We recently connected with Jarryd Elias and have shared our conversation below.

Jarryd, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

There have been many, but the most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far has to be “The Automat.” It was scored by the brilliant Dr. Hummie Mann, the mind behind the film scores to “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” and “Thomas and the Magic Railroad.” What’s even more amazing? He’s not just a renowned composer, but also my mentor!

During my time in his master’s degree program, the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, between 2016-2017, I soaked in invaluable knowledge, equipping me with the tools needed for the world of film and television music. With this newfound expertise, I leaped into the industry upon my move to Los Angeles. I began orchestrating music for notable shows like “S.W.A.T.” and “Timeless,” and even had the privilege to work on the blockbuster film Deadpool 2 – all within my first year in the City of Angels.

Fast forward to 2021… I found myself orchestrating an incredible original score crafted by my mentor, Dr. Mann, for Lisa Hurwitz’s documentary about the legendary Automat restaurants in New York City and Philadelphia. Despite the documentary not claiming Academy recognition, being part of this project was an award all on its own. It truly felt like a full-circle moment, as helping to bring Hummie’s score to life in Seattle, Washington, was incredibly rewarding. And let me tell you, the music? It’s exceptional, as always with Hummie!

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?

Well, for those who don’t know me, I’m Jarryd Elias. I wear many hats in the world of music – composer, orchestrator, conductor, and percussionist, to be precise. I’ve found my passion in the film and television music industry, where I dive into writing music for various projects, orchestrating compositions for fellow composers, conducting orchestras for performances or recordings, and of course, playing percussion. It’s a diverse mix of roles, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a vibrant musical landscape.

My journey began as a percussionist, exploring different genres from jazz to rock to orchestral music. I honed my skills at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, graduating in 2015 under the guidance of Michael Burritt. While there, I ventured into composing, initially crafting concert works for percussion. My interest piqued, I delved into the world of film scoring during my senior year, instantly realizing that this was my calling. Movies like “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” and “Prisoners” had always fascinated me, but my passion for film scores was reignited.

After earning my master’s degree from the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, where I studied with the incredible Dr. Hummie Mann, I made the big move to LA just a month after graduating. Six years have passed since then, and I’m still here, loving every moment of this thrilling ride.

What makes this field so exhilarating is its unpredictability. It’s not your typical 9-to-5 job. Some days are laid-back, allowing me to catch up on chores like laundry or getting my car’s oil changed. Then, there are days when five projects suddenly demand my attention, all with the same urgent deadline. Most days fall somewhere in between. But regardless of the chaos, every project demands the same dedication: meeting deadlines, delivering my best work, and being a fantastic collaborator and human being throughout. Yes, it often means pulling all-nighters, but hey, that’s just the nature of show business! I’m honored to be here, working in a field that I love, and making a career out of it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing the magic that happens when a project comes together seamlessly… when it “clicks.” While awards and recognition are undoubtedly gratifying, they should never be the driving force in life. True fulfillment comes from dedicating oneself to the work, the art, and the collaboration. When these elements align, the end result is not just satisfying; it’s profoundly rewarding.

A recent experience that perfectly embodies this sentiment was my work on the film Beverly Hills Exorcist. Collaborating with director Rem Scobell was an absolute delight. Crafting the music for his short film led to an orchestral score that was bold, thematic, exhilarating, terrifying, and filled with drama and excitement. However, beyond my thoughts on how the music turned out, what truly mattered was how the music enhanced and elevated the film, creating something genuinely extraordinary for everyone involved.

Upon completing the score and syncing it with the film, the moment of watching it all click into place was incredibly heartwarming. I couldn’t help but smile as we watched the final product together for the first time. And if you’re interested, I’m excited to say that the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is available to listen to on all streaming platforms. I have a deep sense of fulfillment derived from the collaboration with Rem and the exceptional film and film score we worked on together.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Oh gosh… aside from every all-nighter?? Well, I think I’ll tell you about a particularly challenging period – from March to May of this past year (2023), a time that tested my resilience and determination.

Last spring marked the busiest season in my entire career, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities that came my way. I was juggling a myriad of roles – composing, orchestrating, music preparation, conducting, and even teaching composition and orchestration at the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program. But here’s the twist: I was doing all of this with a cast on my left arm, stretching from my fingers to my elbow. Why, you ask? Because I had broken my wrist at the end of February! The cast was a necessity to immobilize the joint and let the bone heal.

Now, you might think a broken wrist would bring everything to a screeching halt, but not in my world. My career didn’t pause just because my wrist did. I continued to write music, orchestrate pieces, fulfill teaching commitments, and meet deadlines – all while my wrist remained immobile. Picture this: I even conducted an orchestra, with my arm snugly encased in that cast!

It was a true test of my grit and determination. You know that saying, “getting knocked down and getting back up again”? Well, I got my fair share of that experience last year, and let me tell you, it hit me like a punch. But hey, I survived, and I like to think I came out of it stronger than ever!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JarrydEliasMusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarrydeliasmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JarrydEliasMusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarryd-elias-070154140/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JEliasMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jarrydeliasmusic
• Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6QFHdqUR0tQQgS1AOPefl0?si=75rPfL4TR2S7caWS8Ac8dg

Image Credits
Photos by Junshi Yang (https://www.junshiyangstudio.com/)