Meet Joseph Rusnak | Composer & Music Producer

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

Hi Joseph, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I remember a pivotal point in my mid to late 20s when a band I had dedicated a few years of my life to abruptly called it quits; a pregnancy between two members can do that. The void and loss of a focal point with which to put my creative energy into suddenly appeared in my life forced me to consider how I’d move forward with regards to both my creative impetus and need to find work, or even better yet a career. I remember a conversation with my father in which I had mentioned grad school as a potential way forward, which he swiftly rebuked (let’s just say my undergrad academic performance was a bit uninspired). My father had seen how I had been actively creating music since I had begun learning through different instruments, styles, bands, etc., and had a genuine and seemingly endless passion for doing so. I can’t remember the exact words but he responded something to the affect of “You’ve already been in grad school your whole life”, (it was definitely less corny and a bit more eloquent).

Regardless of the exact words the sentiment was that. I would like to think I would’ve ended up as a working composer anyway but at the time having that type of genuine encouragement from someone who could see my own passion and drive more than I was able to recognize was extremely helpful. I think about that moment quite often as a turning point in my life. I still had lots to learn and understand about this work, and maybe didn’t know exactly how I’d figure into, but I knew I was going to pursue something involving my creative energy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work as a free lance composer, with most of my income coming from royalties from television. Free lance work is difficult for all of the obvious reason; there’s often not a clear path forward. Also what has worked for other relative free lancers might not be right for you, and vice versa. I’ve gotten to where I am through so much trial and error, both in regards to how I consider writing music for it’s specific role, and how I solicit, respond, or communicate with entities representing my work.

As mentioned I have a personal musical project that I put quite a bit of effort into as well. Having that personal outlet has allowed me to indulge in my own musical whims, without the limitations that music for work might present. Keeping them separate has been good for my output. Frequently there is a large degree of overlap between the two but I’m always looking through a different lens with both. Sometimes it’s difficult for creative types to get out of their own way with their work. I’ve become much better at doing so in both a work and fun context through my output as a composer. I’ve also learned not to be so thin skinned with rejection. At first that was more applicable to my work music but now I’d say it applies to both.

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.
My partner Kirsten and I have only been in LA for about ten months, that said we’ve gotten A LOT in, though mostly on the East side. We’ve shown around quite a few guests already and anticipate we’ll being do so quite a bit more as friends and family come out to visit. Nature, food, bar/lounge ambience, and music are going to the focal points for sure. I would settle for a Griffith Park hike but would much prefer a bike ride around the entire park and up and over through the service roads, with obviously the obligatory Observatory stop included. Beach wise I’d opt for Mailbu; Point Dume during super bloom would be an ideal time. An after bike ride happy hour drink and slice of cake at Big Bar on Hillhurst in Los Feliz has occurred with multiple out-of-town guests thus far.

The outside garden vibe feels so distinctly Southern CA (along with All Time and Home also on HillHurst). We’re living right above Thai Town so we’ve been making our way through as much Thai food as we can handle. Northern Thai Food Club has been a favorite. Other food spots we’ve loved and/or taken guests to: Bé Ù Vietnamese, Taco Zone (Mulitas are a must), Full House Seafood in Chinatown, Kogi Korean BBQ, Acai Bowl from Roots and Rye, The Shrimp Lover, of course In-n-Out Burger, I don’t think it’s overrated even in the slightest. I’m sure I’m forgetting lots of places and have yet to try so many as well. This city is incredible for so many types of food. Bar wise we’re liking 4100 Bar, Akbar, Frolic Room, Drawing Room, The Bigfoot Lodge. As for the more music centric bars and venues either, DJ or live, that we’ve frequented we’ve loved: Club Tee Gee, Goldline, Melody Lounge, Silverlake Lounge, Love Song, Grandstar Jazz Club, Zebulon. If the guests were into the late night thing, and hopefully they are, we’d end up at a weekend rave in DTLA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In addition to working as a freelance composer I have a musical passion project, Glo Phase. Record Labels that have supported me though putting my music out have been a huge help. Thus far those have been Stasis Recordings, 100% Silk, and Whiskey Pickle. There are more in the works on that front too.

Website: https://www.josephrusnakmusic.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephrusnakmusic?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Twitter: https://twitter.com/glophase

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

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

Other: https://glophase.bandcamp.com/