Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Zappia.
Hi Paul, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My interest in music started, like many, young but what I found to be unique was my hyper-focus on movie scores. When I was eight, fascination was no longer enough; I needed to be a part of it. I begged my dad to show me how to play music from video games on the piano, but being stubborn and shy didn’t want to take lessons. So he showed me and I learned by listening and watching and there I was weeks later clunking out Super Mario and Zelda themes on the piano. By the time I was twelve, it was no longer clunking but playing note for note piano covers of scores. I wrote my first piece on an upright piano when I was 12. So for years, I just kept playing and playing and writing and writing. Listening to scores. When I was about 15, I started muting movies on the tv and writing music for it. Rewind…right there okay we should cue in there…ah, I missed it! I got much better at timing as I went on.
Skip to high school, I wrote piano music for two talent shows, winning third, then first the next year. Solo acts don’t usually win so it felt awesome. I applied to Berklee after a series of unfortunate events in my first semester: bad professors, getting mono and slamming my hand in a car door. I was fed up with not knowing enough and having ZERO real musical education so I applied to the Berklee College of Music; I really thought I wasn’t getting in because of how low the acceptance rate was. Once I was in, I was bombarded with music theory and the like which I hated more than anything but it’s now my best friend. I worked all of college at a restaurant from host to busser to server. In my last semester, I took up work freelance composing as a job and not just doing a favor for a friend. Once you finally get paid, you really feel free. It took years though and I’m still lucky with the timing. I’ve worked for ABCMouse as a composer. My achievement I’m most proud of is writing a theme used in development for Lionsgate and Gold Circle’s upcoming horror film The Devil’s Light. Watching it get passed around the team and hearing everyone’s excitement for the concept music was amazing. This brings me to today where I’ve built up my portfolio and hope to keep working. My music goes from Educational super-fun-kiddy to stomach-dropping horror.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everyone has their struggles. Mine were more with self-discipline and mental health. I’m pretty open about it because I think everyone should feel comfortable saying they are anxious or depressed. It’s like a broken arm, you can’t just leave it alone, you need to go get it addressed before you feel better. Berklee while fun, was very challenging. I graduated Magna Cum Laude, which meant staying up until 4:00 AM before a serving shift…a lot. I’ve also had freelance projects fall apart on the other person’s end and it happens, but it’s always a bummer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in writing scores that match on-screen emotion. I don’t specialize in one genre because I don’t want to limit myself to say horror or drama. I go for a big orchestral sound and like to mix it with synths for a modern sound, although due to high demand I also write purely orchestral. I compose, arrange, and mix all my own work. Notes set me apart from others. Not music notes, notes you get from producers and directors. I’ll take them! So many people don’t and fight it but I’m willing to work with my team.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to get in touch with me is through my website paulzappiano.com. You can also follow along with me or DM me on Instagram @paulzappiano.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: paulzappiano.com
- Instagram: paulzappiano
