Meet Jiawei Shen | Film Composer& Music Producer

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

Hi Jiawei, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me, risk means stepping out of my comfort zone. As a film composer, it often involves having the courage not to simply repeat existing approaches to scoring but instead to find and express my own way of writing music, along with unconventional and sometimes eccentric sound design, as well as my own unique understanding of the story and the film.

This process is deeply rewarding and fulfilling because it allows me to create freely in a place where few have gone before. It also becomes a way of reconnecting and weaving together decades of personal experiences, offering me a more personal, philosophical perspective on the relationship between music and storytelling.

At the same time, it can be painful and full of self-doubt. When you step away from “standardized” solutions, you inevitably risk not being accepted by audiences, directors, or producers. You constantly question whether your direction is viable. In those moments, you can’t rely on other people’s experience or on reference tracks—you have to trust the sounds and colors in your own mind. That requires both courage and confidence.

In the end, taking this kind of risk gives me a profound sense of purpose and existence—like Descartes’ famous quote, “I think, therefore I am.” It also creates the possibility that the name Jiawei Shen could one day become a unique signature in the world of film scoring, and that’s what I’m working hard toward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I compose music for film, television, and theater, blending Eastern and Western elements, orchestral writing, and electronic textures. I firmly believe that melody is the soul of music and timbre is its personality. In my scores, there is always a theme that captures the essence of the characters or story, paired with distinctive sounds that create the right atmosphere. I’m especially passionate about exploring how music can express not only emotion but also deeper, philosophical ideas.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started without formal training and had to teach myself through trial and error. I’ve learned a lot through my studies at UCLA and from the composers and filmmakers I’ve met in Los Angeles, which has helped me grow. There were many challenges and moments of doubt, but I discovered that staying true to your own vision matters more than fitting in.

I want people to know that my work is about curiosity and honesty. My goal is to write music that feels alive and inspires reflection.

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 best friend were visiting, there are a few places I’d consider essential. Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl are both historic music venues that often feature world-class performances—you can really feel the culture and legacy of Los Angeles there.

Since I grew up watching the NBA and love playing basketball myself, I’d definitely take them to a Lakers game to experience the energy of the crowd.

I’d also make sure to spend an evening at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. It’s such a beautiful space with incredible stage productions, and it feels like stepping into another era.

Finally, I think Manhattan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in LA. It has a lot of great little shops and a relaxed atmosphere. Spending time there walking by the ocean and exploring the area would be a perfect way to unwind.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all, I want to thank my parents for giving me a loving environment to grow up in. Unlike the stereotype of traditional East Asian parents who often try to control their children’s lives, they have always allowed me the freedom to make my own choices and have supported me in every way. They are incredibly proud of me, and I feel so lucky—they are the best parents in the world, and I love them deeply.

I also want to thank my mentor, Chen Weilen. He started training me in music ten years ago and has continuously offered me guidance and encouragement throughout my career and life. His creative mindset and his refusal to ever compromise with mediocrity in his work have always inspired me to keep moving forward.

My girlfriend, Huang Chu Qiao, has also been a huge source of support. She has consistently believed in my compositions and my unconventional approach to creating music, which has made me braver and more confident. She is an outstanding fashion designer, and I’ve learned a lot about aesthetics from her work and her way of life.

Finally, there are two books that have had a lasting impact on me: “Music is Freedom” by Ryuichi Sakamoto and “Like the Speed of Walking” by Hirokazu Kore-eda. They have shown me the connection between art and life and helped shape the way I see the world.

Website: https://www.jiaweishen.com

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

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14900239/