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

Hi Matthew, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe risk-taking in your life and career is essential in order to reach your next goal. I wouldn’t have been where I am today if it wasn’t for taking risks. I took one of the biggest risks of staying in the states during the pandemic, when all my friends, colleagues and fellow composers went back to their country. As an expat, staying in a foreign country is risk-taking in many ways, however, I don’t regret the risk-taking decision that I made surviving in LA. Life had changed after taking this risk, meeting new industry professionals and also to be given great opportunities from a great mentor, Nathan Wang. Although, I took risks, I also felt that I went with whatever my heart felt right at the time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a Music Composer, there are a lot of things that are constantly moving, and is never the same ride. I started getting into the industry by interning at Christopher Young’s Studio in Culver City. After 2 years of gaining hands on experience, I eventually excelled my career working remotely for Nathan Wang as a Music Editor, during the pandemic.

Throughout my professional time, the biggest learning curve was the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships with directors, producers, film editors, and more. It has always been my priority to find opportunities where I can connect with the team and industry professionals.

My greatest strength that sets me apart is my deep understanding of the diverse cultures in music through my multicultural background and effectively adding emotional music to tell a story. I take the stories and emotions of my real-life encounters and put them into my composition. Like life, music is adventurous, and you never want it to be stagnant.

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.
LA is a great place for experiencing food. I enjoy fine dining as well as great street food. If they want the LA life food, I would take them to Mel’s Drive In, In and Out, Casa Vega, Big Boy’s! LA also has great hiking spots in Malibu with great views! I would also take them to Universal Studios since their tours are absolutely great.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my great mentor Nathan Wang! He has been guiding me through-out my career, understanding the industry so well, he has been supportive and also mentoring me the ins and out of the industry.

The biggest shoutout to my parents in Japan, they’ve been nothing but supportive and always believed in my potential. Another huge shoutout to my sister and brother, who’s been there for me in my career and life. I couldn’t have done it without their amazing help!

Website: https://www.matthewsatomusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsat0/?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sato-321285a5/

Image Credits
Profile Picture by: Lennon Leppert

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