Interview With Delu Duan
Immortal Mind
Talented composer, sound designer, and songwriter about his place in cinema
Tell us a bit more about yourself. How long you have been writing music, and when did you start composing films?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
Hi! Thank you for having me. My name is Delu Duan, and I'm a composer and sound designer. My journey into the world of music began at the age of six when I started learning the cello. I dedicated a decade to perfecting my cello skills, all the while delving into music theory and performing in orchestras. As a young child, I didn't have a clear vision of what I’m doing, but as I grew older, I found a deep passion for what I was doing.
My formal education in music and sound design for media started when I pursued a degree in recording arts with a concentration in sound design during my undergraduate years. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to share a dorm with game design students. This chance encounter led to my first experience composing and designing sound for their games. This marked the beginning of my focus on composition and sound design for various media platforms.
I then moved to New York City to pursue a master's degree at New York University, specializing in music theory and composition with a focus on scoring for film and multimedia. During my time at NYU, I had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented artists and even had the opportunity to work with a full orchestra to record my compositions.
After completing my studies at NYU, I took the leap and established my own company, Icing Media. It's been seven years since I first got involved in media music and sound design, and I've had the honor of working on various projects and supporting talented artist to tell their story.
My formal education in music and sound design for media started when I pursued a degree in recording arts with a concentration in sound design during my undergraduate years. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to share a dorm with game design students. This chance encounter led to my first experience composing and designing sound for their games. This marked the beginning of my focus on composition and sound design for various media platforms.
I then moved to New York City to pursue a master's degree at New York University, specializing in music theory and composition with a focus on scoring for film and multimedia. During my time at NYU, I had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented artists and even had the opportunity to work with a full orchestra to record my compositions.
After completing my studies at NYU, I took the leap and established my own company, Icing Media. It's been seven years since I first got involved in media music and sound design, and I've had the honor of working on various projects and supporting talented artist to tell their story.
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
To Notice
Delu Duan is an acclaimed sound designer and skilled composer based in the vibrant metropolis of New York City. Throughout 2022-2023, Delu played an instrumental role in catapulting numerous artists to success, securing over 30 festival selections and prestigious awards. His exceptional sound design work was notably featured in the Netflix-sponsored film, "Sunflower Girl," while his recent composition and sound design contributions to "Dear Vanessa" took center stage at the NewFest Film Festival.
How did you come across with Roku Jingwen Long, and how you started working on
“Immortal Mind”?
“Immortal Mind”?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
I first crossed paths with Roku while working on a film set. At that time, I was responsible for location sound, and Roku was working as the production designer. Our professional journey began five years ago, and we've been collaborating ever since. "Immortal Mind" is a fashion film created to showcase a designer's new collection. It all started when the designer reached out to Roku, who, in turn, connected with me. So it’s all about connection!
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
“Immortal Mind” feels like a very experimental, and short music video, or film.
How is it composing a work in such style? Do you prefer certain type of works to compose, and what is the most important criteria you are looking at, when you decide to join the film?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
"Immortal Mind" is an experimental fashion film with a futuristic concept where people can upload their memories, yet there remains a group of individuals who choose not to upload and continue living as we do now. This concept is reflected in the clothing as well – they are futuristic yet possess a soft, handmade knit quality.
The designer wanted the auditory experience to mirror this duality, emphasizing the cold aspect of data and the warm aspect of humanity. To convey the cold side, I drew inspiration from the legendary glitch artist Ryoji Ikeda, employing similar noise and sound techniques to evoke the desired feeling. For the warm side of the story, I used warm-colored synthesizers and vocals to express the human element.
When it comes to choosing a project, what matters most to me is whether the artist's vision resonates with me. If I’m touched by their story, plus I can explore new techniques like Immortal Mind, then it becomes the perfect project to work on.
The designer wanted the auditory experience to mirror this duality, emphasizing the cold aspect of data and the warm aspect of humanity. To convey the cold side, I drew inspiration from the legendary glitch artist Ryoji Ikeda, employing similar noise and sound techniques to evoke the desired feeling. For the warm side of the story, I used warm-colored synthesizers and vocals to express the human element.
When it comes to choosing a project, what matters most to me is whether the artist's vision resonates with me. If I’m touched by their story, plus I can explore new techniques like Immortal Mind, then it becomes the perfect project to work on.
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
To Notice
Delu earned his Master's Degree in Music Theory and Composition at New York University, with a concentration in Scoring for film and multimedia. Delu holds a BA in Recording Arts with a concentration in Film Sound from the Communication University of China.
I found out that you also worked on some video games. What is this type of games, and where are they available?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
I've had the opportunity to work on several indie games, and each one has been a different type of experience. Typically, I handle both the sound and music aspects for indie games, a role I truly enjoy because it grants me the creative freedom to design and ensure a cohesive audio experience.
One of the games I've worked on is "Duel Edged," a multiplayer combat game that is available for purchase on Steam. I'm thrilled to share that the music I composed for this game recently won the Global Music Award. Check out the game and play it with your friends!
One of the games I've worked on is "Duel Edged," a multiplayer combat game that is available for purchase on Steam. I'm thrilled to share that the music I composed for this game recently won the Global Music Award. Check out the game and play it with your friends!
