Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karlo Corona. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Karlo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I learned my skillset over the course of a decade or so since I had a mix of influences and musical education. I learned how to play classical instruments from middle to high school, while I learned songwriting on my own (my favorite bands’ interviews and behind the scenes of their recording processes.) It wasn’t until later that I learned about music technology and recording equipment from being in bands between 2009-2013 through trial and error. Growing up without extra money to spare, I never had private lessons until I got into UCF 2011, so I definitely would have liked a private instructor or mentor prior to college as I learned everything on my own, as that would’ve saved me years or figuring it out on my own.
Although looking back I would have liked direct learning via private instruction, I do believe that I gained a valuable perspective because of my musical upbringing. I believe that since I had such a diverse learning experience between being in band (marching, jazz, etc.) in school, coming from a creative Mexican household, and IN bands it showed me that there’s no one way to do or learn music. This is where I started to learn the most important thing about music: It’s all about context, there’s no right or wrong.
Karlo, 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?
I consider myself an Alternative Composer.
I write, arrange, conduct, condense, record, simplify, and expand music in various ways no matter how big or small the ensemble or project is. I write music for film and media, orchestra, organizations, and artists but with no one background defining my sonic approach or outcome. Since context is important to me, I might approach companies or media entities with creative ideas or solutions from a more street-smarts perspective (on teh ground, local band scene) and songwriting for an artist or storytelling from a more book-smart approach (higher education, orchestral or jazz perspectives) as we might find new ways of viewing old problems. I also do sound design for projects and approach it the same way I do music. This is what I would say defines me apart from other creatives as I think about the sonic outcome, rather than seeing it ONLY as sound or music.
I got into my industry not because of how good (or not good) I was, but because I choose to always show interest and curiosity in my people’s creative projects. I would offer myself in whichever way I could and over time people would trust me with my creative vision. Eventually, directors and producers started taking notice which is how I got into film, especially in the indie realm.
While numerics are “important”, I’m proud of and find joy in any project that connects with people through storytelling. If a moment or piece/song makes an emotional or human connection, making someone feel less isolated and more connected to those around them, whether friends or strangers, then I have done my job. My goal is to create connection through sonic innovation, whether that be for a large brand or independent creative.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
To connect with others! Money comes and goes, but how we connect with our communities is forever. As long as I’m above ground, I firmly believe it’s my life’s mission to help connect through story, song, or sound. If I can help spread ideas that contribute to others’ lives and ways of looking at life then I am content.
In this day and age, un/fortunately the world has gotten so much “smaller” because of social media and the internet but it doesn’t necessarily mean we connect as we’ve been hardwired to connect via millennia of human evolution and history. Song and story has transcended generations so I’d love to continue harnessing that idea for myself and the stories I have yet to create.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
While I’m a creative-brained person I do like approaching problems with a pragmatic insight. The combination of right-brain and left-brain ideas has led me to a really diverse array of literature. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown, all about love by Bell Hooks, and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert are wonderful for insight into our inner worlds and how to free ourselves from self-judgment. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and The Creative Act are my go-to’s when feeling stuck with my inner creative and how free we truly always are. Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss and How to Pick a Fight by Lara Kaminoff are visual stories that always help me keep my inner child alive and thriving. Lastly, all movies and stories by Guillermo del Toro are my standards for story-telling, world-building, and how to keep someone captivated in awe and wonder.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsireel/
Image Credits
Images by Kayla Surico and Isacc Yi