Meet Nathania Pasila | Music Composer and Producer

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

Hi Nathania, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a composer and producer, my work life balance changes depending on how many projects I am working. There are times where I have so many projects that I don’t have time to hang out with my friends. However, I try to make a priority list so that way I can do my work efficiently while not burning myself out. Then on the days I don’t have that many projects, I can take more time with my work and enjoy my life a bit more. I’m still trying to figure out if it’s the right work life balance for me, but for now, having a flexible work life balance is working for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The piano was my gateway to music. At the age of three, my mom taught me how to play piano and I instantly fell in love with music. Fortunately, I grew up surrounded by different kinds of music (classical, jazz, and pop) which allows me to become versatile in many different music styles. As time goes by, it became very clear that I want to make music for a living. However, I was actually scared at the same time because it’s very unusual for people to pursue a creative career from where I came from. Thankfully, my family supported my decision and it gave me so much confidence. Right now, I’m finishing up my undergraduate degree at Berklee College of Music in Contemporary Writing and Production and Composition with a minor in Writing for Television and New Media.

It wasn’t easy to get to where I am right now. I used to constantly question myself whether I am good enough to work in the industry. Especially since I’m surrounded by so many talented musicians at Berklee, it’s easy for me to compare myself to others. However, with the help and support of my mentors, teachers, and family, I am able to overcome my challenges and achieve my goals. As I am finishing up my degree, I am excited to start my music career in the industry and get my music out there.

The biggest lesson I learned along the way is that life is a marathon. It’s important to have great time management and pace yourself so you don’t get burnout. I also learned that saying no sometimes is okay. In my early college years, I used to say yes to many different projects and had to spread myself thin. However, I realized that I wasn’t giving 100% of my effort to each project and it didn’t showcase my best skills. Giving all of my efforts and working hard in everything that I do, even in the smallest task, is something I firmly stand on.

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?
I’m currently based in Boston and I love eating out! For me, Yume Ga Arukara’s Spicy Cold Udon is a must-try. Another place I would recommend is Matsunori Handroll Bar. They have amazing spicy tuna and spicy scallop handroll. For desserts, I suggest getting Amorino’s pistachio gelato. They have so many other great flavors, but their pistachio is definitely top-notch. You can’t visit Boston without trying Lobster Roll and James Hook & Co. has amazing hot lobster roll.

For activities, I would take them to Handle Bar, which is a local indoor cycling studio. I always enjoy my workout here because the instructors are super fun and friendly! I also love tufting at Tutuland in Allston. It’s a fun experience and you get to bring home the rug you made yourself. And finally, strolling around the Charles River and chilling at the esplanade is a good way to end the day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the support of my family. They always believe in me, giving me the confidence to face challenges. I am forever grateful for them.

I would also like to give a shoutout to several music teachers I had throughout my life: Vera Soeng, Iswargia Sudarno, Joe Carrier, Alla Cohen, and Dennis Leclaire. Not only did they work closely to help me develop my musicality, but they also taught me important life lessons.

Website: https://www.nathaniajpmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathaniajp/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathania-pasila/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqcvQMO62T1qLMc2EMgpeg

Image Credits
Joan Andrea, Jessica Artha Liora, Gabri A