Meet the Finalist: Daniel Angelus, "The Lights of Dawn"

What inspired you to become a musical composer?

I got into the music industry to apply my personal traumas and emotion to my own projects and that of films. It has been a form of therapy for me for over 15 years now. It is a magical way of processing my own difficult experiences. When I was approached by film makers to produce music for their films, I had to explain that I tend to create very emotive music and I tend to not give it to creators of films unless I really feel it has the hallmarks of the emotion I am experiencing when writing and recording the music. It has to flow in a deep way. Some soundtracks are more difficult than others, but the films story and how I connect with it is a key player in the quality and emotion you feel in the music I create for it.

What's is your all time favorite film? Why is it special to you?

Forrest Gump. I have autism and grew up as a child in a very unsupportive environment. I really connected the character of Forrest Gump and how beautiful he is as a person and his belief in others. It is something I experience a lot in my own life and rarely has a character who is neurodivergent embodied my spirit quite as well as that of Mr Gump. A beautiful film and a beautiful score.

What tips would you give aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their careers?

I would say don't listen to my tips or advice. Do things your way. Create through your eyes and experiences. Feel what you do and just create, if you have the means to. Wether people connect or not with your work should matter less than what YOU get out of it. I have done music that people have laughed at and said was rubbish. I have also created music that people have really felt connected and emotionally involved with. The latter is the beautiful and accidental gift of the right time, the right sound, the right people. So just go out and create in a manner and way that you feel is right for the art you are crafting. Don't be afraid. And people will discover your works if you get it out there, and they shall decide for themselves how they feel about your works. Be bold. Be you. Be good to yourself.

Follow the artist on social media:

X/Twitter: @dreampopdaniel

Instagram: @dreampopdaniel

Facebook: /DanielAngelus1