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

Hi Daniel, what is the most important factor behind your success?Three things stick out most to me when I think about what’s behind my success as a film composer.

 

1. Being the one that shows up. I’ve always thought that if you show up for people they will show up for you, but I’ve taken this a step further with my business. Any film or creative project that my composition partner and I take on, we legitimately care about or we don’t agree to do it. When a director or producer hires us to score their film, they’re letting us in on their project that they have put tremendous amounts of thought and time into. So when someone brings us onto their team to compose music for them I take that just as seriously. I look for any edge I can get to understand the film and the mindset of the director more. Sometimes this looks like showing up on set as we did for The Hat Man, or an upcoming feature we’re working on called I Know Exactly How You Die. We did this to see what inspiration we could get from being in the world where the film was shot but also to further our relationships with the crew. It’s a lot easier to communicate with people you know! Other times it’s about watching/re-watching all of the influences that the director has, or even looking for ways you can help that might be outside of your expertise. I’ve had some of my favorite directors ask me about edits, or talk notes on their scripts. When we’ve shown we care, that oftentimes opens up and deepens the collaborative process which only leads to a better film.

2. Creative curiosity / always questioning and having a growth mindset. Someone I respect very much said to me once If you’re not learning, you’re not listening and that’s a piece of advice I’ve really taken to heart. I’m always looking to learn about a genre of music I’m not an expert in, or learn a new VST or mixing trick, or even work on learning a new instrument. I’ve also gotten to a point where I don’t care if I like something or not. More times than I can count, I’ve dismissed music or a film because I didn’t like it only to then wind up loving it months or years later. I’m not perfect but I do my best these days to listen with an open mind and to figure out why something works, or why it makes me feel a certain way. I think that if someone spent their time creating art, there is going to be something there to learn from.

And last but certainly not least, 3. My network. I feel so fortunate and honored to know some of the coolest musicians and creatives in the film world. I learn the most from my friends and people I work with and I’m always looking to grow my circle wider. Networking is not something that comes naturally to me, but I took the exposure therapy approach and just kept doing it, going to festivals and meetups until now I’m organizing my own events as a part of the New York Film Exchange.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As a composer I write a wide variety of music because I have been influenced by starkly contrasting styles which has led to a duality in my voice. I’m still evolving and figuring out how to blend all of the genres and knowledge I’ve latched on to. I try not to think about that too much and just let my ear guide me.

At first I was a maximalist, but over the years I developed a love for minimalism. I also delved into atonal and serial music, (as well as microtonality) but I have a deep love for harmony and tonality. The variety largely stems from my background. I started out as a jazz pianist performing all over New York and doing small tours. I also worked at a church for 15 plus years where I performed meditational music that I composed every week. By the time I got to college my professors blew my world open exposing me to the masterpieces of western concert music. I was also in various indie rock groups where I began to learn more about studio recording and production. On top of all that I also used to play as a sideman for some pop artists as well.

Because of my wandering musical journey I constantly have a bevy of EPs I’m working on. Currently, I have a few indie electronic rock tracks I’m putting together, as well as a modern jazz trio record, and a string quartet plus piano project I’m really excited about. I love working with strings, but also synthesizers and am always looking for ways to satisfy my need to create in both the classic and modern world.

My path to become a composer evolved as I found that my greatest joy came from playing music that I wrote, and then quickly realized I got as much fulfillment from the writing alone. Although my track to being a film composer has been a winding one, I have always been involved in creating music my entire life. It certainly has not been easy, and I still don’t think it is! Being a lifelong student of music I have learned so many lessons that continue to be an inspiration for me. Knowing when to keep your blinders on with your head down working, but also making sure you don’t get lost in your art is a tricky balance. My work life balance has never been super healthy but I’m making improvements on that more and more. One lesson I’ve learned from being a student of the piano is to fall in love with where you are and enjoy the process. Also, It’s easy to hear something and think you know it, but it’s another thing entirely to live it and play it. One thing I’ve learned from being a composer is that I have to be fully committed to the music I’m working on. What I’m always most excited about is that next piece I get to write, or project that I get to collaborate on. In order to beat back the self doubt and inevitable roadblocks that come up, I approach every project like it’s the best piece I’ve ever written.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

My favorite music venues in NYC are:
-Mezzrow/Smalls
-Village Vanguard
-Lincoln Center
-Carnegie Hall
-Rockwood Music hall

I’m a sucker for a good cocktail:
-Little branch
-Mace

Here’s some gems in Jersey City:
-Razza
-The Archer
-Corto

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s really too many people to list here so I’m going to take the easy road and keep it general. I’ve had countless teachers guide me in the world of piano and composition, friends and bandmates I’ve shared the stage with, mentors and even mentees that have influenced me. I’d also like to shout out my composition partner Adam Kromelow. And I have had steadfast support from my family, my parents, brother and wife. I count myself extremely lucky to have the people in my life that I do.

Website: www.danrufolo.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-rufolo-31402b89/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.rufolo

Other: My company: www.younglionaudio.com

Image Credits
Fabiana Skubic Julianne Karr

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