We had the good fortune of connecting with Lidia Pozo Pérez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lidia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe that making decisions that involve a certain level of risk forces you to step out of your comfort zone. And, for me, that’s always a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a very cautious person, and sometimes even a bit of a scaredy-cat, but I think that sometimes you have to take chances, make decisions, and move forward with the consequences, whether they are good or bad. As the saying goes, “you don’t risk, you don’t win.” As for my decisions, the riskiest one I’ve taken recently has led me to be here today, in Los Angeles. A month ago, I completed my master’s studies in Spain and decided, after living there all my life, to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles to continue working and pursue my dream of becoming a film music composer right at the pinnacle of the film industry, Hollywood. And so far, I can’t say that I’ve regretted it. On the contrary, I’m very grateful for having taken that risk, and hopefully, in the future, it will have been worth it!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m from Spain, and I’ve been studying music for as long as I can remember, but to be more specific, since I was 8 years old. I studied the flute for 10 years, and during those years, gradually, I began to get involved in the world of composition. At the age of 15, I composed my first soundtrack, without even knowing what a DAW was!; I just composed with my piano. Years later, during the pandemic, I began self-learning the technology involved in film scoring because it became evident to me that it was my true passion. And after experiencing one of the most traumatic events in my life, I decided it was time to start pursuing my dream: to be a film music composer. I could spend hours and hours composing and learning to use different plugins and libraries.

In 2022, I finally applied to NYU and Berklee College of Music to further my knowledge and enhance my primarily technological skills. I was admitted and received scholarships from both universities, something I had never imagined. So, thanks to those scholarships and additional financial support I obtained from awards and competitions, I commenced my studies at Berklee College of Music, at the Valencia campus in Spain.

Until now, I had never lived outside my country, Spain. I studied all my education there, my bachelor’s degree in classical composition, and my degree in psychology, including Berklee College of Music’s master’s program, which, coincidentally, was offered in Spain. However, I had dreamed of going to the United States since I was a child. As you can imagine, for a music enthusiast aspiring to be a film music composer, the ultimate dream would be to go to the United States and experience Hollywood. Who wouldn’t dream of that? Therefore, a few months ago, I embarked on the journey to fulfill that dream. I started looking for opportunities in the United States for someone like me, someone with numerous dreams to fulfill but apprehensive about leaving her family behind. Someone passionate about music but still in the process of learning and working to learn something new every day.

Right after completing my studies, I was hired as an intern at MusicBox (North Hollywood, LA), the studio of acclaimed composer Jeff Russo, who has composed the soundtracks for multiple Netflix productions like Umbrella Academy, Fargo, Warrior Nun, Lucifer, among many others. It hasn’t been easy, and it probably won’t be easy in the future either. But for now, I can proudly say that I have fulfilled the dream of that young Spanish girl who aspired to live in Hollywood.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Surprisingly, I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the city yet. Can you believe it? I’ve been incredibly busy dealing with all the paperwork and adjustments required for the move to this new country (although I’ve heard Santa Monica is fantastic!). But, you know what? How about I tell you a bit about one of my favorite cities in Spain, Sevilla? If you ever find yourself in Sevilla, you simply must explore the Alcazar. Did you know that many Game of Thrones episodes and scenes from Star Wars were filmed there? The Alcazar is a palace with strong Arabic influences and vast gardens. In the vicinity, you can discover charming bars and restaurants offering delicious food at surprisingly affordable prices (that’s one of the great things about Sevilla – the food!). Sevilla Cathedral is another must-visit, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that even served as a backdrop in the Assassin’s Creed video game. If you happen to visit, be sure not to leave without dining at one of the quaint taverns situated along Avenida Archivo de Indias. So, should you be interested, I’d be delighted to act as your tour guide!

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?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout especially to my family, my parents, and my sister, Sara. They have been unwavering support in everything I have done so far. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the sacrifices they have made for me over all these years. My friends have also been an immense source of support since the very beginning of my career, especially Pablo, Alicia, Raquel, and Cristina. And finally, my current partner, Matt, with whom I grow every day and with whom I discover how to navigate in this world. Thanks to all of you who support me day in and day out.

Website: lidiapozomusic.com/english

Instagram: @Lidiapozo13

Linkedin: Lidia Pozo Pérez

Facebook: Lidia Pozo Pérez

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwJetIQPOsXs8C8sjhye2iQ

Other: E-mail: lidiapozoperez@gmail.com

Image Credits
Eduardo Viñas & Aida Redzepagic

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