Episode 59: From Berklee to Blockbusters: Juan Cortés’ Path to Scoring Award-Winning Films

For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.In this episode, we’re joined by Juan Cortés Arango. He is a Colombian composer, orchestrator, and music producer based in Los Angeles, known for blending unconventional sounds with traditional composition to create emotionally resonant scores. He is the composer ofFunny Birds, his second collaboration with directors Marco La Via and Hanna Ladoul, following the 2018 romantic dramaAnywhere With You. With contributions from vocalist Elline and lyricist Adam Brock, Cortés crafted a beautifully authentic score forFunny Birds, drawing inspiration from its multigenerational tale of family and tragedy, showcasing his continued evolution as a storyteller through music.What You’ll LearnIn this episode, Juan Cortés shares his journey from overcoming tendonitis to becoming a successful film composer, the importance of genuine relationships in creative growth, and the value of patience and continuous learning. He discusses how success is an ongoing pursuit of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the need to adapt and evolve over time.Things We Discussed- Juan’s early challenges and pivot from performance to composition- The pivotal role of friendships and mentorship in his career- Insights into film scoring and working with renowned composers- His philosophy on success, growth, and the importance of authenticity- How patience and consistent study shape a fulfilling careerConnect with JuanLinkedInInstagramFacebookWebsiteConnect with Jason TonioliWebsite FacebookYouTube InstagramSpotifyPandoraAmazon MusicApple Music