Meet Theron Kay | Composer

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

Hi Theron, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
In the current challenging socio-economic climate characterized by widespread financial hardship and heightened social and political tensions, the role of art in uplifting individuals and fostering a sense of joy cannot be understated. Through my contributions to various mediums including film, television, public transportation initiatives, art exhibitions, concerts, and news channels, I take pride in the opportunity to spread music that resonates with diverse, international audiences. My overarching aspiration is to enrich the collective human experience by infusing moments of positivity and solace through the power of music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I find fulfillment in composing music that challenges my creative boundaries, whether through unconventional metering or incorporating elements from my Japanese heritage into instrumentation, I’m continuously striving to expand the horizons of contemporary orchestration while celebrating my diverse cultural background.

I graduated amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as the industry came to a standstill and remote learning became the norm. During this period, I had to sustain myself by delivering food orders, dropping-off packages, and a myriad of other non-musical jobs just to afford to stay in LA. Things definitely began at an all-time low.

In 2021, I got the chance to contribute music to a Marvel advertising campaign, subsequently securing a foothold in the trailer industry for the remainder of the year. Collaborations with companies such as Amazon, Searchlight, and Universal followed, and taught me an immense amount about the sync world of music, most of which I was previously unaware of. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to write music on a multitude of scoring projects and collaborate with studios such as Netflix, Paramount, and Apple.

Through these experiences, I’ve gleaned invaluable lessons about the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Setbacks are inevitable (and often frequent), but it’s the unwavering determination to keep getting back up that distinguishes those who succeed. The tenacity and endurance cultivated through these challenges have become integral facets of my professional ethos, for which I am continuously grateful.

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?
I’m on the east side of LA, and love the Silverlake, Highland Park, Echo Park neighborhoods. As a foodie it’s hard to get it any better. You’ll catch me at Figaro Bistro pretty much any day of the week for arguably the best happy hour this side of Hollywood. If you like breakfast, look no further – hit up All Time or Bodega Park for some insane breakfast sandwiches, or if tacos are more your thing, swing by Homestate. For more asian inspired place, check out Woon, Pine & Crane, and Joy on York. Los Feliz boasts a plethora of entertainment options, including the iconic Vista theater, recently revitalized under the ownership of Quentin Tarantino. A few minutes away is Griffith park, where the famous observatory is located. And on your way back down, catch a concert at the Greek Theater. LA has pretty much everything!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are numerous individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to my journey, making it challenging to single out just a few. However, foremost among them is my mother, whose unwavering dedication to homeschooling me until my teenage years and introducing me to the piano has been pivotal in shaping who I am today. Her relentless sacrifices have consistently placed me in positions conducive to success, and I am profoundly grateful for her influence.

I also want to extend my appreciation to the esteemed faculty at the USC Screen Scoring program. The mentorship and culture they have encapsulated there has been transformative and fundamentally altering to the trajectory of my career.

Additionally, I wish to acknowledge the invaluable work of the Composers Diversity Collective. Their efforts in fostering inclusivity and amplifying underrepresented voices within the industry have been nothing short of incredible, and we’re seeing some amazing change already.

Lastly, I express heartfelt gratitude to my fiance, Kate, whose unwavering love and steadfast support have been my pillars throughout this extraordinary journey.

Website: https://theronkay.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theron.kay