We recently connected with Mulang Zhu and have shared our conversation below.

Mulang, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

As a musician who grew up playing multiple instruments, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study music composition for visual media at the Peabody Institute and NYU. Those classes were invaluable in helping me build a solid and well-rounded musical foundation. However, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible collaborations I have been a part of and the talented friends and colleagues who constantly inspire me.

I also believe it is crucial to proactively learn from other creatives, to absorb their experiences and apply those lessons to my own craft. The internet is a fantastic resource for learning, but ironically, the sheer volume of information and resources available can be overwhelming. To overcome this, I filter the information and create a learning structure for myself, focusing on specific topics. I break down the information into manageable chunks, incorporate practice and exercises to solidify my understanding, and then move on to the next chunk, repeating this process as needed.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, my name is Mulang, and I am a Chinese-American music composer based in New York City. I specialize in composing orchestral and hybrid scores for visual media. I consider myself a storyteller who uses sound to convey emotions and enhance the visions of other storytellers. What sets me apart is my versatility and my commitment to collaboration. I am comfortable working in a variety of styles and genres, and I am always eager to learn and grow as an artist. I’m proud of my experience collaborating with diverse creatives – from singers and musicians to filmmakers, producers, editors, museum curators, and art historians. I’ve worn many hats in these collaborations, working as a music composer, instrumentalist, singer, music editor, music supervisor, music director, and audio engineer. These experiences have taught me how to ensure smooth working relationships with diverse teams. I want my potential clients, collaborators, and followers to know that I am passionate about creating music that moves people. I believe that music has the power to transport us to another world, to make us feel more deeply, and to connect us to something larger than ourselves. I bring that belief to every project I work on.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to see my music come alive on the big screen. I dream of scoring films that transport audiences, making them laugh, cry, and feel every emotion in between. I want to create sonic worlds that draw people deeper into the story, leaving them with a lasting impression long after the credits roll. I am driven by my deep-seated belief in the power of music to evoke profound emotions. There’s something magical about how a soaring melody or a haunting chord progression can amplify the impact of a visual scene. I have experienced this magic firsthand countless times – whether it was getting chills during a pivotal movie scene, feeling my heart race during a tense video game sequence, or being moved to tears by Cynthia Erivo’s powerful vocals in Wicked last week. These moments remind me of the incredible potential of music to connect with people on a visceral level.

That is the kind of connection I strive for in my own work. I want to contribute to those unforgettable moments, to create scores that resonate with audiences and enhance the storytelling experience in a truly meaningful way. I want my music to become an integral part of the narrative tapestry, adding depth, emotion, and a touch of magic.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the feeling of fulfillment that comes after a personal creative or technical breakthrough. These breakthroughs can happen at any moment – after tackling a challenge, while listening to music on the train, or even during a sudden epiphany.

As a composer who just started my career, another rewarding aspect is gradually forming and recognizing my own unique sound. It’s fascinating to see how my personal writing style, influenced by everything I listen to and study, carries through my music regardless of genre. It is incredibly fulfilling to have friends and colleagues recognize that distinct voice as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mulangmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mulang.zhu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulang-zhu/

Image Credits
Alejandro Quiles, Nina Feliciano, Splicer Films, Ivywxt, Steven Zhu, Pooja Venkatachalam Kumar