Interview by Paul Salfen
Award-winning, London-based composer, Walter Mair has become known for his captivating original scores, whether they be in feature films, television dramas, or narrative-driven interactive entertainment. His most recent project being the highly acclaimed Netflix original series, Formula 1:Drive to Survive from the Academy Award-winning producers of Amy and Senna.The show was described by The Guardian as “fascinating” and ESPN went on to call it “captivating”. Some of Mair’s upcoming projects include HBO’s feature documentary, Unmasking Jihadi John, directed by the Emmy and triple BAFTA-winning Anthony Wonke. Along with the horror/thriller, The Unfamiliar, and the drama, Balance Not Symmetry, which was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studio and mixed by veteran Geoff Foster, whose credits include Inception and The Dark Knight.
His extensive body of work ranges from epic full orchestral scores recorded with 80-piece orchestras to intimate, small ensemble and hybrid electronic scores, such as Toby Tobias’ thriller Blood Orange starring Ben Lamb and Iggy Pop; and edgy television drama series such as BBC 1’s Cuffs from the producers of Ripper Street and E4’s teen drama series Glue written by 5 time BAFTA winner Jack Thorne. His music can also be heard in Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto video games, Sony’s sci-fi franchise Killzone, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction, Netflix’s The Same Sky, Adam Morse’s thriller Lucid and The Creative Assembly’s Total War series.He also notably wrote original music for Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut, Lost River, which premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
Walter maintains a state-of-the art recording studio in London’s SoHo, is a member of the British Academy of Film of Film and Television (BAFTA) and BASCA.
Mair’s diverse repertoire ranges from epic full orchestral scores recorded with 80-piece choirs to intimate, small ensembles and hybrid electronic scores featuring an eclectic mix of live recorded solo instruments and found sounds. To create unique sounds for each score, Mair employs his extensive collection of analog digital synths and effect processors, blending live orchestral arrangements with experimental post-recording techniques.
He maintains a personal state-of-the-art recording studio in Soho, London, working with A-list orchestras at major studios including Abbey Road Studiosand Air Studios, and works with filmmakers in Los Angeles and commercial clients worldwide. Mair is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).
