We were lucky to catch up with Markel Badallo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Markel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’ve been deeply enjoying the recent projects I’ve been working on in collaboration with Global Citizen, like Alok’s *The Future is Ancestral* album. This project is especially meaningful to me as it supports Indigenous communities in Brazil and raises awareness about the critical need to fight deforestation. The chance to contribute to such impactful initiatives has been incredibly fulfilling, blending my passion for music with a commitment to meaningful change.
Markel, 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’m a music producer, engineer, and composer with a foundation in classical music, having started my training from a young age. My early exposure to classical techniques gave me a strong musical base, but my love for both technology and composition led me to merge the two. My favorite genres to work in are pop, alternative, and Latin pop, where I can really bring those influences to life. I also have a passion for video games, and scoring music for them is something I truly enjoy as it combines storytelling and sound in a unique and immersive way.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My current goal is to build a bridge between Los Angeles and other regions, including my native Spain and Latin America. I want to bring all the expertise I’ve gathered from working with some of the world’s top music producers and engineers and apply it to the rich genres from these areas, like flamenco and urban Latin music. In the video game industry, I’ve already composed for several projects, but I’m eager for the opportunity to lead a major production, managing the team and creating a large, impactful score. My mixing skills have also grown significantly, and I believe this combination of abilities will truly set my work apart in the upcoming projects.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey to America began when I moved to Boston alone, where I was incredibly fortunate to receive a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. This experience was intense, pushing me in ways I hadn’t expected, but it built a solid foundation. After a few years, I had to take another leap of faith by moving to Los Angeles. Being alone in such a distant place felt like navigating a boat in thick fog, unsure if there was a void or a lighthouse ahead. Thankfully, I met amazing mentors who guided me and found a family of friends who genuinely support me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markl.wav/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markel-badallo-latorre-1523a7152