Meet Jon Ong | Film Composer

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

Hi Jon, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
‘Success’ is a moving target to me, because there will always be something more: a bigger project, a better budget, or a more prestigious award. I definitely feel more successful today than I did 5 years ago, but I also want to feel the same way in another 5 years, so I know there’s still room for growth.

Every milestone is a celebration and reminder that I’m carving my own path and journey. I recently scored a film – ‘The Accidental Getaway Driver’ – that premieres at the Sundance Film Festival this year. It is nominated for the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. It’s been a huge encouragement for me and a nod that I’m headed in the right direction.

More difficult, I think, is balancing the pursuit of success and being content with what I have.
Striving to succeed is important as it motivates me to work hard and build my career. But my main marker of success is being able to have a career doing what I love. There is much contentment in being able to provide for my family doing something I’ve always been, and still am passionate about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Composer who writes music for film and TV.

My music is a reflection of my upbringing, experience and exposure to different cultures. I’m a Singaporean who grew up in a multicultural society, played electric guitar in a (mildly successful) rock band, studied Film Scoring in college, and has lived in the US all his adult life. I’ve always had an interest for technology and music technology in particular. Trying new software, plugins and sounds that inspire and excite is really enjoyable to me. I often get ideas just by playing around with tech.

Take for example, the score of ‘The Accidental Getaway Driver’. I improvised on the mandolin and guitar, then digitally processed the recordings to generate original textures. This was the springboard to the rest of the score and I’m really proud of the final product. I’m excited for its premiere on 24th of January at the Sundance Film Festival! Tickets for online screenings are also available if you’re interested in watching it.

It’s been such a journey to get to this point in my career and I think the key word is persistence. It’s important to stay focused and know that I’m moving at my own pace, on my own path. Always putting out the best music that I can, and always being kind to people I meet along the way.

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.
I love Sawtelle and all of its food and restaurants. Places like Tsujita Annex, Chinchikurin, Artelice Patisserie and Millet Crepe are gems. Further out in Alhambra, Ipoh Kopitiam always hits the spot for me too. It’s Malaysian cuisine and recently got on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list which is amazing. Ipoh Kopitiam always hits the spot for me too. It’s Malaysian cuisine and recently got on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list which is amazing.

Abbot Kinney is great for its many interesting shops, coffee and food.

I also have a soft spot for LA’s many gardens. Nature is always beautiful and inspirational. The Huntington Gardens, LA Arboretum, and even The Getty Museum all have gardens worth visiting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed to work under kind and gracious composers and especially want to recognize Nick Urata and Lorne Balfe. They’ve been and continue to be great mentors and have taught me a lot during different parts of my journey.

Thanks to them, I’ve learnt the importance of streamlining my workflow, how to produce great sounding demos, and how to navigate the industry professionally.

And of course, my parents and my wife, for their long term and continued support on my music journey through all of the ups and downs.

Website: www.jonongmusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jonongmusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jonongmusic

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jonongmusic

Other: https://linktr.ee/jonongmusic

Image Credits
Photos by Brian Wertheim