Meet Gexuan An | Film&TV Composer

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

Hi GeXuan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, Taking risks means having the courage to follow what feels right, despite fear or uncertainty. One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was deciding to leave my studies in design in Australia and pursue music. It wasn’t just a decision about my future—it was something that deeply impacted my family as well.

Growing up, my parents were quite traditional, and even studying visual media design wasn’t considered a “mainstream” path at the time. I chose it mostly because I had a background in art and wasn’t sure what else to pursue. It felt like a safe, logical choice, and my parents fully supported me. They invested so much—financially and emotionally—to send me abroad, despite the challenges and their ongoing concerns about my well-being so far from home. Knowing how much they had sacrificed made the idea of leaving design even harder.

When I realized design wasn’t my passion, I wrestled with that decision for a long time before I finally told my parents. I knew it would be difficult for them to hear, and I wasn’t wrong. When I admitted that I’d already dropped out of school to pursue music, their reaction was a mix of anger, disappointment, and disbelief. They were frustrated, worried, and hurt, feeling like all their sacrifices had been for nothing.

I engaged in countless difficult conversations, trying to convey how much this path meant to me. I know I wasn’t an easy child during that time because the more they pushed back, the more determined I became. There was a fire inside me I couldn’t ignore—a quiet but unshakable need to pursue something I truly loved. For the first time, I felt like I was making a decision that was entirely my own—a decision about my future and what I wanted my life to be.

Eventually, my persistence—and more importantly, my parents’ love—won out. They didn’t fully understand my choice, but they chose to stand by me because they believed in me. That meant everything, but it also brought an incredible amount of pressure. I knew this wasn’t just my dream anymore—it was something we were all risking together. I couldn’t let them down.

Starting over in music was anything but easy. I began learning later than many of my peers, which meant dedicating countless hours to understanding the basics and catching up. It was humbling, but it fueled my determination to excel. I worked harder than ever—studying music theory, practicing composition late into the night, and collaborating with others to gain experience. There were so many moments when I doubted myself, but I kept reminding myself why I had made this choice. I wasn’t just doing it for me—I was doing it for my parents, to prove that their sacrifices weren’t in vain.

Slowly but surely, my efforts began to pay off. I started working on short films and building connections in the industry. Every project taught me something new, and over time, I began to feel like I belonged in this world. The progress I’ve made since then has been a constant reminder that taking that leap was the right decision.

Looking back, this journey has taught me that taking risks isn’t about being reckless—it’s about having the courage to pursue what truly matters, even when it’s hard. It’s also about perseverance and believing in yourself, especially when the odds don’t seem to be in your favor. Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful to have had the support and love of my parents along the way. Taking that risk wasn’t easy, but it has transformed me, teaching me resilience, self-belief, and the value of pursuing my passions wholeheartedly. It’s brought me closer to not just the life I’ve always dreamed of, but the person I aspire to be.

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.
The first time I truly felt the power of music was when I saw how a film score could completely transform a scene and evoke emotions I hadn’t expected. That experience was the spark that set me on the path to composing. For me, music is about creating moments that resonate deeply and stay with people long after the music ends. It’s a way of telling stories and forming connections, crafted through haunting melodies or vibrant orchestral scores. Behind this creative pursuit lies countless hours of effort, self-reflection, and growth. These efforts, however, have come with their fair share of challenges, requiring adaptability and effective communication to ensure my music serves the story.

This journey has had its challenges, with a steep learning curve and plenty of hard work along the way. But the guidance of mentors and the support of a creative community have been invaluable. One mentor once told me, “True artistry is about listening—to the story, to collaborators, and to the world around you.” That advice has stayed with me, shaping how I approach my work and encouraging me to keep exploring and growing. While self-doubt crept in at times, these challenges strengthened my resolve and taught me the importance of perseverance and self-belief—key to embracing both creative and professional hurdles.

Collaboration has been central to my growth as a film composer. I’ve come to understand that my work must serve the story and vision of the film, often requiring compromise and adaptability. One of my earliest projects vividly taught me this lesson: after spending an entire night crafting what I believed was the perfect piece, the director told me it didn’t capture the emotional tone he wanted. Though it was frustrating, starting over and creating something entirely different taught me the importance of aligning with a director’s vision. That experience improved my communication skills and made me better at understanding and anticipating filmmakers’ needs. Over time, these lessons have allowed me to balance the demands of the film with my own artistic voice, ensuring the music enhances the narrative while retaining a personal touch. These experiences have deeply shaped my career, highlighting how adaptability and teamwork are key to creative success.

As I move forward, I want to share a belief that has shaped my journey: pursuing your passions is possible with determination and support. My path has been defined by the lessons I’ve learned and the contributions of those who believed in me. These experiences have strengthened my conviction in the power of storytelling through music, and I hope to inspire others to follow their creative paths with courage and perseverance.

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.
If my friends were visiting Los Angeles, there are a few places I’d definitely take them. We’d start with Laguna Beach and drive up to Top of the World for an incredible panoramic view, especially at sunset—it really makes you appreciate the vastness of nature. After that, we could head to Naples. The waterfront homes are beautiful, and the area’s peacefulness makes it perfect for a relaxed walk. The calmness always helps me find my inner peace. Next, we’d explore Palos Verdes, with its stunning coastline and cliffs that offer a special sense of calm. Finally, I’d take them to Malibu to discover some of the quieter, hidden paths I’ve found—perfect spots for a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views.

Of course, food is a huge part of the experience. I’d take them to Ktown for authentic Korean BBQ—grilling meat at the table with a variety of side dishes is always a fun and delicious experience. In San Gabriel, we’d enjoy traditional Hainan chicken rice, and nearby, there’s a great place for fresh fruit teas that always remind me of home. We’d also visit Sawtelle to try some of the best ramen in LA, especially dipping ramen, which I love. And for something different, there’s an amazing Middle Eastern restaurant in Burbank that serves flavorful grilled meats and spices I can’t get enough of.

If they want to shop, I’d take them to Westfield Santa Monica. It has a great mix of stores and a laid-back, lively vibe that makes shopping enjoyable. To end the trip, we’d visit one of the best spots for a night view of the city. While I sometimes go to Griffith Observatory, my favorite place for city lights is a quieter viewpoint on Mulholland Drive—because it’s less crowded, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the stunning view.

This kind of itinerary would let my friends experience the best of LA while giving me the chance to revisit my favorite spots and enjoy everything I love about the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I think about my journey, two pillars of support stand out: my parents and the Jacobs School of Music. My parents’ unwavering love and eventual acceptance of my unconventional path have been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. Despite initial doubts, they stood by me, providing the emotional and financial support I needed to pursue my passion for music. Their belief in me, even when they didn’t fully understand my choices, has been my greatest source of strength.

The Jacobs School of Music also deserves immense recognition. Not only has it provided me with a world-class education, but it has also fulfilled a dream I never thought possible—attending such a prestigious classical conservatory as a late bloomer in music. The environment here is rich with creativity, collaboration, and inspiration. My professors and peers have challenged me to grow, encouraged me to push boundaries, and fostered an environment that has been transformative for my growth as an artist. Their mentorship and support have been instrumental in helping me find my voice as a composer.

To them, I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Their influence and encouragement have shaped the person I am today, and I’m endlessly grateful for their role in my story.

Website: https://www.gexuanmusic.com

Instagram: @gegegexuan

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

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9146972/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1