May I Present…Kenny Wood
December 21, 2012
“If you know deep in your heart that you have what it takes to go far as a musician, then don’t let anything stop you. With patience, determination, and a little bit of a business sense, you will get there. Above all, you just got to be yourself and be the best at whatever it is that represents you. When people see that, they’ll flock to you because you inspire them by simply believing in yourself.”- Kenny Wood
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present one of the finest composers to watch for in 2013. He was the conductor for the 2009 Academy Award nominated animated short Oktapodi and has been lauded for his virtuoso musicianship. His compositions create an atmospheric cloud where musical notes galvanize the emotions and act as a vital counterpart to any moving picture.
Mr. Wood’s compositions in film, TV, Web and Video Games have been premiered around the world at many renown film festivals. With a bewildering work ethic and commitment to making a difference through music, it is clear that when we look back at the history books, Mr. Wood’s name will surely be in line with the highest acclaimed composers in film like Thomas Newman, Alexandre Desplat, Mychael Danna, Dario Marianelli, John Williams, Rachel Portman , Philip Glass, and Danny Elfman.
So, without further ado may I present, an emotional defibrillator to Film, TV, Web & Video Games, Composer,
Kenny Wood
MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS:
Where are you from?
Los Angeles, CA
When you were little what did you want to be?
A pro athlete, though when I realized that may not pan out, I knew I could not be happy being anything else, but a musician.
Do you have a score that moves you the most?
Danny Elfman’s score to “Batman” (1989)
What score was the most fun to work on?
One of my earliest projects, “Jungle Gym” (2006)
What’s the latest project you are working on?
A hilarious web series comedy, “Research.” that is destined to become a hit TV series
What are three words you think of in conjunction with music:
1: harmony 2: sophistication 3: joy
What inspires you or initiates the inspiration that drives you? Do you have a process?
When I’m collaborating on a song or film score, the main thing that inspires me is seeing a high level of passion, dedication, and quality from my collaborators. When I see a film that just looks amazing, the musical ideas come flowing in instantly. Same for songs, if the lyric or initial inspiration is great, my instincts take over from there. On the other hand, when I write music for myself, the inspiration comes from my life experiences, the people I know, the world as I’ve seen it, both in good times and in bad.
What has been your most recent muse?
For the last couple weeks, I’ve been listening to the score from Dreamworks’ “How to Train Your Dragon,” by John Powell. I love the work of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, but I felt the Oscar for best score that year should have gone to John for his tremendous work on that score.
My favorite three past times are:
1: exploring culinary delights with my girlfriend of 6 years 2: jamming to music with friends 3: Watching Lakers basketball
Favorite word:
“Yes”
Favorite thing in nature:
Spiderwebs
One of your favorite movies:
“Monsters Inc.”
One of your favorite musicians:
Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek, whom I’ve had the pleasure of jamming with on a few occasions.
Favorite place to create music:
Wherever I am when an idea pops into my head.
Favorite smell:
Southern BBQ
Favorite sound:
Stadium crowd cheering (for your team)
Was there a time you felt like you were not going to be able to make a living off of being a musician? What would you advice to others about pursuing their dreams based upon how you were able to manifest yours.
To this day, I have spats where I feel I may not make it as a musician… it goes with the territory. The best advice I have to up-and-comers is to know that you guys are not alone when the feeling of failure comes along. If you know deep in your heart that you have what it takes to go far as a musician, then don’t let anything stop you. With patience, determination, and a little bit of a business sense, you will get there. Above all, you just got to be yourself and be the best at whatever it is that represents you. When people see that, they’ll flock to you because you inspire them by simply believing in yourself.
Who/What inspires or moves you?
I’m inspired most by art, film, or anything in the world that’s done well. The great masters like Da Vinci, Beethoven, Thomas Edison, etc. devoted their entire lives to making their contributions to society second to none as well as make them something the entire world can appreciate for generations to come.
What’s one of your favorite quotes?
“No matter what, you just got to strut.” from “The Nutty Professor”
KENNY WOOD’s compositions:
