Meet Marco A. Mata | Music Producer and Film Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marco A. Mata and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marco A., why did you pursue a creative career?
At the age of 12, my curiosity led me to explore the world of music production, inspired by my favorite EDM artists. Watching videos and researching the craft, I decided to invest in my first music production software. As the years passed, my passion for music deepened, prompting me to make a life-altering decision to dedicate myself to this art form.

Leaving my home country, Costa Rica, I ventured to the United States to broaden my musical knowledge. After a year of intensive study, I discovered my passion for composing music for films. This newfound avenue allowed me to express emotions and tell stories through my compositions, fulfilling my initial desire to share feelings through music.

Composing for films became the perfect intersection of my love for music and storytelling. This journey has been transformative, from the early days of exploring EDM to finding my niche in film composition. As I continue to evolve as a musician, I’m excited about the endless possibilities that music offers.

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.
When I embarked on my music production and composition journey five years ago, music became my canvas for expressing the stories brewing in my mind. Every composition I craft carries with it an essence of love and passion. Personally, I find the most profound way to convey emotions is through melodies and harmonies, enabling me to create compositions that amplify the emotional nuances of visual storytelling.

Despite being in the early stages of my career, my approach to music composition has allowed me to collaborate with diverse filmmakers and achieve my initial milestones as a composer. In my first 12 months of composing for films, I was fortunate to receive my first award. The score I composed for the short film “Forest of Fools” was honored as the Best Music at the OIF Orlando Legend Challenge 2023. Additionally, I contributed the music for “Hemlock,” nominated for Best Short Film at the Orlando Film Festival.

The journey to becoming the musician I am today has taken me through various phases. I started by creating small songs for enjoyment, progressed to producing music for clients, and eventually found my niche in composing for films. This journey was no easy feat; it required me to leave my country, family, and friends to chase my goals. Rebuilding my life introduced me to people from around the world, providing invaluable insights into different cultures that I’ve since incorporated into my musical knowledge.

Throughout my years as a musician, I’ve amassed a wealth of skills. Understanding clients, collaborating effectively with fellow musicians, and, most importantly, translating clients’ ideas into music have been pivotal lessons. As I continue to work in the field I love, each day offers new opportunities to learn new techniques, connect with new people, and grow both personally and as a musician.

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.
Orlando is a well-known destination, celebrated for its array of fantastic places to visit. I highly recommend exploring the theme parks; it’s always an exceptional experience, especially for first-time visitors! As for dining, I have a particular fondness for a place called Greenbeat. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a healthy lifestyle or simply enjoy indulging in salads and bowls. The salads at this establishment are not only delicious, but the smoothies are also a must-try. Personally, I recommend the Lazy Mango smoothie.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with remarkable individuals who have profoundly influenced my journey as a musician. I extend my sincere gratitude to Laura Ballesteros, the director of the short film “The Big Chop,” for placing her trust in me to compose the score for her film, even though it was my first venture into film scoring. Her confidence in me was a pivotal moment in my career.

I am equally thankful to Asif Khan for his guidance and mentorship, providing valuable insights into the workings of the film industry. His teachings and introductions to key figures in the industry have been instrumental in shaping my understanding and expanding my network.

Last but certainly not least, I express my deepest appreciation to my parents for their unwavering support throughout my musical journey. Their encouragement and motivation have been my pillars, propelling me forward and inspiring me to pursue my dreams.

To Laura, Asif, my parents, and all the friends I’ve made during the way, I am profoundly grateful for the roles you have played in my musical odyssey. Your belief in me has been a driving force, and I am truly fortunate to have such incredible individuals as part of my journey.

Website: https://marcomatamusic.wixsite.com/portfolio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcoamata_?igsh=MWk1enoxMmNybmhpMA==

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/marco-antonio-mata-sanchez-9aab7322b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090864864346&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fWt31ScFNUBlt2U8NLfBW?si=oOx2qTF1Sq60ZynGmaLv3Q