Meet Oscar Pan | Composer for the Screen and Concert Stage

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

Hi Oscar, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are crucial for growth. Composing music and creating any form of art constantly involve trials and errors, and each time a risk and creative challenge is taken, whether it’s small or big, it represents a step toward progress. Over the years, my music has taken on various forms, and each shift required me to step out of my comfort zone. For example, when I delved into atonal music for the first time, I had to let go of the traditional rules and structures I was used to. And when I started incorporating electronic elements alongside acoustic sounds, I had to teach myself a lot about music technology and sound design.

Risk-taking isn’t limited to musical styles; it extends to embracing diverse projects that present unique challenges. For instance, when I composed music for a Moroccan documentary, I had to deeply engage with the cultural heritage and the sounds that surrounded the subject matter. Similarly, when I took on a horror film, a significant departure from my typical work in dramas and documentaries, I had to venture into an entirely new sonic landscape. When I was asked to compose 23 minutes of music for a poetic film being exhibited in a museum within two weeks, I said yes and pushed myself to get those creative juices flowing in a short amount of time…

I have no regrets, only gratitude for these risks and challenges. Each turn in my musical journey has been a remarkable learning opportunity, shaping me into the open-minded and versatile artist I aspired to become. Of course, risks also contribute to personal growth beyond our roles as artists. The life experiences we accumulate invariably will also feed back into our creative work. I see risks as valuable life lessons. In reality, you really don’t lose anything from them, and they’re worth the time and energy invested, even when they may not seem so in the moment. So, my advice is to simply say yes without fear!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my musical journey at age 3 when I started learning the piano. It quickly became a significant part of my life, allowing me to express myself and create my first compositions. However, it wasn’t until high school, during a Christmas rewatch of “The Chronicles of Narnia,” that I discovered my passion for film scoring. The film’s nostalgic story and Harry Gregson-Williams’ mesmerizing score deeply moved me and ignited my desire to blend my early love for music with storytelling.

After high school, I got accepted into New York University for music composition and film scoring, and that’s where my journey really took off. In 2019, I had this incredible opportunity to study composition with Michel Merlet in Paris and explore electroacoustic music at IRCAM. Then, after finishing my undergrad at NYU, I wanted to dive even deeper into the practical side of the industry, so I decided to pursue my MFA in screen scoring at Columbia College in Chicago. That program allowed me to bring one of my compositions, “amazonia: hoja de mal aire,” to life with a 70-piece orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther and mixed by Dennis Sands. That moment in the recording booth will stay with me forever. And after graduation, I had the honor of working alongside Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Abels in LA, whose passion for music and storytelling has been incredibly inspiring.

Looking back, I’ve definitely had my fair share of challenges. Growing up in Guangzhou, China, my education was heavily math and science-focused, so when I told my parents I wanted to study music in college, they strongly opposed it. Convincing them was tough, and even after I got into the music program, I realized I had nearly zero background in composition or music theory. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but thankfully, I had some amazing peers and teachers who helped me find my musical footing and build my confidence.

As I honed my compositional skills, my immediate challenge was securing a sustainable income, just as my parents had feared. The film music industry is extremely competitive, and I took on numerous low-paying and sometimes unpaid gigs and internships. But slowly, my reputation started to grow by word of mouth, and now I’m a full-time freelancer in LA, working on different projects and trying to bring directors’ visions to life.

One of the toughest challenges was finding my own artistic voice. There was a point where I felt like I was just churning out music without any real personal touch. I hit a creative wall and took a step back. I traveled, focused on my own music album instead of scoring projects, and really immersed myself in each project I took on to bring my unique style to the table. It’s easy to get stuck in a routine, and it’s essential to periodically step away from it to find fresh inspiration and originality.

I see myself as a storyteller in the world of film composition. My unique life experiences and background, as a Chinese gay composer with a passion for travel and the arts, shape the way I approach storytelling. I aim to enrich stories that resonate with my personal journey, reflecting my values and contributing positively to the world. One project that exemplifies this is “Sonnet Crown for NYC,” a documentary by Cindy Tran in which the scripts were poems based on interviews with diverse local business owners conducted during the COVID pandemic. Drawing from my cultural background and experiences with pandemic-related discrimination, I composed a score that complemented the film’s narrative, and it received recognition and awards after premiering at The Shed NYC in 2021.

