Behind The Scenes
Interview with composer Rahul Shah
Rahul Shah is a Canadian composer for Film, Television and Multimedia from Toronto, Canada. His sound has often been described as classical/orchestral crossover with world elements. He has written music for projects distributed on Netflix, Amazon, PBS, BBC, ITV, Discovery and worked on advertisements.
Rahul is a multi-instrumentalist that has composed for different mediums and worked with/conducted orchestra musicians on his scores. Currently, Rahul is attending the Berklee College of Music Masters program in Scoring for Film Television and Video Games.
He feels fortunate to continue working in the industry and learn from many amazing professionals. After graduation, he aspires to work with acclaimed composers and continue scoring films.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
Before I discovered the craft of Film Scoring during my undergraduate years in Composition, I was a curious musician. I studied the composition, production, orchestration, and arrangements of music in the classical repertoire, film scores, concert, pop, jazz, and world music.
This helped me to develop an appetite for different instrumental palettes and their functions. I discovered that I loved the craft of scoring for the film when I got my first project. That was the moment I fell in love with scoring to picture. I cannot imagine not being able to score for media or compose and I absolutely love what I do. My passion for film has helped me communicate with directors, producers, and editors on a project.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
Right now I’m juggling a few different projects but the important thing to note is every project is a different adventure. There’s a story to tell, characters, events and individual storylines unique to each component of a project.
It’s vital to a story and the art of storytelling to remember the function of a score is to serve and enhance the picture. My process for composing can differ because ideas and inspiration can be sparked from anything around me. I am aware that I need to be open to almost any possibility to continue to inspire my creativity.
What are your plans for the near future?
I am thankful to be working in the industry and look forward to continue collaborating with many directors, producers, and creatives who inspire me with their work.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
My parents, sister, family, friends, and colleagues I’ve met along the way are a big part of my story as a composer and musician. I am lucky to have had a lot of great mentors and teachers who are amazing industry professionals that teach me new things every day.
Anybody who has supported me during performances played in orchestras for my pieces, taught me, written about me or touched my life in any way are all part of my process and I’m thankful to them.
How can fans find you?
I can be reached on these platforms:
Website: www.rahulshahmusic.com
IMDb: www.imdb.me/rahulshah
Facebook: @rahulshahmx
Instagram: @rahulshahmusic
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
My suggestions for other composers like myself are to just commit yourself to your craft, don’t expect overnight results and try to have short and long term goals. As many people say, Networking is also a huge part of our business.
One thing my parents told me growing up is to always have a sense of curiosity, stay humble and stressed the importance of a strong work ethic. The mindset of not giving up is also another important part for composers and I’d tell them to expect and learn to handle rejection. It can be hard but ultimately you will learn and improve which contributes towards life-long learning.
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