Meet Tom Valdez of Santa Clarita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Valdez.

Hi Tom, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a full-time composer for film, TV, and theater, with music airing on television every week year-round. I’m currently scoring two video games, slated for several feature films, and working on a sports rock album along with various track production collaborations. Together with my wife, Janet Cole Valdez (aka Janet Planet), we run Zapalap Music. Janet is not only a gifted songwriter but also a brilliant writer across film, TV, musicals. I feel incredibly lucky to collaborate with her and make music full-time.

Growing up in San Francisco, I played in bands across many genres before moving to LA, where my band Man Made Souls recorded four albums, landed on MTV, and ranked in the College Radio Top 500.

Guitar is my main instrument, but I also sing and studied composition on piano, always collaborating with keyboardists, horn players, and drummers. I began writing songs and instrumentals in my teens and carried that curiosity passion into college, studying electronics, synthesizers, sound design, and acoustics, ultimately earning a physics degree.

Building guitar pedals, working as an electronics tech in my school’s synthesizer lab, and connecting with leading Bay Area synth designers fused music and technology in my work—a fusion that continues to shape how I create, perform, and explore sound.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a young teen, I got caught up with drugs and rough peer groups. Leaving that life behind unlocked my creativity in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Suddenly, I could fully focus on music, balancing studies and performing in bands throughout college. Looking back, there’s no telling where I’d be if I’d stayed on that path—but overcoming those early struggles shaped both my art and my perspective on life.

In addition to those challenges, being in bands was a constant mix of timing, chemistry, and luck. Back before the Internet or social media, getting signed to a label didn’t guarantee success—you had to work tirelessly to maintain support, network, and navigate band dynamics. I’ve seen bands crumble just as things were taking off due to drugs, ego, or personal issues.

Those experiences taught me to set clear boundaries: no working with people on drugs, and always being a primary writer. I also learned the business side—songwriting and publishing are where real sustainability lies—and embraced the entrepreneurial side of music, learning from lawyers and industry contacts along the way.

The rewards more than made up for it: music became a daily therapy, I built lifelong friendships, performed for idols who praised my work, and had the chance to mentor others. It’s been challenging, but deeply fulfilling.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in composing, producing, and sound design across multiple genres—from rock and pop to jazz, R&B, orchestral, world/ethnic and experimental music. Guitar is my main instrument, but I also write on piano, keyboards, and voice, always seeking new ways to bring emotion and energy to a piece. Over the years my wife and I have created a large catalog of original songs and instrumental pieces.

I love collaborating, whether contributing to someone else’s vision or creating solo without limits. My goal is to “paint with sound,” crafting experiences that move the audience—whether subtly touching or explosively dramatic and everywhere in between.

What sets me apart is my passion and attention to emotion. People often say my music feels inspired, alive with spirit. I’m proudest of my ability to combine technical skill, creativity, and teamwork to make music that resonates deeply with listeners, whether in a song, a score, or a soundscape.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
At the top is God and the universe—every day and every opportunity is a gift.

I’m grateful to my wife, a talented songwriter, for the music and adventures we’ve shared. My parents gave early support, inspiration, and even my first guitar amp.

An early mentor pushed me beyond rock guitar into music of all genres, and countless musicians, producers, and engineers have shaped my journey along the way.

Perhaps most importantly, my best friend and band co-founder taught me that music isn’t just for yourself—it’s for the audience. He showed me how to craft shows, develop a style that resonates, and make listeners feel valued. That spirit carries into all my film, TV, and gaming compositions, where every piece of music is created first and foremost for the listener.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TomValdez.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomvaldez8008/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.valdez88008/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrvaldez/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3742733/

Image Credits
Joan Boodnick