Afterward, I continued my journey as a socially conscious storyteller by collaborating on “I Am Illegal,” a documentary shedding light on the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in Morocco. I worked closely with the director to create a score that intensified the viewer’s discomfort, featuring intense, ritualistic, and edgy electronic elements. The film premiered at the Outfest LA Film Festival in July 2023.

Currently based in LA, I’m dedicated to impactful projects, such as “The Space Between,” a touching documentary about my friend’s journey to reconnect with his family, and “Cut Your Wings and Fly,” an experimental dance film addressing domestic violence and sexual abuse. Alongside film work, I’m producing my own album, exploring my voice, identity, and worldview through pieces dedicated to places I’ve visited or lived. I’m looking forward to discovering where the next chapter of my musical journey leads, especially as I collaborate with fellow musicians and directors who share my creative vision and social consciousness.

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 a big fan of outdoor activities, so I’d definitely introduce them to the scenic and natural side of the city. I would take them on one of my favorite hikes – the Los Leones Trail near Malibu. What’s great about that trail is that it’s right above the Pacific Ocean, so the view while hiking through the clouds and overlooking the ocean, which seems to touch the sky, is just breathtaking. After the hike, we could head directly down to the sunset beach and bask in the sun while listening to the waves. If they’re feeling a bit more adventurous, we could also drive all the way to Joshua Tree National Park and stay there for a night to watch the stars. It’s one of my favorite national parks in the entire country because of how mystical and wild the place feels.

As for places to eat, I’ve recently adopted a vegetarian diet, so I’ve discovered a lot of great vegetarian spots in the city. One of my favorite places to eat is Cafe Gratitude, which is right near my neighborhood. The food is plant-based and scrumptious, but what’s unique is that all the dishes have names that provide encouragement and a boost of self-love for the day. It’s a cleansing experience every time I walk out of that restaurant.

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 owe my accomplishments to many people, but first and foremost are my parents. They raised and supported me through all the hardships of growing up and choosing this career. My father used to work on ships involved in international trade, so he got to experience many places around the world well before I was born. What’s really special is that we bonded over our yearly trips to new places. He instilled in me a love for trying new things and keeping an open mind. I wouldn’t be who I am today, taking on projects that reflect these values, without his influence. My mother taught me hard work and tenacity, and one can’t succeed in any endeavor, especially a field as competitive as film scoring, without it. I’ve heard the stories of how my mom stepped up financially from all the various labor roles she’d taken along the way. Her determination to overcome challenges will always inspire me.

I’m also incredibly grateful for all the teachers who’ve played a significant role in my musical journey. First and foremost is Mrs. Hutson, my high school music teacher. We quickly became more than just a teacher and student; we became friends united by our passion for music. It was Mrs. Laura Hutson who encouraged me to pursue a music composition major in college, even though I’d never had formal composition lessons before. She went above and beyond, offering extra help with music theory after school and even chaperoning me to state choir competitions, like a caring mother. I can’t emphasize enough how crucial she was in helping me embark on my music composition journey. After I was accepted at New York University, John Kaefer, my private teacher, became like a father figure to me during my three years of studying with him. I didn’t know much about music composition when I started, but he encouraged me to believe in my writing and my way of expressing myself through music. He also introduced me to various musical styles, which played a crucial role in shaping my musical voice. Lastly, I wouldn’t have made it to LA and had the opportunity to work for one of my favorite composers, Michael Abels, without Kubilay Uner, the director of our screen scoring program at Columbia College Chicago. He’s a tireless educator who generously shares his knowledge and resources to help us succeed in our field. He has also taught us perseverance and many other life lessons, which are essential as I start this new chapter in LA.

Last but not least, I’m grateful for my peers from my music programs, as well as any directors and artists I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I’ve learned so much from my peers, and my perspective on music is continually challenged by the diverse voices and talents showcased in their works. Without them, my music and my understanding of this art form would never have grown. I also owe my accomplishments to creatives and artists who have crossed paths with me on projects. I consider myself lucky and honored to share the artistic side of myself to complement their visions and stories. Their narratives also provide new insights into my worldviews and my artistry. The lifelong connections and relationships with these people will always hold a special place in my heart.

Website: www.zhioscarpan.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhioscarpan/

Other: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/zhioscarpan IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10894485/