Meet Jordi Nus | Composer & Violinist

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

Hi Jordi, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Being a freelance composer working on the film industry, balance is probably one of the most challenging aspects of our job. Usually, you either have too much work or too little! Our schedule have to adapt around all the changes any production can have (which are many!) and, because of how unpredictable this industry is, we usually take as many projects as possible because you never now when the next one will be.

For many years, music and my career has been my main and only priority. I didn’t care if it was Saturday or Sunday, 11am or 3am, Christmas or summer. However, I must say that this has changed over the last few years. Music is still my passion but there are many other things I enjoy in life and I think it’s very important to have some time to disconnect from music and to pursue other hobbies and interests.

I am very happy where I am right now because I have enough work to make a living and to sustain myself but I still have plenty of time to enjoy other hobbies and to have some life besides music. It has taken me many years to get to this point and, most likely, it will change in the future once production picks up again, but for now I am enjoying it as much as possible!

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.
I am a composer and violinist. I write music for films and concert halls. I am originally from Barcelona but I lived in NY from 2014 to 2020 and I moved to LA this past summer. Music is never an easy road, but it’s the reason why I ventured to move to a new country far away from my family and my friends so, besides all the challenges and struggles, I am very happy and grateful to have experienced all these adventures! I’ve learned many things but I would say self-confidence and being positive/optimistic are some key aspects I developed during these past few years.

I think something that sets me apart from other composers is the fact that I am a multi-instrumentalist and I can record with many different instruments. Another great aspect is that I’ve been exposed and I’ve performed many different genres during my career (from classical concerts to jazz jams, musical theater, world music…). Every musician you interact with and every tune/song you play changes and enriches your musical background and I’ve been very lucky to work with many different musicians.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to LA last June so I haven’t been able to explore much the city, everything I’ve done has been outdoors due to the pandemic. However, I can propose you a Corona safe weekend alternative!

Saturday: Hiking day in Malibu Creek State Park.It’s really close to the city (I live in Lawndale so it takes me about 45 minutes to get there) and it’s a beautiful and very accessible park. If you are into rock climbing (which I am!) just head to the Apes wall (yes, where Planet of the Apes was filmed!) and traverse the pool: you’ll have many routes to enjoy a great climbing day! On your way back stop by any In&Out to grab a burger. Hey, after a whole day of hiking/climbing you deserve it!

Sunday: Picnic in Manhattan Beach. Rent a picnic set up offered by “Blanc Canvas LA” (a new latina owned business) and head to Manhattan Beach. On your way to the beach, stop by “Ensenada’s Surf N Turf Grill” and order your favorite tacos for take out (mine are grilled shrimp). Now you just need to find a nice spot in the beach to enjoy your lunch. You can finish the day with a nice walk on the pier or just contemplate the sunset. Bring a sweater because it always gets windy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It might sound cheesy but the main person who has always been there (even now that I live very far away from her) is my mom. Since I was a kid, my mother has pushed and encouraged me to continue studying and pursuing a career through music, even though she is not a musician. There were many moments when I thought about giving up but she always found a way to make me continue without me feeling pressured or obligated to do it. To find that balance, particularly when you are a kid, is very tricky but she always managed to find a way.

Besides her, there are lots and lots of people who helped me being where I am. The list is too long to mention all of them but Albert Guinovart (my composition teacher when I was studying in Barcelona) had a big role on my growth as a composer. I would also like to give a shoutout to James and Gavin (my old classmates from NYU), they recommended and connected me with many of the people I’ve worked and I continue working with.

Website: http://www.jordinus.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordi.nus

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nanoviolinista

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zxT23JimW4Wk1QnLJIT6f https://soundcloud.com/jordi-nus

Image Credits
Alba Navarro