Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Miu Sato. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Miu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a song I wrote and released last year called “Home”. Where are you from? Where is home for you? These are questions that always feel difficult to answer. I’m grateful for the privilege of moving around as a child, experiencing different parts of the world, and immersing myself in various cultures. But with that privilege comes a longing for a deeper sense of belonging and a search for a stronger connection to my cultural roots—trying to piece together what shapes my identity.

I wrote “Home” as a way to process these complexities and confront the feeling that, no matter how hard I try to hold onto my heritage, there’s always a barrier, and a part of me feels suppressed. What made this project truly meaningful wasn’t just its personal nature, but the way it allowed me to connect with others who also struggled to express these conflicting emotions and hear their stories. It was a rare opportunity for me, usually being in the position of having the privilege to help tell other people’s stories, to share a piece of my own story, and it was incredibly healing.

Navigating identity and belonging is a lifelong journey, but I hope this song resonates with others, especially my fellow third-culture friends who may feel isolated in their emotions and experiences.

You can take a listen to ‘Home’ here:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5VLc3pAslIxfHC2GKepBIH?si=912973f0b3a14092

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Miu Sato, and I am a composer for screen and stage as well as a pianist. I started playing piano since the age of 3 and later trained classically under ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) from the age if 9, eventually earning a diploma in Piano Performance (DipABRSM).

A pivotal moment in my journey came in 2017, with the release of Disney’s live-action film of Beauty and the Beast. I was extremely moved by Alan Menken’s music. Growing up, Disney animated films—particularly those from the Disney Renaissance—were a cornerstone of my childhood, so Menken’s musical voice was very familiar to me. However, hearing it in this moment, at the theater, was different. It made me realize how much power music has to breathe life into characters and narratives, drawing me into the fascinating world of film scoring.

My work often gravitates towards piano and orchestral writing, with lyrical melodies, bittersweet harmonies, and moving counterlines being signature elements of my style. But at the very core, my passion lies in creating music that tells a story, evokes emotion, and holds meaning, regardless of the sound palette. My film sores have been featured in numerous festivals, including the Chelsea Film Festival, FilmOut San Diego LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Silicon Valley AAPI Film Festival, New York Indie Theatre Film Festival, and San Diego Asian Film Festival. Additionally, I have experience performing Off-Broadway, including music directing at 54 below for Celebrating Diversity in Theatre, and I have toured nationally with artists, performing at renowned venues such as The Troubadour and Meow Wolf.

I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I love and to collaborate with so many incredible storytellers and creatives along the way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most fulfilling aspect of being a composer/creative is the ability to connect with others through art—a universal language that holds profound weight and the power to unite and heal. Art is beautiful and liberating, but its power truly lies in the community that embraces it.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Hard work leads to success—I still believe this to be true. However, it shouldn’t come at the cost of diminishing or criticizing myself for not being able to give 100% or more towards every task or project. While it’s important to always put our best foot forward, expecting ourselves to constantly operate at our maximum capacity simply isn’t sustainable. I learned that it’s okay to let go of certain things, to have slow days, and to not always feel content. There’s only so much time and energy we have, so it’s important to learn to set clear priorities and work efficiently, while also creating moments to recharge. As I navigate my career, I’ve come to understand how crucial it is to always check in with ourselves and others around us to ensure we never lose the joy in what we love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.miusatomusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miusicsato/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091500354609
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/track/5VLc3pAslIxfHC2GKepBIH?si=3d910dc87ef04aff

Image Credits

January Yucheng Li
Paw Prints