Meet Cameron SHIZUO” Lee-Sung | Music Composer for TV

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cameron “SHIZUO” Lee-Sung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cameron “SHIZUO”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been fascinated by the importance of music and sound design in visual storytelling. There is a special moment when a song transcends a scene in a film or TV show, where the combination of sound and visuals work in harmony, creating an emotion leaving the viewer with a forever-lasting memory.

As a child, I always found it challenging to express my emotions verbally, but I quickly discovered a means of communication through music. From an early age, I would pick up the guitar or any available instrument and learn to play songs by ear. It became evident to me that music was my true calling!

However, it wasn’t until I enrolled at ICON Collective in 2017 that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of digital music production and audio engineering, where I quickly realized that creating impactful music doesn’t necessarily require a large budget, a full orchestra, or an extravagant studio. Instead, it’s about having a compelling idea and the ability to tell a story sonically.

Driven by constant curiosity and inspired by the artists who came before me, I eventually gained the confidence and skills necessary to turn my passion into a career as a Music Composer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a music composer, my journey has taken a unique path, starting from being a guitarist in a Christian Metal Band and transitioning into a Producer/DJ creating Hybrid EDM. I believe the beauty of being an artist lies in the diverse backgrounds, inspirations, and journeys that shape our artistic styles.

My approach to music is all about pushing boundaries and embracing experimentation. I love fusing traditional cinematic instruments and techniques with elements from modern genres, creating a unique and captivating sound. Whether it’s layering piano, guitar, or cello with heavy-hitting hip-hop drums and 808s, unusual foley sounds, or resampling FX sound design and turning them into percussion, I aim to craft a unique sonic experience.

Drawing from my Rock/EDM background, I strive to capture the feeling and energy of being at a live show through my compositions. I prioritize dynamic moments, building anticipation with each progression, ensuring that each moment is more impactful than the last. I believe the ability to create a dynamic and immersive musical experience sets me apart as a composer.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to score music for notable brands and projects, including HBO (Vice News Tonight), VICE Media, VICELAND, The Weather Channel, PACSUN, and an independent film titled “OBSESSIONS” in which I composed over 40 minutes of music. Recently, I’ve been focusing on TV/Movie Trailers and Theme music. My ultimate goal is to see my trailer scores featured on the big screen for Hollywood’s biggest movie previews and have my theme music showcased in the opening title sequence of a hit TV show!

Getting to this point in my career definitely hasn’t been easy. It has required countless moments of trial and error, learning and breaking traditional rules, building and growing relationships within the industry, and being able to adapt musically on the fly. I’ve maintained discipline and a strong work ethic to establish myself in the industry, but I have much more to learn and accomplish. I’m continuously learning and striving to be the best at what I do because nothing worth having in this life comes easy!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Great question. Honestly, after the pandemic my days going out have been limited, but when I do these are a few things I’d love to do if a friend was visiting town!

We could start the day with a round of golf at the local Whittier Narrows course and enjoy the outdoors with some friendly competition. Alternatively, we could soak up the sun and relax with a few cold drinks at LA Historic Park or even go paddleboarding in the Long Beach canals for a fun and adventurous experience.

When it comes to food, I would take my friend to some local gems. Daikokuya Ramen for some delicious Japanese Tonkostu ramen or Ravello Osteria known for their pastas and an incredible variety of pizzas.

To wrap up the day, we could head to Lock & Key then The Normandie Club for drinks and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, we could go to General Lee’s then Resident for a great outdoor environment and cocktails!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my parents for ALWAYS supporting and allowing me to pursue my dreams, my grandpa for teaching me to do what I love has made all the difference and my brother who paved the way for me as an artist/creative. I also want to thank Luca Masini (KINGDM) for his invaluable mentorship early in my composing career and my day-one friends who’ve been by my side through every step of this musical adventure.

And of course, I must shout out the incredible composers who have inspired me on my musical journey. Ludwig Göransson, Trent Reznor, Labrinth, Ramin Djawadi, Nicolas Britell, Michael Giacchino, and the legendary Hans Zimmer & John Williams – their talent and creativity have continuously pushed the boundaries of compositions and continue to motivate and inspire me to reach new heights as a composer.

Website: https://www.shizuomusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cam.thecomposer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-lee-sung-83049297/

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cam.thecomposer Showreel: https://www.shizuomusic.com/composer/v/showreel-2023-cameron-shizuo-leesung

Image Credits
Micole Guevara Thomas Nguyen