We were lucky to catch up with Theodore Ramirez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Theodore, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
This thought came in just a few years after I started to perform professionally. I play drums and earned a degree in performance mid-2012. I knew I loved backing up different artists and playing with bands quite a bit. I thought that was my ultimate calling. I had enjoyed writing different songs/beats on an old version of Fruity Loops in the meantime and something eventually got sparked. I wanted to do more. I felt as though this was something I wanted to dive deeper into because I genuinely loved writing music. I felt a love for bringing forth my emotions and it reminded me of how certain film scores would effect me. When it clicked in my mind and heart, I sought out the tools and education to make it happen. It led me to scoring short films for $30 or less, pursuing a degree at Berklee, writing music I hated for the sake of getting my foot in the door, and having absolutely life changing musical experiences behind my keyboard.
Theodore, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
The way I got into this industry can’t really be attributed to one thing, as it goes. Years later, I still feel I’m working towards continually being in the industry. A combination of knowing people, making real friends who are in the same field, continually writing even when there’s no “work” to be done, supporting others, and remembering why I enjoy doing this.
Generally, I provide music meant to be set to visual media. Whether it’s done in tandem with a director or done with the intent of it being used in the future, that’s the core of what I’m hoping to provide. Even though I feel the film composer community isn’t very large, it’s a mighty group. I believe a great deal of us are unique and set apart because if we are coming from an authentic place, there can be no one who sounds like the other. I think that’s one of the many beautiful things with people working within the creative field.
To this day, I have two proud moments that come to mind. In my very early days, I was chosen to score a film based on my reply to a craigslist ad. It led me to score the directors next film which had a true story telling of an incredible story. It was a huge challenge for me musically and within the realm of working with the whole film team. This film is called The German King and I think everyone should watch it. Ade M’Cormack is an amazing storyteller. The other was the first feature film I scored. I asked for 4 months and by the time my role came into play, I had less than 5 weeks until the theatrical release date. It was a real challenge to my time management, writing ability, skill and knowledge of my tools, learning to rely on friends in the field, and how deeply I prayed my mental health wouldn’t suffer. It was a good time.
At the end of the day, I would say: if you love it, it’s worth it. and if you love it, you will make it worth it. Whether or not you want you passion to pay your bills, make sure you love it ’til the end.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Absolutely. I live in California and I’m pursuing a full time music career. And I won’t stop even if I have to have multiple jobs.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Money isn’t everything. Yes, it’s important to take care of your responsibilities. Not to the detriment of your spirit, your passion, your purpose, and your love. I grew up in a survivalist, poverty mindset. “As long as you have enough, it’ll be okay.” That works for a season, but it is not sustainable. It’s important to thrive the best you can. Find what makes you thrive, not just survive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theodoreramirez.com
- Instagram: iamteddyramirez
- Linkedin: Theodore Ramirez