Meet Jarryd Elias | Composer for Film & Television

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

Hi Jarryd, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
First off, I just want to acknowledge that embarking on a career in any artistic field is already a daring venture, akin to scaling a steep, never-ending hill. Trust me, I still feel like I’m on that uphill climb. Yet, what propels me forward, what keeps my spirits high, is my undying passion and love for what I do and the field I’m in.

In the realm of film scoring, one of the most common risk assessments revolves around handling projects that might not offer substantial payment, or in some cases, no payment at all. When faced with such situations, I’ve learned to consider three crucial factors. First and foremost, I evaluate the timeline. If I have a generous amount of time to craft a mere two-minute piece, I’d gladly take it on! I can balance it with other gigs to ensure my bills are covered. However, if the time frame is unreasonably tight, it becomes a challenging endeavor.

Secondly, I ponder whether the project is emotionally or creatively worth investing in. Budgets and deadlines vary greatly, especially in the early stages of one’s career. What truly matters is the prospect of collaborating with a brilliant partner or recognizing the potential for the music to be not just enjoyable but also a valuable addition to my portfolio. If it sparks artistic fulfillment, it’s a major win!

The third consideration involves finding the delicate balance: how does the opportunity shape your career moving forward? Picture this scenario: if John Williams called me today, requesting 10 minutes of full orchestral score for Harry Potter overnight, sans upfront payment… what would I say? Without a doubt, I’d say “yes” in a heartbeat, every day and twice on Sundays!

Risk is woven into the very fabric of being an artist, or running any business for that matter. However, what I’ve learned is the importance of evaluating the potential rewards inherent in every risk. It’s a profoundly enlightening concept that guides my decisions, reminding me that in the world of art, the pursuit of risk and reward is a never-ending, thrilling journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey into the world of music for film and television was far from a straight path. You see, I’m a percussionist by trade. I grew up playing in various youth groups, bands, and orchestras, eventually pursuing a bachelor’s degree in percussion performance at the Eastman School of Music. But while I was there, I started to write music and I discovered that my true passion lay in composing. This newfound love soon led me down the winding road to film scoring.

After earning my degree from Eastman, I continued to follow my evolving passion and embarked on a journey to pursue a master’s degree in film scoring at the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, led by the legendary Hummie Mann. A month after graduation, I made the life-changing move to Los Angeles, and from that moment on, it’s been an exhilarating ride.

I won’t say that my career has been a walk in the park. Each project I take on brings its own set of unique challenges. Some are easier to navigate than others, but the interesting thing about facing and overcoming these challenges is that each time, they become a little more manageable because of the experience gained.

One valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of effective communication. It’s something I’ve picked up through encountering obstacles and making my own fair share of mistakes. I’ve discovered that being the best communicator possible is the key to navigating these hurdles. Whether the message is neutral, good, or bad news, communicating early and frequently is the way to go. As my career continues to evolve and present me with new, complex challenges, I’m confident that if I prioritize effective communication while consistently delivering my best work, everything will work out just fine.

Now, as I reflect on these six years of my young career, which included navigating the immense challenges of a pandemic that felt like an eternity, I’m thrilled to share my latest film score release: Beverly Hills Exorcist (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). This project was a true highlight, marked by an incredible collaboration with director Rem Scobell. Composing the music for his short film resulted in an orchestral score that’s bold, thematic, exciting, terrifying, dramatic, and just plain fun!

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?
My dad is in the food business, so as I grew up, my perspective on exploring different places and cultures always revolved around meals. So, if you’re seeking culinary advice in LA, here are my insider tips:

The best burger in LA awaits at Father’s Office in Culver City. Now, here’s the catch – it only comes one way, with no substitutions allowed. But trust me, you won’t need to change it, because it’s perfection served on a plate. Sure, In-N-Out is a Californian institution, and yes, my partner and I do swing by there after a refreshing hike or a road trip adventure. But let’s be real, every city inundates you with countless articles claiming to know the best burger. Skip the reading and take my word for it.

Now, if your taste buds lean towards Mediterranean delights as much as mine do, Mizlala is a must-visit. With locations in Sycamore, West Adams, and Sherman Oaks, everything on their menu is a culinary home run. The hummus and pita is impossibly good, and I love their salmon salad and chicken shawarma. But try to save some room for a Tahini Shake… you can thank me later.

And of course, no trip to Los Angeles is complete without indulging in the quintessential experience – tacos from a food truck. The specific truck might not matter as much as the experience itself, but if you want a personal favorite, head to “Leo’s” near my place. Order yourself three tantalizing tacos al pastor – they’ll shave the meat off the spit right before your eyes, and each one comes with a delectable slice of pineapple. Load them up, savor every bite, and mark my words, it’ll be the best $6 you spend during your entire trip!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Expressing my gratitude feels like trying to choose a single star in the night sky – overwhelming, but if I had to pinpoint one, it would be the very foundation of my journey…

Thank you to my parents, Shauna and Richard, who have tirelessly encouraged and supported all of my musical endeavors, starting when I was in elementary school. They are ultimately the ones who set up me up for success, put me on the creative path, and taught me the values of how to succeed in life (musically or otherwise). It’s now up to me to work as hard as I can to prove that it wasn’t for nothing! Love you, Mom and Dad!!

Website: www.JarrydEliasMusic.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarryd-elias-070154140/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JEliasMusic

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JarrydEliasMusic

Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6QFHdqUR0tQQgS1AOPefl0?si=T3CtEu7NQnS6MXHAYjDOUg

Image Credits
Pictures taken by Junshi Yang (https://www.junshiyangstudio.com/)