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

Hi Michael, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I feel that, in order to be successful, one of the most important habits to have is to constantly ask yourself – “am I being effective?”.

As humans, the most valuable resource we have is time. To get the most out of yourself – and the most out of life – it is important to check and see where you can simplify and round out edges in your life, and reduce time wasted.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a composer for media, my primary focus lies with animation and games, which I feel provide the most astounding canvas for artistic expression in every form! These mediums allow every person the opportunity to partake in some escapism, and free them from the worries of their daily lives, even if just for 20 minutes or so. As a composer, my goals are always twofold: one, to satisfy my own need for artistic expression; and two, to amplify these experiences, and help whisk the listener away to another place, time, or universe.

I entered film and media as a complete outsider, teaching myself directly via textbooks, comprehensive online courses, and practical experience. Eventually, I was accepted to the Masters in Screen Scoring program at USC, where I study currently. I look forward to many more years of writing music!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a newcomer to LA during quarantine, I haven’t been to many places or seen many things, but in normal times, here’s what I would do with my best friend!

The first day, we would relax, walk downtown, grab some brunch, play video games – they need to rest after their travels!

The next few days, I would take them to art exhibits such as LACMA (a classic!), the Corey Helford Gallery, etc.; I would take them to some of my favorite restaurants, such as Le Grand and/or Afuri; and I would try to take them to a recording session or two if possible!

The last few days would be a wind-down. I would take them to the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, and perhaps go on a short hike along one of the many beautiful nearby trails!

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 want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom! Without her unrelenting love and support, I would never have made it to where I am today.

Website: www.michaelpatricksutherland.com

Instagram: michael_sutherland_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sutherland-03895b106

Twitter: @MSutherlandComp

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCXAmBNw0aYZivvjxMlF1Wuw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.