We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daley Lin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daley below.
Alright, Daley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of my most meaningful projects is an exciting upcoming adventure game that seamlessly blends real-time strategy (RTS) mouse controls with action-packed gameplay elements. Players assume the role of a necromancer, using their powers to resurrect fallen enemies, guiding them to defeat foes, tackle intricate puzzles, and overcome various challenges.
What truly excited me about composing for this project is my continuous involvement right from its inception, which has allowed me to craft music that is intricately tailored to the game’s characters and scenes. My collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the overall atmosphere and the player’s experience of the game. In keeping with the adventurous spirit, I combined orchestral instruments with synthetic elements and adopting an EDM production approach. This fusion of musical styles and instruments adds an electrifying dimension to the game’s soundtrack. Through constant and effective communication with the development team, we have created a score that immerses players in the game’s world and enhances the overall experience.
I’m currently immersed in another exciting project. What’s particularly fun is how the developers of these two games, unrelated to each other initially, serendipitously discovered that they had a common composer – me. It’s a testament to the power of shared creativity and the impact of my work that they decided to join forces for a new project. This experience underlines the unique and transformative possibilities that can emerge from the world of game scoring, a field that continually pushes creative boundaries and fosters unexpected connections.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a composer for film, television, multimedia, and the concert stage. As a trusted collaborator, I am realized for my unique musical style, from atmospheric electronic soundscapes to epic orchestral compositions. Coming from a classical background, I started learning the violin from my grandfather at age six, fostering a deep love and respect for music, which ignited my passion and shaped me into a musician and composer. In college, I majored in violin performance and held key positions from concertmaster in the orchestra to first chair in chamber ensembles. Playing numerous pieces has provided invaluable insights into understanding how notes on the page translate into real-world instruments. Additionally, my performance experience in the orchestra has offered opportunities to collaborate with other musicians, which has greatly impacted my compositional process and thinking.
After performing and learning numerous works, I started to get more and more curious about what happens behind the scenes – the composer’s role. Therefore, I began my own journey of composing. From a single memorable melody to grand orchestral pieces, my compositional skills and musical aesthetics have blossomed. When I began pursuing my master’s degree in screen scoring at NYU, I took classes that expanded my musical voice and knowledge of the industry.
The realm of film offers a rich tapestry of diverse genres, and my musical exploration spans a wide spectrum, ranging from John Williams-style orchestral compositions to the vibrant sounds of the contemporary landscapes of EDM and pop tracks. This eclectic journey has been instrumental in nurturing my creativity and molding me into a versatile composer. Drawing from my musical background, I’ve always strived to strike a harmonious balance between concert composition and electronic music production. It’s in the world of film music that these two worlds seamlessly converge. Whether I’m crafting a concert piece or composing for visual media, I consistently draw inspiration from the classical orchestral repertoire while experimenting with the latest advancements in music production technology. This equilibrium empowers me to confront a wide array of challenges in the ever-evolving musical, dramatic, and technological landscape. For instance, I had the privilege of serving as a co-music supervisor for a spring GALA event held at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. In this role, my responsibilities spanned the spectrum of production tasks, including composing, arranging, editing, sound design, recording, mixing, and the creation of a QLab session for the live event. This experience was both exhilarating and illuminating, affording me the opportunity to apply my multifaceted skill set to create a remarkable and unforgettable show.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my musical journey was the shift from performance to multimedia scoring, which encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, including music production, score creation, and mixing. This transition presented a significant challenge and leap. The motivation behind this shift lies in my genuine passion for both composing and music production. I find immense joy in crafting music and derive great satisfaction from my creative outputs. My affinity for music production further solidified my decision to enter the field of screen scoring, as it offered the perfect marriage of these two passions.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As someone who finds joy in music, my heartfelt desire is for my work to act as a vehicle for spreading happiness and positivity, not only to those close to me but also to our society and the entire music industry. I’ve long considered myself a versatile artist and have diligently honed my skills to become multifaceted. A truly exceptional artist excels not only in one domain but also thrives in various aspects of their craft. My mission and core values as a composer center on embodying these principles, striving to infuse artistry and beauty into people’s lives and society as a whole. It’s my fervent belief that music has the power to create a profound, positive impact, and I am dedicated to contributing to this transformative potential.
Being a composer and musician comes with its fair share of challenges and difficulties. Despite that, I aspire to keep persisting in delivering high-quality music that reflects my unique voice, my deep love of music, and my passion for life. Composing is an emotional journey, and I’m genuinely grateful when people connect with my music, as it means they share the same passion and enthusiasm for life that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: daleylin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daleylin.music/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daley-lin-756b69299/
Image Credits
Daley owns all the rights to images.
1 Comment
Abiella
I found this article very inspiring as a young musician myself. I learned some new things too. I’m excited for him to win a Grammy one day! His music is amazing!