Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Ameller.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be an Astronomer. However, my parents pushed me to play a musical instrument from a young age; at six years old, I therefore picked up piano, which I hated. If anyone was to tell me music would become my calling in life, I wouldn’t have believed it. It was only at the age of 16 years old that I discovered classical music. I think one of the reasons why I immersed myself in it so much, was not only because of the purity of the music but also because I was not “forced” or pushed by anyone. Being the only classical music enthusiast in my family allowed me to really immerse myself in this new language. I started taking Piano lessons again with a new conservatory teacher who became my mentor.
But there is a step between playing music for passion and playing music as a profession. I realized then the correlation there was between classical music and Film scoring. My devotion for the latter was immediate. Watching a movie was not the same anymore. I was (and am) scrutinizing each cue with a particular attention as a student first, but as an ardent listener as well. I am still fascinated by the emotions that a soundtrack enhances in a movie. From John Williams’ melodies to Hans Zimmer’s textures or even Thomas Newman’s poetry, the abundance of styles makes this discipline absolute for me.
After High School, I introduced myself to music production software while I was studying Philosophy at LA Sorbonne in Paris. It allowed me to emulate the sound of an Orchestra and analog synths to create original content. This knowledge allowed me to compose music for documentaries, short films and advertising as well as build a Portfolio for Berklee’s application. I entered Berklee College Of Music in Spring of 2016. It was an intense transition for me because I was leaving my country, in one of its history’s darkest time, to resort to the calm of Boston combined with Berklee’s peculiar atmosphere. In fact, this school taught me a lot, not only by the amazing teachers that we had, but also thanks to the friends around me, that were gratuitously sharing knowledge. But mostly Berklee gave me the opportunity to have my music played by musicians. To witness your own film composition performed by a violin or an entire orchestra is absolutely amazing. Hours and hours of work crystallized in 10min of a live performance is a privilege.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes and No. Everyone experience some tough moments in life and I did too. But I think that the struggles have made me a better composer in the end, as they are a huge source of inspiration. In my opinion, artists have to deal with the fear of their own judgment too. Being creative requires a lot of work and patience. I see music as an actual language, that translates emotions that can’t be told with words. It can sometimes be challenging to speak this language with grace and beauty, but the journey is fundamental and worth the struggles.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I see myself as a media composer. I mainly write for films but I love to write for video games, advertising and trailer music. Because of my classical background, I tend to compose more with the Orchestra. A meaningful melody translates really well with live instruments and an arrangement can metamorphose the overall warmth of the music. But I have to say that in the last few years, synths have been a major part of my work. The electronic sound allows me to shape unique textures which serve the picture really well. I try never to get bored of what I’m writing so that the experimental aspect of the creative process stays really stimulating. Sometimes only one harmony, instrument, or note can make a generic draft become an innovative piece.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Good luck or bad luck is a strange concept for me. I believe that we are surrounded by a swarm of opportunities that we sometimes take advantage of but miss out most of the time. Just being in Los Angeles right now composing music, gives me the certitude that I am extremely lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.paulameller.com
- Phone: 8572429003
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulams_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.d.ameller
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