Meet Ted Reyes | Composer, writer, visual artist, and an entertainment industry executive

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

Hi Ted, what makes you happy? Why?
Being in the moment. I think it’s important to live and absorb what’s actually happening in front of you because life only happens there –not in the past or the future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a composer-musician, but I also do work as a visual artist/illustrator, and writer. Outside of my work as an artist, professionally, I am the editorial director of APM Music, the world’s premier production music company based in Hollywood. I oversee all the content that is published on the company’s website.

My songs have been placed in various TV shows like Seal Team 6 on CBS, Netflix’s That 90s Show, and most recently, a critically acclaimed Russian film called Snegir (Three Minutes of Silence). As a visual artist, I have illustrated digital art that has been selling out on various platforms like TuneGo.

The path to where I am now in my career was challenging, to say the least. I started building a career during three of the most difficult periods in American history: 9/11, The Great Crash of 2008, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single one of these posed various difficulties.

One of the most important things that I’ve learned during challenging times is to never burn bridges. Build them instead. it’s very easy to succumb to anger when people mistreat you. But taking the less traveled path of compassion and understanding leads to a healthier state of mind.

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.
Little Tokyo – So much action and authentic Japanese food and culture here. We lived in Tokyo for a while before moving to LA, and we were impressed by this little neighborhood at the heart of DTLA. Must-try food items: Ramen at Rakkan, Andagi doughnuts at Yamazaki, everything at Chinchikurin, Halo Halo at Cafe 86, and any hot takeout meal at Marukai or Nijiya.

Thai Town – We also lived in Bangkok during our nomadic period from 2021-2023, so we know a bit about Thai food and culture. Thai Town in Hollywood, while more expensive, will truly give you a taste of Thailand. You cannot go wrong here.

Koreatown – We thought Ktown in NYC was the real deal until we went to Koreatown in LA. It’s like a whole city compared to tiny 32nd Street in NYC. This is also like Thai Town. You can put on a blindfold, walk at a random restaurant, and you will get top-notch, authentic Korean fare.

Pasadena – This place has the perfect blend of small-town charm and natural wonders. The view of nearby hills and mountains is spellbinding. Our favorite spot? Vallarta Supermarkets.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That would be my wife Sheryl.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-reyes

Image Credits
Sheryl Reyes