Rising Stars: Meet Arın Aykut of London, LA, Ankara

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arın Aykut

Hi Arın, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Certainly! My journey in music began at a young age, with a deep passion for the piano. I started formal training in Turkey, eventually studying at the conservatory before advancing my skills with a master’s degree in conducting from both Turkey and Poland. Driven by a desire to compose music for visual storytelling, I pursued a second master’s in film and TV music composition in London, which opened up incredible opportunities across various genres and projects.

Throughout my career, I’ve composed music for independent short films, feature-length projects, and international brands. Some of my most notable collaborations have been with Bleeding Fingers and Extreme Music, where I contributed to a variety of compositions, from orchestral to epic and emotional soundscapes. Recently, I had the privilege to create Vencedor, an epic orchestral and choral piece for Exatlon Mexico by Acun Medya Global, featured in the opening scene of its 8th season. My music, including this piece, is available on platforms like Spotify, allowing me to share my work with a global audience.

My solo compositions have also gained recognition on prestigious platforms. My piano solo Flashing Memories was broadcast on BBC Radio’s Introducing Series, where it was praised for its innovation in film scoring. Another proud achievement is my composition Homeland, a string septet that was performed live by Zak Serroukh and his ensemble at the CovCreative Film Festival and was also broadcast on BBC Radio, further amplifying its reach and impact.

Currently, I’m pursuing a PhD at the London College of Music, focusing on non-linear narrative techniques in film music. My research dives into polyrhythmic, polytonal, and polymetric techniques to create unique soundscapes tailored for films that break from traditional storytelling.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has come with financial, mental, and emotional challenges, especially as I moved between countries to pursue my studies and career. Balancing the costs of advanced training and the pressures of adapting to new environments required resilience. Additionally, building a professional network in a competitive industry like film music was daunting, as it demanded both time and continuous effort. Despite these hurdles, I’ve managed to overcome each one, and I’m grateful to now be on a successful path, steadily moving closer to my goals and growing stronger as an artist with every step.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work revolves around composing music that enhances storytelling, especially for film and television. I focus on creating sounds that can resonate emotionally with audiences and serve the story in subtle but meaningful ways. I’m particularly drawn to projects that challenge me to think differently, whether it’s composing for complex narratives or working with unique instrumental textures.

One of the things I’m proudest of is seeing my music connect with people in unexpected ways, such as when my compositions were featured on BBC Radio or when they found a place in projects like Exatlon Mexico. What sets my work apart, I believe, is my dedication to staying curious and open-minded, always looking for ways to grow and refine my craft rather than relying on formulas. For me, the goal is to bring an authentic voice to each piece while supporting the vision of the project.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me a lot about adaptability and the importance of resilience. Like many in the arts, I faced an unexpected pause in collaborative projects, which forced me to rethink how I approached my work. It was a period of introspection, where I learned to find motivation within myself rather than relying on external projects or deadlines.

One of the most valuable lessons was understanding the importance of connection—both with collaborators and with audiences. During lockdowns, I spent more time refining my own compositions, learning new techniques, and connecting with other artists virtually, which deepened my sense of community despite the physical distance. It reminded me that creativity is incredibly adaptive and that sometimes, slowing down can lead to unexpected growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arinaykut.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arinaykut/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arinaykt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arinaykut
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/arinaykut