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
"Duel Edged"
Game Developer: Tired Monkey Studio
Role: Sound Designer & Composer
2023 Global Music Awards - Bronze Medal
Role: Sound Designer & Composer
2023 Global Music Awards - Bronze Medal
"Heroes Never Retired"
Game Developer: 养老Studio‘
Role: Sound Designer & Composer
Role: Sound Designer & Composer
"Dreamy Doodle"
"Cyborg Lab"
Role: Sound Designer & Composer
What is the difference between working on video games, and films? What do you prefer more? What would you choose: composing the new part of Last of Us, or a new Marvel Film?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
That's a great question! The primary difference lies in the media format: films are linear, while video games are non-linear. In film, you're working with a set timeline and frames, whereas for games, you need to design a loop system to ensure the music adapts seamlessly to the player's actions.
I enjoy both for different reasons. In film, you have the ability to meticulously control every detail and nuance to create a finely-tuned score. Game music, on the other hand, feels like composing combined with a puzzle game – it's dynamic and can surprise you, especially when using middleware that introduces randomness.
It's really hard to pick from one! Let's say I'll pick to score Marvel Spiderman 3 hahaha.
I enjoy both for different reasons. In film, you have the ability to meticulously control every detail and nuance to create a finely-tuned score. Game music, on the other hand, feels like composing combined with a puzzle game – it's dynamic and can surprise you, especially when using middleware that introduces randomness.
It's really hard to pick from one! Let's say I'll pick to score Marvel Spiderman 3 hahaha.
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
To Notice
Presently, Delu is the founder and owner of ICING MEDIA, a creative agency providing full-production services, where he continues to bring artistic visions to life and create immersive experiences.
Can you tell us about your career goals? What direction you want to develop yourself?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
To me, sound and music are inherently intertwined, especially given my background in both fields. My primary career goal is to continue exploring the possibilities of sound and music working in perfect harmony. I constantly strive to blur the boundaries between sound and music, seeking innovative ways to blend them seamlessly.
As an example, consider a film scene needs a music-to-sound cross-fade, which is common in the industry. Instead of merely adjusting the volume in the transition, what if we reducing the orchestration of the music from a full orchestra to a violin harmonic solo and gradually introducing smaller sound elements like birds and insects, then gradually enriching the soundscape until it reaches its full depth. My goal is to push the boundaries of creative expression in sound and music, finding new and captivating ways to engage audiences.
As an example, consider a film scene needs a music-to-sound cross-fade, which is common in the industry. Instead of merely adjusting the volume in the transition, what if we reducing the orchestration of the music from a full orchestra to a violin harmonic solo and gradually introducing smaller sound elements like birds and insects, then gradually enriching the soundscape until it reaches its full depth. My goal is to push the boundaries of creative expression in sound and music, finding new and captivating ways to engage audiences.
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
I have also found your music on “Spotify”, and “Apple Music”. Did you ever thought of
becoming a music artist, or you always wanted to link yourself with cinema?
becoming a music artist, or you always wanted to link yourself with cinema?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
Thanks so much haha, you’re very well prepared, and I hope you enjoyed my music.
The EP on music platform is a small album I put together after graduating from NYU. Each single in it reflects a specific feeling or moment that is related to me and my life, and I felt I want to share it with the audience. I see art as a container, much like a vase. It serves as a vessel to hold the feelings, emotions, or moments we want to express in a beautiful way. So, all I want to do is to use art to record my life and express my feeling. I believe that there's a suitable container for every emotion, whether it's a story, a painting, a sculpture, or music and you’ll know which one is the right one if the story is related to you.
The EP on music platform is a small album I put together after graduating from NYU. Each single in it reflects a specific feeling or moment that is related to me and my life, and I felt I want to share it with the audience. I see art as a container, much like a vase. It serves as a vessel to hold the feelings, emotions, or moments we want to express in a beautiful way. So, all I want to do is to use art to record my life and express my feeling. I believe that there's a suitable container for every emotion, whether it's a story, a painting, a sculpture, or music and you’ll know which one is the right one if the story is related to you.
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
What do you think of modern film composers? Are they moving in the right direction? What type of instruments you prefer to use in your works? Have you ever tried the live instrumental recording, or you work with your computer first?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
In today's era, it's all about exploring the world of sound color. Contemporary film composers are pushing the boundaries of traditional instrument use and even venturing into crafting their own unique instruments. I'm no exception. In my role as a sound designer, sound color takes precedence when I compose for a film. I engage in discussions with the director to carefully select instruments that I believe best capture the essence of the story. This process equips me with a toolkit for further developing the scores, much like what I did for 'Immortal Mind.' For that project, my color palette consisted of noise, synthesizers, and vocals.
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
Asking about your idols, who is the most talented composer of all time in your opinion, who is the most overhyped, and who is the most underrated? Is there a type of film, or music genre that you would never go into?
PLIFF Reprsenter
Journalist
It's a tough question because there are countless talented composers who have made a significant impact on the industry, and it's challenging to single out the best of all time. One composer who has had a profound influence on me is Martin Stig Andersen. He's known for his work as a composer and sound designer on projects like "Inside" and "Limbo." Andersen's work perfectly aligns with the artistic goals I mentioned earlier and has been a major source of inspiration for me since my high school days. I consider him one of my idols, and I deeply admire his contributions to the field.
Delu Duan
Composer, sound designer, songwriter
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