Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Magaña Bru.
Hi Carlos, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a Spanish town called Talavera de la Reina, located in the historic province of Toledo. My musical journey began at Academia de Música Mozart in my hometown, where I started taking piano lessons at the age of five. There, I had the opportunity to perform piano in multiple recitals, be part of a big band, join a choir, and even participate in national piano competitions. Overall, music played a significant role in my childhood.
In my early teenage years, I began to show a deeper interest in music theory and composition, inspired by iconic film soundtracks like Schindler’s List, Cinema Paradiso, and Up, among many others. These scores ignited a passion for musical storytelling within me, and I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in composing for film.
This passion led me to Berklee College of Music, where I pursued a degree in Film Scoring and Interactive Media Scoring. It was here that I also discovered the world of game audio. I instantly fell in love with the concept of interactive music and sound as it opened a whole new world of possibilities. At Berklee, I honed my musical and audio production skills while forging invaluable connections with fellow artists and creative minds. These years were transformative, both artistically and personally.
After graduating last May, I relocated to Los Angeles, where I have had the opportunity to learn from colleagues and mentors in the industry. In Los Angeles, I’ve continued to grow and evolve as a composer, soaking up knowledge and experiences that have further fueled my passion for music. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my musical journey here in LA, exploring new creative avenues and collaborating with talented individuals in the industry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Transitioning from my home country to the US brought its own set of challenges. The cultural adjustment, language barriers, and distance from loved ones have all posed significant emotional hurdles. Balancing these challenges with my education and artistic development has been a test of resilience, but I’ve come to see these struggles as integral to my growth as an artist.
Looking back on my journey, I’ve learned that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Trying to make a career in any art form takes time, patience, and a whole lot of perseverance. Rushing the process only leads to frustration; it’s essential to take the time to learn, grow, and let things unfold naturally. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, but I’ve found that staying true to my own path and remembering what inspires me has been key. Each person has their own reasons for being here, and it’s crucial to honor that diversity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a composer and audio artist dedicated to crafting music and sonic experiences that enrich storytelling across various mediums, from film and video games to even art exhibitions and concerts. Storytelling is at the core of my work, as I believe music adds depth, emotion, and dimension to the narrative experience.
In each project, I fully immerse myself in the story, characters, and atmosphere, collaborating closely with the creative team or directors to translate their vision into musical form. My process when taking on a new project starts with a lot of research and experimenting. While I am always happy to write a classical Hollywood orchestral score if that is what the project calls for, I really enjoy the process of finding new sounds and experimenting with more contemporary techniques. I love it when a project requires me to use unique instruments (or even create new ones) and experiment with synths and soundscapes, as that gives me a blank canvas to explore and shape the unique voice that the story deserves.
In addition to composing, I’ve explored immersive audio through roles as a sound designer and audio director. These experiences have enriched my composition process, teaching me to understand the musicality of sound and the importance of effective communication in bringing a project to life.
My portfolio is pretty diverse. My music has been part of short films, video games, a feature-length documentary, the TEDed animation series on YouTube… I have also written concert music, and one of my compositions serves as the Hymn for the Math School of Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I also love to write music for scoring competitions, as it is a great way to practice and freely experiment with different styles and ideas. One of my most recent achievements is winning first prize in the winter category of the Indie Film Music Contest, with my cue “Love is a Gift.”
Apart from academic and professional achievements, what I am most proud of is having a really supportive circle of friends, family, and mentors. I would not be here today without them, and having that support allows me to express myself freely and continue to grow as a person and as an artist.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is not just about achieving specific milestones or reaching predetermined goals. Instead, it’s about personal growth, fulfillment, and the impact we have on others. It’s about continually striving to improve, pushing boundaries, and embracing challenges with resilience and determination. Success is also about finding joy and meaning in what we do and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlosmbru.com/
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/GbXmrNnwBN8WUmhy9
Image Credits
Trent Tepool
