Meet David Hoffman | Film Composer, Producer/Songwriter

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

Hi David, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I believe in learning at least one new thing everyday, no matter how big or small. Whether it is revolving around your self, your work, your friendships, your interests, there is always more to see than what is there. I think the best thing we can do as people is expand our understanding and knowledge constantly and grow as individuals as well as together, I think it how we can be the best possible versions of ourselves.. This also allows us all to connect with that inner childlike wonder that sparks inspiration and imagination, that to me is what living is all about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Much Like my personality my music tends to be very energetic and dramaticI love the sounds of massive ensembles playing together to create a single living breathing entity within the music, it can be a magical experience. I grew up listening to singing and playing mainly classic rock, Funk/soul, Hip hop and classical and I love to hear elements of all these genres bleed into one another when i’m working on my own music. I was also very inspired from a young age to listen intently to the music i would hear being played in the streets of New York, Always inspired to try a new technique or style I was drawn to. Growing up, I would go and perform with my dad at shows he was in and found a love for singing and being on stage as well as playing in a group. With drums being my first I tend to gravitate towards music that is very rhythmically based and always find my ear first drawn towards the drums and bass in the music I listen to. What sparked my passion in composing for film was the score for, The Incredibles. The stunning visuals coexistence with the ripping score completely took me to another world, I was absolutely awe stricken. The Large Jazz band orchestra so locked in with the picture on screen showed me into the world of animation. The drastic contrast from the real world that is shown in these movies really helps bring out that childlike sense of wonder and imagination in me every time I watch them.

Right Now, the biggest challenge in my life is my recent move to Los Angels. Moving away from home can always be hard especially when you are moving away from everyone you know and love, but it can also be a very refreshing experience. It has been a day to day learning to adapt situation, and finding more of a sense of patience, realizing that things take time to develop and play out. It’s all daunting but it is also an amazing feeling when you realize what you are capable of, seeing the way you navigate life situations influencing the way you approach work. An amazing thing about moving out here, has been the ability to meet and collaborate with so many talented and creative people from all different backgrounds and stories. Collaborations I think are the best way for an artist to grow and learn, to have that back and forth and transfer of ideas is an amazing way to come across ideas you would have never come to alone. It also helps to build your communication and verbalization of your art form pushing you further, which i feel is a beautiful thing All that being said I would not be where I am and chasing my goals down without the support and Knowledge of my friends and Mentors who helped me build myself up to taking that first step.

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.
Well there are so many places to check out but If I were gonna give recommendations I would say to first go on some beautiful hikes, particularly some spots in Malibu or the pacific palisades Escondido falls and Los Leyones canyon are the two first ones that come to mind

The second thing I would say to do is check out some of the sick museums because I love museums. The Getty and the LACMA are awesome as well as the Museum of Natural history, and for the cinephiles I would of course have to recommend the Academy Museum of motion picture

To go out for food and drinks los feliz is an awesome area that has all kinds of cool places, there is also a food and goods market at the grove in Valley glenn with a huge selection. If you want to go out and dance just walk around WeHo and find the place that calls to you.

I would also recommend going to downtown LA and checking out some of the smaller more intimate music clubs and venues, one very cool one that comes to mind is The Baked Potato.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my family for always being extremely supportive, my amazing friends and professors who have always been more than inspirations to me and have given me the knowledge and experience I have today.

Website: dhoffmanmusic.com

Instagram: dhoffmusic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hoffman-50751a177/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.hoffman.9862

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHBPC_5PLpmdChvA6thRAA

Image Credits
Ron Adelberg