s score, the whale’s voice remains ever-present, intentionally concealed beneath the layers of music, symbolizing how the 52Hz whale goes unnoticed by other whales. This parallels the experience of Aina and Farah, two deaf girls from Indonesia and Afghanistan, who met inside the ocean while reading the book “52Hz.”

With the music intertwining the unique story of the loneliest whale and the friendship of Aina and Farah, “52Hz” brings attention to the need for inclusivity, understanding, and empathy in society, highlighting the significance of amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities to ensure their thoughts and experiences are heard and acknowledged. I hope that this project and others like it contribute to the positive change we aspire to see in the world, and I am so glad I got to take part in it.

Owen, 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’m Owen Nathanael, a media composer, educator, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. From a young age, I was captivated by the realms of music and filmmaking, which eventually led me to pursue these passions as a career.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of composing music for a wide range of projects, including personal endeavors, award-winning films, chart-topping podcasts, and popular advertisements. I also actively engage in performing and producing music for various artists and organizations, allowing me to explore different genres and styles and continuously expand my creative horizons.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I strongly believe in giving back to the community. I actively engage in philanthropic activities, utilizing my talents to support meaningful causes and make a positive impact through music.

As an educator, I established SUPERCHARGE!, a platform where I share my unique approach to music creation. Through this project, I provide valuable insights and techniques free of charge, presented in a concise and easily understandable format exclusively on Instagram Reels. I also offer personalized lessons tailored to individual needs, helping aspiring artists develop their artistic voice and effectively communicate their artistry to the world. Teaching and sharing knowledge are deeply important to me, and I take pride in inspiring and empowering others in their creative journeys.

While music holds my primary focus, storytelling remains a deep passion of mine. I apply my filmmaking skills to capture captivating moments that blend my innate understanding of music with a keen sensibility for storytelling.

You can find and listen to my music on your favorite streaming platforms. To delve deeper into my creative process, you can explore my Instagram Reels series SUPERCHARGE! and gain insight into my work. Additionally, I invite you to watch my most recent mini-documentary, “Behind the Music of 52Hz,” available on my YouTube channel.

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

For most of my work as a media composer, it exists within a specific context. It’s no secret that many soundtracks aim to transport listeners into their own unique “universe,” and that’s a valid and exciting goal. However, what truly rewards me as a composer is when my work transcends its context and takes on personal meaning for listeners in a unique way.

I’ve been fortunate to have a few encounters where my music deeply resonated with listeners. This can be challenging since much of my work is instrumental and tied to the context of the story. One such example is my collaboration with Spotify Studios on Rintik Sedu’s original podcast, “Kuas, Kanvas, dan Bulan Kesepian” (Brush, Canvas, and The Lonely Moon), where I composed a piece called “Karin.” When I was composing it, my focus was on how the music could support the character of Karin. It was fascinating to receive a message from someone I didn’t know on Instagram, expressing gratitude for how that piece resonated with them and helped them with their anxiety. At that point, it is no longer Karin’s tune, it is their tune.

Another example involves an upcoming project that has not yet been announced. The person I am collaborating with used my music as their ringtone, despite it not being officially allowed. These are just a couple of instances where my work has “broken the fourth wall” and become intertwined with people’s lives. Hearing these stories is always rewarding and reaffirms the personal and powerful relationship my music can have with individuals. It is these connections that fuel my passion and keep me motivated to continue creating.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! At the core of my creative journey is the aim to create meaningful and impactful work that resonates with people and contributes to positive change in the world.

I strive to make a real impact on society. Whether it’s through someone listening to my work or through my philanthropic activities, I want to raise awareness about important issues that I deeply believe in. I strongly believe in the transformative power of art to challenge perspectives, inspire conversations, and foster a more compassionate society. I seek to amplify stories that need to be heard and shed light on marginalized voices.

Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact through my art and inspire others to embark on their own creative journeys. I want to encourage individuals to utilize their voices, talents, and platforms to contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate, and thought-provoking world. By sharing stories, evoking emotions, and nurturing connections, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy that ignites change and resonates with people for years to come.    

Contact Info:

• Website: owenathanael.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/owenathanael
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/owenathanael
• Youtube: youtube.com/owenathanael
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14087363/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Christophorus Cedric Alice Wibisono Dava Giustizia