We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nico Borromeo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nico, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

At the age of 28, I had a blooming career in electronic and pop music in Argentina. I was producing and DJing every day, signed on a mayor label, had hit songs being broadcasted on the main radio stations, and was playing massive festivals of 20 to 40 thousand people. I had fulfilled one of my childhood dreams, but not all of them. I wanted to keep growing, experiencing new things, and facing new challenges. That’s why I decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a TV and Film composer, with no savings and zero prospects.
It was a huge risk, but now, 6 years and many lessons later, I’m a prolific composer, making a living. I’ve worked with great mentors and idols of mine. This a true example that with work, dedication, and the right mindset, the universe will play in your favor and help you out

Nico, 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’ve been involved in the music universe all my life. Since I can remember, I’ve wanted to play with sounds and mix them to create soundscapes. In my teens, I discovered composer Gustavo Santaolalla when he appeared on all the TV news channels for winning two Oscars in a row, and I said to myself, “I want to be like him”—an inspiration for younger generations in my country, just like he is. He became my idol and reference, and after moving to LA, I had the honor of working with him and sharing memorable moments.

As a composer, I aim to serve the director’s, writer’s, and producer’s vision and apply my knowledge to fulfill their vision by creating musical compositions that enhance the emotion of the visual media we are working on. I’m fascinated by how music can change the perception of almost anything in life.

Over the years, I’ve acquired a robust set of tools that allow me to work precisely and efficiently without losing creativity and depth. I love the collaboration process and don’t take criticism of one of my musical pieces personally. I know it’s part of the job and, 99% of the time, it contributes to making the piece better.

What sets me apart is my ability to know what works and what doesn’t, my empathy when I’m creating music to enhance a feeling, and my collaborative spirit that makes me a great team member and easy to work with.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked on many projects that I’m proud of. I recently co-composed the score of a documentary film called God & Country, which I’m proud of. I also appreciate being part of the musical team on the series NCIS: Hawai’i and my work for Hans Zimmer’s Bleeding Fingers music company.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I believe that most creative people pursue their passions wholeheartedly. For me, it was easy to decide what I was going to be when I grew up because my passion for music was clear. Not everyone is the same, and I know many people struggle to find that passion and drive.

I strongly believe that it’s important to know yourself, to deeply understand what drives you. We all have something we enjoy doing, and that can take infinite forms and combinations. One of those combinations will suit your spirit and provide you with a sense of contentment and purpose, which is unique for each of us.

Even in the creative realm, there are more disciplines than I can list here, and within those disciplines, there are endless combinations and subcategories. What works for one person might not (and probably won’t) work for another.

Ultimately, there is a place for everyone, whether you identify as a creative or not. By knowing yourself and asking the right questions, you pave the way to discovering your true passion and purpose. Embracing that journey not only brings fulfillment but also empowers you to share your unique gifts with the world.

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

The particular goal driving my creative journey is my passion for music and my desire to bring directors’, writers’, and producers’ artistic visions to life through my musical compositions. I aim to enhance the emotional impact of visual media by crafting music that resonates with audiences and elevates the storytelling. My creative process is guided by empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

I’m inspired by the work of my idols, and strive to contribute my unique gifts while also inspiring others to find and follow their own creative paths. My journey is rooted in deeply understanding myself and what drives me, and I’m constantly seeking combinations of creative expression that suit my spirit and provide me with a sense of contentment and purpose. Ultimately, my goal is to use my talents to bring my perspective and passion to the world and make a meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nicoborromeo.com
• Instagram: @nico_borromeo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoborromeo/