We recently connected with Antonio David Paton and have shared our conversation below.
Antonio, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I think there is no moment where learning your craft comes to an end, ESPECIALLY in the film and music business. As one of my biggest mentors once taught me, once a new technology comes along, film composers are the first ones to put it to the test. In an ever-changing world with new software, hardware and instruments being invented every single day, stopping your own learning process is close to impossible, and not smart at all in my opinion. We grow every day as human beings, and by default, the art we create does as well. How else are you going to create it and be earnest to yourself when the learning process is left behind? I think it’s also an ego thing, in my opinion I know close to nothing compared to the people I admire, and as I’ve grown that feeling has only propelled me to learn more and become a better person and musician. Why would you think you’re done learning? Doesn’t sit right with me
Antonio, 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 a film and video game composer! I basically grab everything a director or game developer can throw at me, and I translate those ideas into musical pieces tailored to the project I’m working on. I got into this beautiful mix of film and music around 6 years ago. I wanted to merge the two things I love most and be part of these massive projects that changed my life when I was just a kid. Something about being part of something greater than yourself that has the capacity of impacting someone like that is just so appealing to me, it’s such an addictive feeling. I wish my music can give that to someone in the same way the movies I watched when I was 8 gave to me.
I’m proud of getting to work with people that I admire in every single project I embark on. Each of them has allowed me to meet incredibly talented people from all over the world whom would have never had the chance of meeting if it weren’t for this obsessive passion we all share. It has been the joy of my life and I really don’t see myself doing anything else, although I know the best is yet to come!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, and I already touched upon it a little, it’s the people you get to randomly meet along the way that pivots your life in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. I never in my life thought I would get to mingle and work with directors, producers, songwriters and endless different types of creatives just because of my line of work. Some people call it networking and I think if you only view it as that you’re missing out on (in my opinion) the coolest human beings ever. I think it’s such a privilege to have that be my life; doing the thing I love most, for the industry that has shaped my life, with the most talented and creative people I have ever encountered. I love it and the day will never come when I take it for granted.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I think the hardest lesson to unlearn as a creative is to get rid of your ego. We all think what we make is the best thing the world has ever seen, but it’s important to remember we live in a collaborative medium, and that we are making art that transcends us. We are not making it for ourselves (solely), we’re making it to put our own little piece of the puzzle and enhance a collective idea. We have to be open to feedback, and we have to leave our little fragile egos to the side. You never know the extent of your talent and skills until you bring someone else into the mix, it’s the best way to grow in my opinion. 
Contact Info:
- Website: antonio-david.com
- Instagram: @paton.wav
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-david-paton/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNx0cLxoBZicFzpk1q0ocyg