Meet Josué Vera | Composer for Film & Multimedia

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

Hi Josué, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This is very much an individual decision, and one that depends on a lot of aspects like circumstance, support groups, and relationships. I personally try to make choices that give me peace. Sometimes it’s charging forward, sometimes it’s changing perspectives, and other times it’s choosing a new destination to walk towards. A few years ago, Puerto Rico was struck by a hurricane that wrecked our infrastructure. A lot of my time in the aftermath was spent living day by day, planning things and helping out so as to have enough supplies. Since then I try to live like that, one step in front of the other. Though I still make plans for the future, I’m fulfilled as long as I’m doing what I enjoy and as long as it nourishes the people around me.

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.
My fascination with film music and music for multimedia stems from my passion for storytelling. I have always tried to create stories with the tools around me: whether it was books at the library, movies and video games, or my own imagination. I would eventually create little journeys with music, as if I were doodling. This passion for creating has only surged as I’ve been given more tools and foundational knowledge for building my own stories with music.

I read this book once called The Storytelling Animal, in which it explained how storytelling is central to our existance. We’ve told stories since the beginning of our times, from the very first humans. That’s certainly been true throughout my life. My grandma would sermon me with cautionary tales, and my school friends gossiped about who did what. My mentors would share their life experience with me to help give insight into a problem, and some history books I read would teach me about how people from years ago thought. Stories are a tool we use to communicate, to see the world through other eyes, to experience events and emotions that you normally wouldn’t be able to. They open this amazing doorway for empathy that helps us be, well, people! In my music, I strive to help ease the journey through that doorway.

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 would definitely take them to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA! I’m still blown away every time I visit and haven’t gotten tired of it. Then we could go biking through Central Park and stop by the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. There’s a bunch of great picnic spots in the area!

I’d also love to take them to somewhere really tall, maybe the top of the Empire State Building. Skyscrapers are not common back home so I’m still amazed by their reach. Afterwards we can go to a Broadway Show or a Comedy Club.

At some point, I’d also love to take them to Max Brenner NYC for a chocolate filled meal. We’ll probably be sick of chocolate when we’re done, but it’ll be worth it! There are also some cafes that are delightful and are a great place to just sit, chat and rest.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my family for their unyielding support and council. They’ve encouraged me from the start and are always looking for ways to help. Especially my grandparents, who consistently took me to my music classes when I was young. It’s thanks to them that I am where I am.

I’m also grateful for my professors and mentors that have guided my path in both music and life. They’ve given me a great foundation on which I continue to build upon. As they say, “I’m standing on the shoulder of giants.”

Lastly, my warmest thanks to all my friends and colleagues that share this journey together with me. It’s less lonely of a walk with their company and fellowship.

Website: www.josueveramusic.com

Instagram: @josueveramusic

Image Credits
Marsepia Photo & Films