My artistic pursuits are deeply rooted in a belief in music’s ability to foster connections among individuals. My work as a composer is motivated by a strong desire to learn more about the world, and it is this curiosity that has led me to investigate a wide variety of sources of inspiration: internet culture, Mexican folklore, and unseen everyday small details.
My lifelong curiosity ignited an early passion for piano music, despite lacking a musical family background or resources. From discovering obscure Russian classical pieces on the internet to formally studying music in Canada, these experiences have not only nurtured my passion for music but also shaped my path as a composer. Overcoming challenges to pursue my craft instilled a deep gratitude for the privilege of writing music and connecting with audiences today.
Beyond the role of a composer, I perceive myself as a puzzle-solver. I derive immense pleasure from identifying connections between contrasting musical gestures and figuring out how to weave them together into a cohesive piece. The core of my compositional strategy centers on storytelling, and my passion for learning fuels my exploration of these subjects. There are three main categories for my music:
Music to See
Pieces that employ a conceptual, extramusical approach to storytelling. I envision development the way a film is cut: lighting, color palettes, and montage, converted into compositional effects. Many of these works, particularly the orchestral ones, further incorporate elements of my Mexican heritage.
Music to Think
Works where the craft of composition takes precedence: multimedia, speech-informed harmony, a single motif generating every parameter. My chamber music often lives here, frequently exploring internet culture. The process matters as much as the product.
Music to Feel
Pieces that delve into personal life. They adhere to more conventional formats and melodies while pushing harmony and structure. My tangos belong here: the most intimate expressions of lived experience.
My musical philosophy resonates with certain post-modernist ideals; blurring the boundaries between past and present sonorities and procedures, challenging barriers between “high” and “low” styles, considering music’s cultural and social context, and emphasizing the equal importance of listeners, performers, and composers.
Above all, my work is grounded in an appreciation for the audience’s ability to explore, feel, and think. My goal is to provoke curiosity... to weave the familiar with the unexpected, eliciting fresh insights and emotions, and forming a connection with them. In an era characterized by increasing automation, this shared quest for beauty makes the experience of live music more meaningful than ever.