We were lucky to catch up with Margy Hayes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Margy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was told by my mom that when I was 5, instead of baby dolls, I would carry around VHS tape cases of my favorite movies. She would find me marching around in my go-to pink boots, holding “The Little Mermaid” VHS case like a stuffed animal. I was always locked onto those movies. It was my first look into film and what an introduction it was!

A few years later, jumping to when I was in high school. I was a total band nerd and totally immersed in performing the oboe. I was in the band, orchestra, a chamber group—you name it! One day, I was rewatching the Disney movie “The Rescuers Down Under,” as one does in high school. I was watching the scene where the main character frees and rides a giant bird, again as one does in high school, and unlike before, when I was a kid, I could actually understand the instrumentation and music. I started to really listen to the score (Bruce Broughton’s incredible score, might I add) and in listening and watching one of Disney’s Renaissance-era films, I had a huge epiphany. I was transported, more so than before, and I could hear what flight could sound like, what gliding on water could sound like… what an entire landscape could sound like. There it was—a new fire to feed. I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to not only perform music but also create it. I wanted to create music for media.

Margy, 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?

I create music for media and stage! Primarily, I compose music for film, TV, video games, and commercials, although I have also contributed to contemporary stage works. With each new project, my goal is to always continuously elevate the story and visual while also transcending the music that elevates it. After all, screen scoring is an art, and it’s our responsibility as artists to push the boundaries of our craft within the parameters set for screen music.

While I studied music composition at university, I also ended up studying film production, which deepened my understanding of the filmmaking process and its nuances. Composers are the final step in a complex series of stages where numerous individuals invest their blood, sweat, and tears to create the final product that arrives in your inbox. I find fulfillment in contributing to something greater than myself, which humbles any ego I may have had. While I have my own ideas, I find it rewarding to hear each interpretation, as film is the ultimate collaboration. It’s about understanding how others envision the scene and integrating that with my evolving musical knowledge. The best collaborations always ensure that the film remains focused and cohesive.

Approaching music for media, I always ask myself, what musical choices would most effectively convey the intended vision? What would be transcendent and subversive? I truly think collaboration helps with this subversion because it allows to challenge our own musical biases and expands our creative horizons. Two heads are always better than one!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In media, music serves as a vital conduit for capturing the essence of stories and amplifying their impact. Whether it’s a film, a television series, a video game, or any other form of visual storytelling, the right musical score can elevate the entire production, enriching the viewer’s engagement and deepening their connection to the narrative.

My mission is to constantly push the boundaries of what music can achieve in the realm of media. This involves not only mastering the technical aspects of composition, orchestration, and production but also delving deep into the heart of each story to understand its nuances, themes, and emotional core.

By doing so, I aim to create music that transcends mere background accompaniment, instead becoming an integral part of the storytelling process itself. Whether through sweeping orchestral arrangements, innovative electronic soundscapes, or subtle ambient textures, I strive to craft music that speaks directly to the soul of the audience, heightening their immersion and leaving a lasting impression long after the credits have rolled.

This creative journey is also about fostering collaboration and synergy with other creators. By working closely with directors, producers, writers, and other creatives alike, I seek to forge deep connections and co-create music that aligns seamlessly with their artistic vision, enhancing the overall impact of the final product.

In essence, my mission is to continue pushing the boundaries of music for media, exploring new horizons, and refining the craft to ever greater heights. By doing so, I hope to play a small part in the timeless tradition of storytelling, using the universal language of music to inspire, captivate, and transcend the boundaries of imagination.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is engaging in what I love most: composing music, while simultaneously embarking on a journey of self-discovery through music itself.

There’s an unparalleled joy that comes from being able to immerse myself in the creative process, all while giving shape to emotions and ideas through music. The act of creation itself is immensely gratifying, serving as a great conduit for self-expression and a means of connecting with the world around me in a profound and meaningful way.

Moreover, the process of composing music is a constant voyage of exploration and discovery. With each new piece, I dive deeper into the vast realm of musical possibility, uncovering harmonies, experimenting with textures, and pushing the boundaries of my own artistic capabilities. In this journey of musical exploration, I not only learn about the intricacies of music itself but also discover new facets of myself—my passions, my strengths, my vulnerabilities, and my aspirations.

Through music, I am continually challenged to grow, to evolve, and to expand my horizons, both as an artist and as a human being. It’s a journey that is as enriching as it is rewarding, offering boundless opportunities for self-expression, connection, and personal growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://margyhayes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margyhayes_composer/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margy-hayes-1aaaa3158/
• Other: Music Reel: https://play.reelcrafter.com/IpaRoi1pQD-AuTnZM4xODw