In the bustling, ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, a new breed of composer is emerging, bridging the gap between raw emotion and intricate sonic architecture. Among them, Colombian-born, Los Angeles-based Antonio David stands out. At just 24, Antonio has rapidly carved a niche as a trusted collaborator, transforming creative visions into emotionally resonant soundscapes across film, television, advertising, and increasingly, the dynamic world of interactive media. His unique ability to marry emotional depth with sonic precision has made him a sought-after voice, particularly within the burgeoning realm of video game scoring.
Antonio’s journey began in Bogotá, steeped in classical training in harmony, performance, and orchestration. Yet, it was the visceral thrill of storytelling—and the early days of scoring friends’ short films from their bedrooms—that truly ignited his passion. This foundational experience propelled him to EMMAT, where he began a pivotal exploration into composition through digital production and sound design, skillfully blending traditional techniques with technology-driven experimentation. His relentless pursuit of a deeper musical language led him to Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Film Scoring and a minor in Video Game Scoring, a testament to his foresight and dedication to the interactive medium.
Upon settling in Los Angeles, Antonio’s career quickly spanned genres and continents. His portfolio boasts original scores for acclaimed projects like Cancelados (dir. Maxi Gutiérrez), A Contraluz (dir. Alan Stevenson), Lavomatique (dir. Peter Groynom), and Ellas Están Aquí (dir. Andrea Sofía Hernández), alongside music featured in Paramount+’s The Agency. From emotionally rich documentaries to visually bold shorts and serialized drama, Antonio consistently infuses his work with a profound emotional intelligence, regardless of scope. This versatility, honed across diverse formats, has uniquely positioned him to tackle the distinctive demands of video game composition.
The Evolving Symphony of Interactive Worlds
The landscape of video game music, once characterized by repetitive loops and bombastic scores, has undergone a profound transformation. Antonio David has been a keen observer and active participant in this evolution. “Video game music has evolved into something far more intentional and intimate in recent years,” he explains. “As budgets in many parts of the industry have tightened and development teams have become smaller and more collaborative, the role of music has shifted. It’s no longer just about epic scores or endless loops—it’s about crafting something deeply human that speaks to the soul of the game.”
This shift, he notes, reflects a growing demand for music that feels deeply personal and handcrafted. “Composers are often brought in earlier, becoming part of the storytelling team rather than just service providers,” Antonio articulates. “The result is music that isn’t just functional—it becomes a character in the game, something that breathes and reacts, that invites the player to feel more than just adrenaline. In a way, we’re seeing a return to musical storytelling that is less about spectacle and more about meaning.” This philosophical approach underscores much of his success in the interactive space.
The Art of Musical Interpretation: Antonio David’s Signature
What truly distinguishes Antonio as a composer for video games is his rare ability to bridge the gap between abstract creative concepts and tangible, emotionally resonant music. “I seem to have an innate sense for understanding what a director, producer, or developer is really asking for, even when they’re still figuring it out themselves,” he reveals. This intuitive skill allows him to act almost as a “musical interpreter,” a vital asset in the collaborative world of game development where visionaries often struggle to articulate their sonic desires.
“I don’t just write music—I listen carefully, ask the right questions, and act almost like a musical interpreter,” he states. “That skill has allowed me to contribute not just as a composer, but as a true collaborator, helping teams shape the sonic identity of a game in ways they might not have imagined at first. At the end of the day, I think my strength lies in bridging the gap between instinct and execution—between the feeling someone wants to evoke and the actual sound that brings it to life.” This quality is central to his process, enabling him to work from abstract ideas, incomplete language, or fleeting references to develop music that profoundly “feels” right.
Crafting Sonic Identities for Diverse Worlds
Antonio’s versatility is evident in his diverse portfolio of video game projects, which span from the high-energy demands of Goblin Gunner to the contemplative atmospheres of Warm Blue and Ten Thousand. Each project presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for sonic expression. “Each game I’ve worked on has had its own world, mood, and emotional language,” he explains. “Some called for high-energy, action-driven scores, while others needed something gentler, more meditative. My job was to be highly attentive to what the developers were asking for—but also to the subtler signals, like the references they brought in or the temp tracks they had in mind.”
