Meet Jeremy Zerbe | Composer

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

Hi Jeremy, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose a career as a professional composer, because music is a way to document vivid experiences and create connections that go beyond words. It’s about so much more than organizing sounds. At its most fundamental level, music is about transforming data into living energy.

I’ve always experienced sounds as colors and textures. Later in life, I learned that this is a neurological condition called synesthesia. Sound and images are connected, and deepening that connection is a way for me to celebrate the joy of being alive on this beautiful planet.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always record real instruments in my projects. I feel proud of my work when I can hear that human touch. Each project deserves my best sound: because you never know which clients can become lasting collaborators. Building long-term relationships, wether it’s with directors, artists, musicians, or faculty, are key to building momentum. It takes time. And during that time, composers must not only hone their craft to sound better, but also optimize their workflows. To-do-lists, weekly goals, ongoing campaigns, regular outreach, website development, etc.. And of course, it is critical to save money in order to be resilient. I’m grateful to my mentors and collaborators who have helped me craft my best sound, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have helped me grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1) Sawtelle. Los Angeles is a foodie city: you can try authentic cuisine from all around the globe. Sawtelle is a popular place to start! After that, try little Ethiopia, seafood boil, and of course k-town.

2) Walt Disney Concert Hall. The LA Phil is one of the best and most innovative orchestras in the world. These incredible musicians deal with parking, shop at trader joes, and balance a variety of gigs just like many of us in this city. To hear their sound is humbling and inspiring.

3) The Hollywood Bowl. You can pack a picnic for some of their concerts. It’s a really special summer activity that is distinctly LA.

4) The Grove. Visit the farmer’s market and try a pickle flight! See a movie, peruse Barnes & Noble, and watch the fountain.

5) Griffith Observatory. Make sure to enjoy the periodic table exhibit, and see a planetarium show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to recognize my fiancé for his endless patience and his inexhaustible joy. He always has an open ear and a fresh perspective, throughout all the years of projects I’ve shown him. Living with a musician isn’t always easy: we play cello late at night, work bizarre hours, and enjoy doing what we do so much that it takes a conscious effort to take a much needed break and slow down the pace. We’re always there for each other.

Website: https://jeremiahzerbe.wixsite.com/composer

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyhzerbe/

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3l7QrhQ5QaW9E4EnSzwLUl?si=sq9HvE7STqeFL2R_HRIojQ