Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph S. Djafar.
Hi Joseph S., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an Indonesian composer. I learn classical piano since early age and I fall in love in film scoring since my teenagehood. My growing journey in music composition is mostly influenced by listening to big composers such as John Williams, Thomas Newman, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner and many more. I am fortunate to have people who give me opportunity to do scoring projects (series and films) and also to collaborate with them. I keep on honing my musical skill, so I grow as a composer. Some of the films I’ve worked with can be viewed in Netflix and Disney+ and in local Indonesian cinemas.
In 2021, I started my journey in Los Angeles by studying at USC Thornton Screen Scoring program. Here, I met more people who open my eyes to thrive professionally in the film industry.
My music is about telling stories. I want to enhance viewers’ experience when watching movies. I am a strong believer that music in films can bring huge impact to humans life. Music in films is a living entity that embraces the true nature of the stories.
This 2023, I start my profesional journey in Los Angeles as a composer in Bleeding Fingers Music.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As an Indonesian, living in Los Angeles is not a smooth road. I think there is big cultural differences, there is a language barrier, professional ethic and ways that are different to me as an Indonesian. I also find that the production standard here in Hollywood is so high. It pushes me to grow even more.
Living as a foreigner in Los Angeles can also be very lonely. However, I’ve met incredible people at USC and also during my journey as a composer. I am truly grateful to have Mr. Lawrence Shragge, Mr. Patrick Kirst and many others (colleagues, friends). They help me get through life in LA with their kindness and support.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a big passion in art, especially in music for films because I find that music is substantially important for viewers to enjoy the films and remember about it for a long time. Who doesn’t remember musical theme from Harry Potter or a very dramatic moments from The Shawshank Redemption 🙂
To focus in the field, I am specializing myself in music for films. I think music and films cannot be separated because they both play crucial roles in changing the world through the perspectives of their audience. Besides composing for films, I take projects from time-to-time for TV series, Web series, and video games.
What set me apart from others is my culture as Indonesian and how I can see both electronic and orchestral music as inseparable fusion. I utilize sound design as strong means to create colours while creating beautiful themes for people to enjoy.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I love all memories when my sister used to take me watching movies in cinema.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.josephdjafar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephsdjafar/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/kBgoZRinjaw
Image Credits
@christianseessound
