James Elsey

Get to know James

What first inspired you to pursue a career in music production/composition? Was there a specific moment that sparked your passion? 

While studying for a Higher Diploma in Drum Performance at the Academy of Contemporary Music, I wrote and recorded a Metal EP blending Electronica and Orchestral influences. A tutor noted the orchestral parts sounded like film music, which sparked a realization. I switched to the Creative Sound Design course and haven’t looked back since! 

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Where do you draw inspiration when creating music for a project? Do you have a ritual or routine that helps you get into the creative zone? 

I believe creativity thrives within the limitations set when you truly understand the brief; helping focus on the right tools like genre and instrumentation. For each project, I try to introduce a new instrument to avoid relying on presets. On Beyond Hanwell, I used an electro-acoustic instrument to record metallic scrapes and eerie textures, forming the basis of the score. 

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What role has collaboration played in your growth as a composer? Do you have a favorite memory of working with others? 

Working as the sole composer can feel isolating, so good collaboration and communication are essential. Understanding team needs improves my ability to interpret briefs, whether from audio departments with clear instructions or non-musical developers needing guidance. A highlight was collaborating with Saber Interactive Music Director Steve Molitz on Evil Dead: The Game, ensuring my cues fit seamlessly into his wider score. 

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What do you hope audiences feel or take away when they hear your compositions? 

As a media composer, my priority is creating music that serves as a cohesive extension of the project, enhancing character performances, storytelling, and immersive worlds. In video games, this includes crafting interactive experiences that make players feel the music shapes their story. If audiences connect enough to add my soundtrack to their playlists, that’s a wonderful bonus! 

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If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

I’d tell myself to build real connections and friendships early. Success combines talent and luck, but you can create more opportunities for being lucky. The creative industry is full of passionate people behind our favorite games, films, and shows. Meeting them at conferences or expos often reveals shared interests, leading to friendships and rewarding collaborations on fantastic projects.