Emerging Film Composer.

What is your background?

When I was a child, a family friend was throwing out an old piano and my parents took the chance to get that and have it at home. I was only 3 years old, but I was fascinated by this weird piece of furniture that made loud sounds when I hit it with my hands. In fact, I was so fascinated, when I was 4 years old, my parents arranged piano lessons for me and I loved it. The only downside to that, was that I would wake up at 6am every morning before school and practice my piano very loudly! But on occasions I would also make them breakfast, so it wasn’t all bad.

During my teenage years I took all the Royal School of Music exams for pianoforte and some for clarinet. I enjoyed competing in music festivals and listening to opera with my mum. So music has always been a part of my life since an early age, and despite simultaneously working in the energy and commodity markets, I have been able to keep the music going. Over the past 4 years especially, I have been able to publish many albums and singles in many different genres.

Tom practicing in his studio in Singapore.

Why did you choose Film Composition?

At an early age I was influenced by Vangelis and Jean Michelle Jaare musical composers, and related well to music with a specific theme and mood. I had the opportunity as a teenager to compose some backing music to a school musical production, and after that, I was completely hooked. Now later in life, I also compose pop, rock, techno, and a variety of other genres, so I can flexible for the demands of any director or producer.

These days, I am very keen to support indie film producers and female filmmakers who need intro music or closing music for their films. I love making music for film and am excited to support new, up-and-coming talent in the film industry.

Do you think there could be more female composers?

I think there are many great female composers waiting to be discovered. For many years I did not publish or record my work, but finally I just took the leap and did it. I think it is very hard for any artist, whether an author or painter or sculptor or musician, to be able to critique their own work. Often artists, myself included, are too hard on themselves and are never satisfied with their work. They always feel it could have been better and they always focus on the faults in their work, as opposed to the strengths. I realised that it is not for me to judge my own work; it is for others to appreciate. I encourage all artists to just do it - just create. Do not fear what others may think or say about your work. There will always be people out there who appreciate your work and relate to it. Plus, with digital publishing via iTunes, Spotify, and the like, any musician can reach the world in an instant.

In your dreams, where would you like to see your music featured?

I just love writing music - any genre, any film. It would be an extreme honour to work with directors like Ridley Scott and James Cameron on an epic sci-fi drama movie with a massive orchestral background. That would be a dream.

You can find Tom’s music here:

All major digital music platforms, including: iTunes, Spotify, Shazam and Amazon under the name Tom G James.

iTunes link: click here