We were lucky to catch up with Erin Liu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Erin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Growing up in an Asian culture that emphasized academic success, I spent over 12 years mastering core subjects such as Chinese language, math, and science. Since elementary school, I was diligent and consistently achieved top grades, being considered as a model student. However, deep down, I knew that this exam-oriented environment didn’t align with my true passions, and the intense competition for higher score left me feeling drained.
Despite excelling academically and even gaining admission to the most prestigious high school in Taiwan, I realized during college entrance exam preparation that I didn’t share the same enthusiasm as my classmates for traditional career paths in medicine, law, or finance. It was then that I made a pivotal decision to pursue my passion for the arts. I’m glad that I eventually had the courage to diverge from societal expectations and follow my heart.
Although I had a vague notion of “being a storyteller,” I never expected to find myself as a media composer in the creative industry. I believe that what leads me to where I am today is the result of continuous self-exploration and connecting the dots along the way. The books I read in childhood, the music I listened to during daily commutes, and the films that provided solace during difficult times – all these small, inspiring elements nurtured and gradually shaped me into the person I am now.
While media scoring may not be the sole pursuit of my life, I’m certain it’ll significantly influence my ongoing journey, providing essential nourishment for my development as an intriguing and multi-dimensional artist.
Erin, 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?
My name is Erin (Tzu-Yu) Liu, and I’m a film and media composer originally from Taipei, Taiwan, currently based in Los Angeles. Fascinated by the world of storytelling, I pursued a BA in English Language and Literature at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. Over four years, I immersed myself in a wide range of literary classics, from Shakespeare’s sonnets to contemporary poetry, and from Greek mythology to Broadway scripts. Driven by curiosity and a gut feeling, I took a bold step and enrolled in the Music Composition for the Screen MFA program at Columbia College Chicago in 2021. This decision marked a dramatic twist in my life, as I sought to combine my love for musical storytelling with visuals. It was at this time that my career as a composer truly took off.
During my graduate years, I studied film scoring, orchestration, and video game scoring under the guidance of industry professionals, including program director Kubilay Uner, Kazimir Boyle, and Joel Corelitz. Besides, I had the invaluable opportunities to work with Composers-in-Residence Miriam Cutler, Vivek Maddala, and Brandon Campbell, further refining my craft in scoring documentaries, animations, and action films. In June 2023, I was fortunate to intern with the award-winning composer for film and television, Mac Quayle, right in the heart of Hollywood. Witnessing the inner workings of music production for “American Horror Story 12” was a surreal experience. The exposure to real-world industry practices, professional workflows, and the development of artistic originality during this internship greatly expanded my horizons. Around the same time, I had the privilege of recording my graduate thesis, titled “Pegasus: The Heavenward Soaring,” at the 20th Century Fox Newman Scoring Stage. Working with a 70-piece orchestra conducted by Anthony Parnther and mixed by Dennis Sands was undoubtedly a career milestone. It was a dream come true moment to see these industry masters breathe life into my musical creation.
As a film and media composer, my role is to translate intricate human emotions into the language of music, infusing visual narratives with depth and dimension. Instead of merely crafting beautiful melodies or showcasing compositional skills, I have to capture the emotional essence of each project, conveying the nuances of unspoken feelings. Music can sometimes take the lead, while other times, it subtly underscores the scenes. A smooth collaboration with directors, filmmakers, and creatives is crucial in co-creating artworks that tell meaningful stories.
Speaking of my music style, it’s often described as an interesting mix of Harry Potter-like fantasy with oriental elegance. I specialize in writing small ensemble acoustic pieces and hybrid scores that blend the richness of an orchestra with electronic texture. My journey into music composition began during my undergraduate years when I ventured into the world of theater. Participating in sound and music design for play productions like “Vinegar Tom” and “Golden Child,” I found immense joy in collaborating not only with director alone but with the entire crew of talented individuals. Working closely with stage managers, actors, lighting teams, and set design crews has provided me with insightful perspectives, sparkling my musical inspirations for the play. Crafting a seamless flow for a two-hour performance was no easy task, but the experience of bringing scripts to life with my peers through experimentation was incredibly rewarding.
In addition to my involvement in theater, I found animation scoring to be quite appealing as it allowed me to unleash my imagination in crafting musical narratives for enchanting worlds. Working with directors and animators from the University of Brighton and Taipei National University of the Arts, I’ve contributed to a variety of animated projects, such as “Never Never Land (2023),” “Wasted Dreams (2021),” and “Whack-a-Mole (2021).” These experiences in mickey-mousing style writing have been significant in solidifying my orchestration skills and broadening my creative visions.
Looking ahead to future collaborations, I’m excited about connecting with more potential clients from diverse fields, seeking new challenges and insights. Genre-wise, I aim to step out of my comfort zone, which has primarily revolved around fantasy-style writing, and explore more mature and sophisticated topics, such as scoring for psychological drama films or thrillers. Additionally, I wish to cultivate relationships with creatives from various disciplines, not just within the film industry, but also including game developers, choreographers, and writers. I’ll continue expanding my network into fresh artistic territories, with the hope of enriching my personal journey and embracing unexpected opportunities!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my opinion, one of the effective ways for society to support artists and creatives is by taking advantage of social media in this digital age. It’s super easy! Just follow the artists whose work resonates with you and engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. While these actions may seem trivial, they really help increase our visibility and introduce our talent to a broader potential client. A single share does have a profound impact on an artist’s career trajectory! And let’s not underestimate the power of word of mouth. Discussing an artist’s work with friends and family can possibly lead us to new opportunities and help expand our network. Even a simple compliment or encouragement from an audience member means the world to us and keeps us motivated for future creations. So please, don’t hesitate to show your love and support!
Moreover, for those who are economically able, providing financial support is a most direct and helpful way to nurture a vibrant creative ecosystem. Donating to local arts organizations not only enhances the environment for artists but also equips them with necessary resources and tools to fuel creative endeavors. Besides, attending fundraisers for art or music education nonprofits plays a crucial role in cultivating the artistic talents of the next generation, thereby enriching our community as a whole!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Some people may believe that artists possess a unique gift for expressing themselves through abstract forms. However, I see our journey as creatives much like that of professionals in any other field. Just as a doctor undergoes extensive medical training to save lives and a lawyer dedicates time to mastering laws for their clients, as a media composer, I invest considerable effort in learning about music, film, and entrepreneurial strategies to navigate the complexities of running a successful freelance business. Essentially, there’s little discernible difference between so-called creatives and non-creatives. It’s all about self-discipline, hard work, and practice to excel in your career.
Furthermore, there’s a common misconception that creatives have unrestricted freedom to create art as they please. However, the reality is that collaboration with others is often necessary, and complete freedom is rare. As a media composer, my duty is to serve the director’s vision through music. This requires a willingness to set aside personal ego for the greater success of a project. Ultimately, it’s the filmmaker’s needs that take precedence, and we must acknowledge and respect this rule of the game. However, it’s through these collaborative experiences that I’ve learned the importance of teamwork and flexibility. Thriving in the entertainment industry demands more than displaying individual creativity; it also entails being a humble team player to accomplish shared goals with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://play.reelcrafter.com/erinliumusic/demo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_meow_meow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinliumusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@erinliumusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/erinliumusic
Image Credits
Kristopher Carter, Winnie Liu