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

Shwan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The project I am currently working on is the most meaningful one so far. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal too many details just yet, but it will be released next year in 2024 (hint: it involves big monsters. This project is special for me because I have felt so much freedom throughout the entire creative process, right from the beginning.

Additionally, I have been entrusted to handle a big portion of the film, allowing me to delve deep into developing ideas. What makes this experience even more enjoyable is the fact that I get to collaborate with very close friends, making the entire journey pleasant, even with the very high demands of the director and producers.

Apart from this mysterious project, another favorite of mine is “Love, Death & Robots: The Swarm.” Working alongside Tom Holkenborg, we had the opportunity to explore and experiment extensively with sounds, something I truly love doing when composing music for any project.

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 a composer and music producer specializing in Film & TV, my journey into this industry began with a remarkable opportunity. Award winning film composer Tom Holkenborg, known for his work on films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Batman vs. Superman, selected me in a contest through his YouTube channel. This fortunate event led me to Los Angeles, where I had the privilege of being mentored by Tom himself, providing me with invaluable insights into film scoring. Our collaboration continues to this day !

The main service I provide is music composition for Film & TV. Working either for film composers or directors. Rather than referring to them as “clients,” I prefer to see them as friends and collaborators. When working for a film composer, I provide “Additional Music” services, which means that I write (music) a portion of the film using the themes, melodies, and concepts they’ve provided. On the other hand, when working directly with a director or a producer, I take on a more global role that encompasses everything from budgets to creating musical concepts, ensuring they align perfectly with their vision for their project.

I also occasionally receive commissions for composing music for advertisements. The process mirrors film & tv projects, as I strive to create within the brand’s vision, but the size of these projects is obviously smaller.

While it’s challenging for me to pinpoint precisely what sets me apart from others, I believe that every composer possesses a distinct voice, taste, and sensitivity that eventually shapes their work. In my case, I am drawn to the fusion of diverse music genres. Classical orchestral music, particularly from the 20th century, holds a special place in my heart, but I’m equally fascinated by sound design and the limitless possibilities technology and modern tools offer us today.

The exploration of how seemingly opposite music genres and sound characteristics can harmoniously coexist is something that has always triggered my curiosity. I think the interplay between acoustic and electronic instruments offers a rich tapestry of possibilities. I find great joy in discovering how the warm, organic tones of the orchestra can blend and interact with electronic sounds. Not only by having one doubling the other at the same time, but by integrating electronic instruments seamlessly into the traditional orchestral setting.

I am working on a project that will exemplify this vision that I have. I’ve been thinking about it for a while but didn’t have the time to do it. This project will allow me to delve into sound characteristics, shape of sounds, envelopes, etc., while keeping in mind harmony, counterpoint, form, voice leading, and so on.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, being an artist/creative is incredibly rewarding, and there are countless reasons for it. First, knowing that my work can brighten someone’s day, inspire them, or provide motivation feels amazing. It’s fulfilling to think that my compositions can be there for people during their moments.

Second, seeing the end result of my compositions is truly satisfying. Whether it’s hearing an orchestra play a piece I’ve written or watching a film I’ve been a part of on the big screen, it’s a special feeling to witness the final outcome of all the hard work and collaboration.

Third, the journey of being an artist is never-ending, and that’s what makes it exciting to me. Every day, I’m learning something new, whether it’s about music, technology, or the world around me. This constant curiosity and growth keep me motivated and make the whole experience truly rewarding.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, there’s one resource I wish I knew about earlier—the Facebook group PERSPECTIVE. It’s one of the largest private Facebook group for film composers in the world where people share their stories. I discovered this group later on, and it has been an invaluable source of inspiration and learning for me. Hearing the experiences and journeys of others in our community has taught me a lot, and I highly recommend it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shwanaskari.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwanaskari
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shwanaskari.official
• Linkedin: https://ch.linkedin.com/in/shwanaskari
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shwan_Askari
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shwanaskari
• Other: Here is also my production music company website: https://aem-production.com