We were lucky to catch up with Juan Arango recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Music has always been an intrinsic part of my life, so much so that I can’t recall a moment of epiphany where I decided to pursue it professionally. My musical journey commenced at the tender age of ten when I first picked up a guitar. What began merely as a hobby, like any other extracurricular activity a child might explore, swiftly became the core of my existence. Music, from that early age, shaped every facet of my life.

Not long after my initial foray into guitar playing, I found myself performing live. Although my earliest performances were likely unremarkable, the experience was profound for me. As a child on stage, even if just holding an instrument, you’re met with awe—not for the performance’s quality but for the courage to stand there. That stage quickly became my sanctuary. As an introverted child who struggled with socializing and felt alienated by my unique interests, music offered me a sense of belonging. It transformed me, not just by providing a medium through which I could express myself but also by affirming my identity among peers.

For me, becoming a musician felt as natural and essential as eating. The decision to make music my career wasn’t so much a choice as it was a recognition of my inherent need. Before I fully grasped the concept of a career, I knew music was my calling.

Juan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a multifaceted musician, my offerings span from composing original music for visual media to performing live across various platforms. My journey in music is underpinned by extensive training and years of experience, enabling me to craft fully-realized scores for television, film, advertisements, video games, and more. My work has graced television networks like NBC and ABC, featuring in shows such as “The TODAY Show,” “Dateline,” “20/20,” and “On the Case with Paula Zahn.” Additionally, I’ve composed for award-winning independent films, crafted advertisements for major companies including Amazon, and scored for video games and podcasts.

Operating from my meticulously equipped home studio, I manage the entire production process—writing, recording, producing, mixing, and mastering. This end-to-end capability allows me to deliver complete compositions directly to my clients, streamlining the creative process.

Beyond my work in visual media, I’m passionate about creating and performing my own music. I’m particularly excited about my upcoming original song release on February 14th, 2024, a project that represents a significant personal achievement.

Live performance is another cornerstone of my career. Primarily a guitarist, I’m also proficient in bass and keyboards. My performance repertoire includes both original pieces and a broad range of music from other artists. Based in New York City, I’m an active participant in the local music scene and have collaborated with numerous artists in various genres. In 2023, I embarked on the “Encanto Sing-Along Tour 2023” with Disney Concerts, a two-month journey across the United States and Canada. And now, I’m looking forward to joining Rebolú, an Afro-Colombian band, for performances at the “Carnaval de Barranquilla” in Colombia, where I’ll be playing the bass.

In addition to these primary services, I enrich the musical community by teaching private lessons to a roster of students, and I’ve contributed my skills as an audio engineer and music copyist. These varied experiences not only illustrate my versatility but also my commitment to fostering musical expression in all its forms.

What sets me apart is not just the diversity of my services but the depth of passion and expertise I bring to each project. From composing and performing to teaching and engineering, my mission is to create and share music that resonates. As for potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a deep-seated love for music and an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence.

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.

One aspect of the creative journey that might elude those outside the field is the deeply personal investment in each project we undertake. This phenomenon is not entirely unique to the arts; indeed, any task approached with genuine passion inevitably carries a piece of the individual’s essence. However, the arts amplify this effect due to their inherent subjectivity and the vulnerability required to produce such work. Our creations are not just products; they are extensions of ourselves, expressions that cannot be fully realized through any other medium. This intrinsic connection to our work often motivates us to pursue the arts from the outset.

For those of us who choose to navigate the arts professionally, it’s crucial to understand that our work will face critique and undergo revisions. Initially, this feedback can feel like a personal affront, wounding our egos and challenging our self-expression. Yet, with experience comes resilience, developing a thicker skin is essential for enduring and thriving in this industry. Despite our personal attachment to our work, we must remember that we are offering a service. Meeting our clients’ expectations is paramount, even when it means adapting aspects of our art that feel intimately ours.

In essence, the challenge lies in balancing the deeply personal nature of our creative endeavors with the professional demands of client satisfaction. It’s a delicate equilibrium, requiring not just talent and technique, but also emotional intelligence and adaptability.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

While my social media following may not rival that of influencers, with over 22,000 followers on Instagram, I’ve cultivated a dedicated audience that engages with my content. My journey on social media spans several years across various platforms, driven not by aspirations for influencer status or brand deals, but by a genuine passion for sharing my musical journey.

On Instagram, I regularly post about my life as a musician, including snippets of my work, live performance footage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the professional music world. However, the key to expanding my audience was offering something of value for free. My “Harmony Tips” series—short videos where I sit at a piano and explain music theory and harmony concepts—significantly contributed to my growth. These educational snippets provided my followers with accessible, valuable knowledge, making my account a resource, not just a showcase.

For those looking to build their social media presence, my advice is straightforward: offer your audience something valuable. Whether it’s knowledge, inspiration, or entertainment, giving something for free is a powerful way to attract and retain followers. It’s essential to share who you are and what you do, but the real draw is providing content that benefits your audience in some way. Share not only your accomplishments but also insights into how you achieve them, turning your social media into a platform for connection and learning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://en.juanarangomusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanarangomusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juanarangomusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanarangomusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdOeZ1Gs_s8J-iA6sdsANVQ
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13945143/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_q_juan%2520arango