He emphasizes that his approach transcends mere replication. “Writing a great score isn’t about copying temp music—it’s about understanding why that reference works for them. What is it actually saying to the team? Is it confidence? Melancholy? Whimsy? There’s always a key emotional word or two hidden underneath, and that’s what I try to hone in on. I don’t just look for the sound—I look for the feeling that needs to be made audible.” This acute emotional intelligence allows him to imbue each game with a score that is not only functional but deeply integrated into its narrative.
One particularly rewarding project for Antonio was Through the Looking Hat. “I look back at that game with so much fondness—not just because of the music, but because of the people,” he recounts. “The team was incredibly kind, collaborative, and supportive. They loved the music from the very beginning, which made the process feel joyful and creatively free.” He describes the experience as being “inside our own version of Alice in Wonderland—whimsical, a little surreal, and full of heart,” highlighting the synergy between the creative process and the final score.
On the higher-profile front, Goblin Gunner stands out for its wide reach and strong player base. Antonio joined the project late in its development, demanding an intense, accelerated pace. “That kind of time pressure could have been stressful, but instead it energized the team,” he recalls. “It pushed us to make bold, creative decisions and trust our instincts. In the end, the score became something we were all really proud of, and the fact that it resonated with so many players made it even more rewarding.”
Beyond the Game: A Multi-Disciplinary Maestro
Antonio’s deep creative intuition and dedication to collaboration are truly remarkable, particularly considering his age. His career extends beyond traditional scoring into the intricate world of advertising and sonic branding. Through his work at Syn, a globally renowned Tokyo-based music agency, Antonio has contributed to high-profile campaigns for CNN (including a U.S. presidential campaign), The Home Depot (reimagining its iconic theme for Holiday 2024), First Horizon Bank, Blink, and more. This work, often requiring him to interpret a brand’s identity as if it were a character with its own tone, rhythm, emotion, and purpose, further sharpens his ability to distill core feelings into sound.
A pivotal influence on his creative growth has been Johnander Rabal, the celebrated Spanish composer known for his cross-disciplinary work. Under Rabal’s mentorship, Antonio contributed to campaigns across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, learning to approach even commercial briefs with a filmmaker’s sensitivity. Their continued co-composition of film and advertising projects exemplifies a blend of cinematic storytelling and sonic innovation that enriches all aspects of Antonio’s work, including his game scores.
Advice for the Next Generation
For aspiring video game composers, Antonio offers a crucial piece of advice: “Explore! Video game music is a different beast from film—it isn’t linear, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.” He urges composers to think beyond beautiful themes and consider how music truly lives within the game. “How can it respond to the player? How can timing, pacing, or mechanics influence the way a motif evolves?”
He concludes with a call for deep integration: “The most compelling video game scores I’ve heard are the ones that are deeply aware of the world they inhabit. They’re not just background—they’re woven into the fabric of the game’s universe. So my advice is to stay curious, stay flexible, and treat each project like its own living, breathing organism.”
Looking ahead, Antonio is set to score upcoming films by Aaron Christian Paderewski and Maxi Gutiérrez, contribute to Season 2 of The Agency, and continue developing work with directors across continents. His collaborations with Mexico’s Inédita Records and Bogotá’s Disco Amarillo keep him grounded in Latin America while relentlessly pursuing global creative partnerships.
At the core of Antonio David’s artistry is a profound belief that music is a universal language of emotional connection. Whether building the score for a feature film, curating sound for a wellness experience, or defining the sonic voice of a global brand, he brings an approach rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration—a voice that continues to resonate powerfully across borders and, increasingly, within the immersive worlds of video games. His journey is a testament to the power of intuitive listening and the profound impact of music tailored not just to what is seen or heard, but to what is truly felt.