CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC

Harrison Wood, (30), Composer / Musician, Australia.

Harrison is a Film/TV composer from Sydney. He has a Masters of Music Composition and he works as a composer for Hillsong Film & TV. He has been playing drums at Hillsong Church since he was 15. 

"I think I first became aware of my interest in composing from watching films and being wooed by their music, and their ability to tell stories so vividly."

How did composing came into your life? Was it something that you always wanted to do?

I think I first became aware of my interest in composing from watching films and being wooed by their music, and their ability to tell stories so vividly. This then practically started during my music studies in high school. I became really interested in the idea of using my piano playing for writing. I think my interest for the romantic period composers and 20th century composers bridged the gap. It grew from there.

'A HUM IN THE LAND' by Hillsong Film and Television

What is the most memorable project/piece you have worked on and why? 

Probably one of the films I worked on in film school. We had access to the best groups of players in Australia - about 25 players - so hearing your music through that lens for the first time was great.

"If it doesn't happen one way, I'll try another door."

What does the creative process look like for you? ​

Usually just trying things and seeing what happens. If it doesn't happen one way, I'll try another door. 

"I think art opens a door for a greater universal dialogue to take place."

How do you see your art drawing others closer to God? How could your art be used to help during this pandemic?

I think art opens a door for a greater universal dialogue to take place. It has the ability to connect, calm, excite, engage, etc. Once you open up these channels for human connection on that level, I think you've unlocked the door for literal conversations with people on a deeper level. Furthermore, I've seen many examples of people that have been able to find rest and break the cycle of sleepless nights through the use of music. 

'The Evil Good' Teaser Trailer by Hillsong Channel

"I am inspired by a lot of things. Each day is different. It could come from a sound, a music track from any genre, a piece of writing, etc."

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Being a film/tv/media composer, you have to act like a kind of chameleon, so inspiration can come from anywhere, depending on the brief. It's a lot harder for me if someone said "just create anything" than if they were to say "here's your limitations, create something within them". Active listening is important in any case. It's how you develop your own voice. So all this to say, I am inspired by a lot of things. Each day is different. It could come from a sound, a music track from any genre, a piece of writing, etc. 

Do you have a favourite composer? ​

My favourite composers always seem to change seasonally. Lately I think I've been enjoying composers such as Thomas Newman, Alexandre Desplat, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Edward Elgar.

LISTEN: 'Drover The Red Rover'

Harrison J. Wood's Cinematic (Orchestral) piece

If you want to see more of Harrison's work, check it out:

Website: harrisonjwood.com

Instagram: @harrisonjwood