Today, we sat down with Yuval Lavi to talk music writing, advice for musicians and much more!
Interview:
What is your inspiration to write music? Is it your surroundings?
I get a lot of my influence from other forms of art. I like reading books, trying to imagine the scene in my head and fit appropriate music that will support it—the same thing when I walk around a museum. I look at the paintings and sculptures and try to feel what the artist who made that piece felt while making it.
Another thing that inspires me is walking. I enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the wind and birds. The smell of flowers and the beautiful colors surrounds me.
This all helps me feel and imagine the right mood when I watch a scene for the first time, and I need to fit original music to it that will enhance and evoke feelings and support the storyline and environment.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
I listened to a lot of hard rock & metal while growing up. That music wasn’t trendy where I grew up. You couldn’t really find that kind of music broadcasted. I actually almost got fired from my job at the local radio station for playing metal music during rush hour.
I have a prominent place for electronic music along with rock and metal. I always appreciated the complexity in contrast with repetition. It taught me a lot about dynamics and a mixture of organic and analog sounds.
I also listen to contemporary and film composers like Ludovico Einaudi, Evgeny Grinko, and Olafur Arnolds. My new album coming out this month is inspired a lot by those composers. If you are interested in my work, please follow me on social media and website to hear more about the album and other upcoming projects!
One of my heroes and a big inspiration for me is the composer Inon Zur.
In case you haven’t heard of him, he’s one of the world’s most famous video game composers. I’m fortunate to be guided by him and to be able to consult with him when I need to.
If you weren’t a musician, would you be doing today?
I’d probably be a chef. I really enjoy being in the kitchen and making food. My grandfather used to cook for me when I was a kid. It brings back a lot of warm and good memories for me.
What advice do you have for our fans out there that want to create music?
Try to find your voice. That is something that takes years for people to develop, but each one of us has a unique way of creation and an original story to tell. Also, I think it’s important not to compare yourself to others. Each one has its path and progression. Compare your work to YOUR work only.
