We were lucky to catch up with Marcus “Ritmo” Figueroa recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marcus, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve had the privilege to be involved in was a movie score for a contemporary silent picture. The concept really lured me in. A silent film with 6 separate composers that allows the viewer to have the option of choosing which soundtrack would accommodate the film as you watch. The composing itself began in early November of 2018 with the deadline being the first week of January 2019. I initially met the director through a Craigslist ad (believe it or not) and after trading emails for a few weeks we took the chance to meet in person and get to know one another. The meeting went great and really encouraged me to remain dedicated to this project, although I had just been promoted with my former employer consisting of a 24/7 on-call availability with travel. This film was my first feature length project so I definitely had to arrange and create new disciplines including time management. Every single day different obstacles were presented but I genuinely wanted to impress with my contribution to this film, so I doubled down with no excuses and made it happen. The end result is something I will forever be proud of.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For anyone discovering me for the first time, I am a solo entity that composes and engineers all of my own instrumental music. I am predominantly in the Rock and Metal genres however I also experiment and collaborate in many others, for example, ” The Abandoned EP ” which was released this past February primarily consists of ambient beats. I initially began as a guitarist and with time I taught myself how to engineer so I could create full compositions on my own. The intent for all of my instrumentals is to present a visual landscape for your mind to wander free filling its voids with your own memories, scenes, and images. Overall I feel that my craft is derived from my emotional perspectives. I am incredibly appreciative of the genuine support I receive from everyone behind me. I recognize how busy everyone’s daily lives and responsibilities can be and the fact that people take time out of their day to listen to my work means the world to me. The support and love received is what drives me to continue.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Something that I believe non creators may find hard to relate to or understand is that there are times in every creator’s life in which our craft comes close to a screeching halt. It’s usually multiple situations directly testing your personal endurance and mental thresholds.You may have free time from your commitments but then you’re too exhausted to attempt anything. I’ve personally experienced a 2 year period where no matter how hard I’d try I could not produce anything creatively. It can really make you question yourself and your ability to do what you love but always remember, when you have a bleeding passion for something you should do everything in your physical power to make time for it. That time is precious and essential for the growth and quality of your work. From personal experience, DO NOT GIVE UP! I’ve learned no matter how much I’ve wanted to step away, you WILL see it through to the otherside. The best work emerges without your planning. It just happens and before you know it your project is done! KEEP GOING!!!!
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
One major resource that is now a part of every single creation are VST’s! It wasn’t until a few years ago that I discovered Virtual Studio Technology. For those who may not know what VST’s are; they’re individual software plug-ins that can emulate expensive engineering rack components such as EQ’s, compressors, amp emulations, synths,and almost infinite instruments. These VST’s are lifesavers when you aren’t yet able to afford your own studio space to record in the style you wish or physical rack components that cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Even if you’re on a humble and strict budget there’s plenty of free VST’s to experiment with and fit your needs. It just takes a few google searches!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Ritmo5150
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamritmo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=marcus+ritmo+figueroa
- Other: Movie Score – “On His Own” – https://www.mackenziesprojects.com/marcus-ritmo-figueroa