CJ Thomas on SoundBetter

I'm a composer, producer, and commercial video director based in San Diego. Most days for me are split between composing/producing original music as well as custom scores for short films, commercials, etc.

From a young age, music has been a central passion of my life. Growing up, most of my time was spent in my bedroom producing music, building out a home studio, or playing in bands. As I grew older, my interests expanded and I found myself drawn to film and video production. I was quickly swept up by the world of filmmaking and found myself running a commercial production company which has only served to improve my musical storytelling.

I combine my passion for music with my experience and perspective as a video director and producer. Drawing on my diverse knowledge in both music and video storytelling, I focus on creating powerful, evocative scores that bring a new dimension of emotion and depth to projects.

These days, I primarily compose and produce neo-classical and orchestral instrumental music. I typically start by writing at my piano. From there, I begin painting with analog synthesizers, orchestral elements, and fun effects like tape machines.

You can learn more about me and my composing process by viewing this mini-doc film:

https://youtu.be/OBKJJ7iPSis?si=OzNUslPa7RXw4GN-

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

3 Reviews

Endorse CJ Thomas

by Emanuel Pavon
Verified (Client)
CJ Thomas is an extraordinary composer. It was a pleasure to record strings for his song. He's a easy to communicate with, and I received top-quality sheet music with clear instructions. I would love to collaborate again!
by Konopka Sound Productions
Verified (Client)
I had the great pleasure of working with CJ again, this time mixing his album. Again, I can't speak highly enough of his musical command and collaborative process. His compositions are emotionally gripping, insightful and adventurous. He seeks and draws inspiration from only the best composers and producers, yet maintains his own originality and intuitive style. If you are looking for a composer that will deliver exceptional work, don't waste anymore of your time searching, this is your guy.
by Konopka Sound Productions
Verified (Client)
CJ is a highly talented composer/producer. In all sincerity, his music is beautiful, powerful, and emotive. On top of that, he's an incredible collaborator; quick to respond, reliable, understanding, and appreciative. Can't recommend CJ enough. He's the real deal.

Interview with CJ Thomas

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm currently finishing a 7 song EP that I wrote for a string quartet, piano, and synthesizers. It's been an incredible project from writing the pieces, notating them, and recording a live quartet at a local studio. I'm also working on a documentary film being produced for a notable automotive brand.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: If I'm scoring a film, commercial, etc. it all starts with the spotting session. This is where I sit with the director and watch the film. We discuss where there should (and should not) be music as well as the desired emotional impact. From there, I go to work on creating the score using a combination of instruments that I own, computer software, and hiring session musicians if needed. Depending on the project, I'll either mix myself or send it out to some incredible engineers.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Digital helps me capture and finesse but analog is where the inspiration lives.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: An acoustic piano, stereo pair of microphones, high-quality interface, computer, and high-quality monitoring headphones.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Organic, Textural, Emotive, Minimal.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Anyone with a powerful story to tell.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Great music doesn't require loads of complex layers. Sometimes, one very characteristic element paired against a contrasting element can be all that's needed. The more I grow as a composer and producer, the more I focus on simplifying and developing stronger musical ideas.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Typically neo-classical, ambient, acoustic, film-score type stuff.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My biggest strength would probably be the arrangement. Taking a simple musical idea and developing it into something interesting by using different instruments, orchestration, and colors.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The biggest thing I strive to bring is emotional impact. I'm not focused on writing catchy music that gets stuck in your head or makes you bump at the club. Instead, I focus on creating music that gives you the space to feel something and perhaps think a bit.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio started off as the office for my production company. However, throughout COVID-19, I was the only one coming in so I converted it to the dream music studio. It centers around my Yamaha U1 piano. I have loads of quirky instruments, guitars, analog synthesizers, effects, tape machines, and recording equipment. But of course, the computer is the brains. I use Logic Pro and have loads of the best effect plug-ins and sample libraries.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Olafur Arnalds, Max Richter, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Johann Johannsson, Phillip Glass, Thomas Newmann, Erk Satie, Nicholas Brittell. The list goes on and on.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I typically compose custom scores for short films and commercial projects. I also run a commercial production company that I've been producing with full-time for the past 8 years. So when I'm not composing, I'm producing and directing commercial films for brands and organizations.