Meet Diego Ratto | Music Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diego Ratto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diego, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balancing work and life is an ongoing challenge for me, particularly in the demanding field of film scoring here in LA, where project hours can be extensive. Over the past few years, I’ve found myself consistently immersed in work, often sacrificing weekends for project deadlines. Recognizing the importance of self-care, I’ve made a concerted effort to integrate breaks into my routine and maintain an active social and physical lifestyle.

Given the sedentary nature of much of my work and the prevalent car culture in LA, prioritizing physical activity is crucial. I make it a point to hit the gym twice a week, play soccer once weekly, and seize any opportunity to go surf. Additionally, fostering a vibrant social life is essential. I aim to connect with friends at least once every weekend, engaging in activities like hiking, strolling through parks, enjoying movies, and occasionally reaching out to friends back in Italy.

I firmly believe that maintaining this balance not only enhances personal well-being but also contributes to long-term career success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Reaching my current professional status hasn’t been an easy journey by any means. Coming from a financially disadvantaged background with no family history of higher education, envisioning the path I’m on now was a tremendous challenge. At the age of 24, I made a complete shift in my life, transitioning from a conventional office job to pursue a career in academia and music composition. It demanded immense sacrifice, resilience, and energy.

Living independently, I juggled multiple extra jobs to cover expenses like rent, bills, and tuition, all while facing the constant specter of failure. Despite these obstacles, I take pride in what I’ve accomplished thus far, though I feel I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of my aspirations.

One aspect that sets me apart is undoubtedly my unique background and the awareness of the hardships I’ve overcome to reach this point. Moreover, my eclectic music studies and immersion in environments rich in artistic expression have played pivotal roles in shaping the composer I am today. My foundation as a guitarist and avant-garde composer equips me with distinctive skills and tools that I now apply to film scoring. I thrive on experimenting with unconventional techniques to achieve specific musical outcomes.

I’ve come to realize the significance of arriving from a different background and how it enriches my creative voice. I strive to leverage this diversity in my interactions with directors, producers, and fellow artists, fostering unique collaborations and innovative approaches to my craft.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First off, I’d take them on a short hike to the Hollywood sign for some breathtaking views, then we could grab some tasty Mexican food from Leo’s Taco and enjoy it as a picnic in Echo Park.

For a change of scenery, I’d plan a trip up to Santa Barbara, where they could experience the thrill of surfing at Deveroux Beach. We’d then explore the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, sampling some of the finest wines the region has to offer.

Continuing our journey northward, we’d make a pit stop at Pismo Beach to sip on margaritas by the pier and hopefully catch a glimpse of some playful otters. Finally, we’d head further north to Montaña de Oro, immersing ourselves in the stunning coastal landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey as a composer has been greatly influenced by my professors throughout my academic career. From my formative years as a student in Italy and Sweden to my experiences here in the US, I’ve been fortunate to encounter incredibly talented mentors who have each contributed to shaping my musical identity.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my brother, who not only assisted me in preparing for the entrance exam at the Music Conservatory in Italy but also gifted me my first electric guitar during my teenage years. Additionally, I am grateful for the support of friends and fellow composers I’ve encountered worldwide. Even the smallest gestures of encouragement have played a significant role in my development as a composer, and the person I am today.

Website: https://www.diegoratto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttora_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-ratto

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiegoRatto_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esa2to

Image Credits
Davide Sciaky