We’re excited to introduce you to the award-winning music and sound artisan Peter Zongting Li. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Peter below.
Peter, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I had the privilege of contributing to an animated adventure film titled ‘Roller Coaster.’ The film follows the journey of a young woman named Mill, who embarks on her first job via train. Overwhelmed by the bustling cityscape and her own sense of diminution in the urban expanse, she grapples with apprehension and unease. It is at this juncture that another character, Katen—an embodiment of Mill’s whimsical self—materializes, ushering her into a realm of fantasy and adventure where a roller coaster can turn into a dragon. After her adventure, Mill’s temporal return to reality subsequently sees her reinvigorated and fortified in her convictions, poised for the next chapter of her life.
‘Roller Coaster’ holds a special place in my heart as one of my most cherished projects. The resonance with the narrative is deeply personal. When I was enlisted by director Sapphira Chen to serve as the composer and sound designer for the film, I found myself in a parallel situation, freshly graduated from college, much like the character Mill. I mirrored her sense of trepidation and uncertainty about the path ahead. Mirroring the trajectory of the film, Mill’s odyssey kindled a flame of optimism and hope that also permeated my own outlook.
The process of crafting the auditory landscape for ‘Roller Coaster’ spanned two and a half months. During this time, I meticulously composed musical scores and curated soundscapes to heighten the film’s impact. One notable achievement was the creation of the film’s hopeful denouement, where Mill’s eyes metaphorically transformed into vivid beacons of light and color. The composition I crafted for this pivotal scene aptly named ‘The Dragon in Her Eyes,’ functions as a harmonious closure that resonates with the audience. The title not only encapsulates Mill’s transformation, but also mirrors my personal journey.
The profound connection between the film’s themes and my own life experiences is the essence of why ‘Roller Coaster’ remains a profoundly meaningful endeavor for me.
Peter, 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 am a music editor and sound engineer based in Los Angeles, specializing in the art of creating, editing, and mixing film music and sound. My journey in this field began in 2017, and since then, I have progressively honed my skills and expertise to contribute to the cinematic experience.
Early in my career, I actively engaged in the creation of music compositions and sound designs for a diverse range of projects, spanning films, television shows, and animations. However, my professional trajectory has evolved over the past two years, with a deliberate shift toward the role of a dedicated music editor. This transition has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate closely with esteemed composers, offering them invaluable support to streamline their music production processes in the film music industry.
My own background as a composer equips me with a profound understanding of the nuanced needs and preferences that composers possess. By harnessing my comprehensive skills and deep-seated experiences in both music and sound, I adeptly navigate the realm of post-production. My responsibilities encompass preparing recording sessions, organizing meticulous mixing sessions, ensuring seamless conforming, and serving as a conduit for effective communication between composers and key stakeholders such as picture editors and directors.
In my capacity as a music editor, I assume a pivotal role as the linchpin within the dynamic landscape of music and sound post-production teams. Although my primary focus is now dedicated to the art of music and sound editing, I continue to engage with selected projects wherein I contribute my creative prowess to composing music or crafting compelling soundscapes. This dualistic approach allows me to maintain a well-rounded perspective and continuously expand my repertoire in both realms of expertise.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The pinnacle of satisfaction arises when the cinematic work is projected in the theater, affording me the privilege to observe the audience’s profound engagement and to receive their resounding acclaim as the production culminates. Within these instances, my role as a music and sound artisan within the post-production team finds its zenith of fulfillment. This convergence underscores the profound significance of my work, evoking emotions that span the spectrum from joy to poignancy, thereby affirming its meaningful contribution.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Two seminal books have profoundly shaped my perspective and approach within the music industry. Authored by my esteemed mentor, Shie Rozow, these volumes stand as indispensable resources that have illuminated my journey:
The first of these, “Preparing for Scoring Sessions,” stands as a comprehensive guidebook, meticulously dissecting the intricate tapestry of session preparation and workflow for music scoring sessions. Through its meticulous exploration, this book unfurls the intricate nuances essential for orchestrating seamless collaborations and ensuring the harmonious convergence of musical components in the production process.
The second tome, titled “Every Note Tells a Story,” stands as a beacon guiding me through the intricate realm of composition. In its pages, Rozow masterfully delves into the very essence of being a composer, unraveling the delicate art of crafting music that transcends mere auditory sensations. This volume uniquely illuminates the cognitive terrain of a composer, revealing the artistry of weaving a compelling narrative through the medium of music.
These books, marked by their insightful depth and practical wisdom, constitute invaluable companions for anyone navigating a similar trajectory within the industry or nurturing aspirations in parallel domains. I wholeheartedly advocate these works to fellow professionals and aspirants alike, as they offer an unfiltered glimpse into the world of a seasoned practitioner—a perspective that is often elusive within formal educational frameworks.
Rozow’s works effectively bridge the chasm between theoretical learning and real-world application, endowing readers with pragmatic insights that emanate from his professional journey. These texts not only illuminate the path but also enhance the process of honing one’s craft. It is my firm belief that these volumes stand as exceptional resources that cultivate a well-rounded understanding, setting aspiring practitioners on a trajectory of proficiency and artistry that transcends the confines of any academic institution.
Contact Info:
- Website: peterlisound.com
- Instagram: @peterlisound
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/peterlisound