Meet Owen Nathanael | Film Composer

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

Hi Owen, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to pursue a creative career because there is a personal touch to it. Film scoring in particular is interesting because you get to tell a story that’s not yours and relate to it in a special way. Let’s say I have to tell the story a pregnant mom, meanwhile, I’m only a 20-year-old fresh college graduate. How do I relate to that? How can I tell that story? How can it be personal if I haven’t experienced it? I think that is the challenge of being a film composer. Being able to be sensitive to the world around you, and trying to live a vibrant life to be able to relate to a lot of things, even to the things you have never experienced before. With my music, I hope to transport the audience into the world of the movie. To have an intimate relationship with the story and share empathy towards the characters. I think a great film score is the one that you don’t even realize was there because you’re invested in the story. and yet when you listen to the soundtrack album, it still stands on its own as amazing music.

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.
I really live by my motto. Music maker, sound explorer, storyteller. Different than most artists, I don’t create for myself. I always work with other people, not for my own personal interests but to lift other voices up. Whether it is film or media composing, all the way to arranging and producing for other people. I’ve been actively involved in a lot of charity concerts raising money for children’s heart correction fund all the way to COVID-19 relief. I also recommend anyone to volunteer or join a program that makes the world a better place, from cleaning up the ocean, and reforestation, all the way to fundraising for things that matter to you. I think it gives you a unique perspective about this life and teaches you a lot about being grateful. And if you are an artist, these experiences can help inspire you to create more. For me personally, my biggest work is the podcast “Kuas, Kanvas, dan Bulan Kesepian” (Brush, Canvas, and the Lonely Moon) with Rintik Sedu and Spotify Studios. It went to the top Spotify Asia podcast charts and sent my music to be heard by a lot of people. Amazingly, there are a few people who reach out to me personally telling me how they have a personal relationship with my music. Some used my music to help them with their anxiety, some use my music while sleeping to help them relax, and some use my music as a memory of someone they loved. It’s amazing how even though my music was not made tailored to them, they still find a way to relate and have a personal relationship with my 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?
I think Boston is a beautiful city to visit especially in the Fall. The weather is perfect and the red falling leaves just complimented the beautiful historic brick buildings. Boston Common is a great park to sightsee and just take a stroll and it is a walk away from the famous Beacon Hill, the Old State House, and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. If you like orchestral music as I do, check out the Boston Symphony Orchestra which is the second-oldest of the five major American symphony orchestras. As far as food goes, I recommend any seafood or oyster bars, especially in the North End area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think I want to shout out to all artists around the world that keep creating during these hard times. These artists really keep the world moving. Providing us with entertainment and inspiration. To all artists, keep on creating, keep on telling your story, keep on inspiring others and empowering others!

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/owenathanael

Image Credits
Krishna Dinata Pinxi Lu Hannah Kwon Dava Giustizia