In this interview, we talk with composer and sound designer Sara Maeng, a talented artist from Seoul, South Korea, based in Los Angeles. With a strong background in music composition and sound design, Sara has worked on various projects, including film, television, video games, and concert music. She is particularly proud of her work on the “Arena Breakout”, “Dark World: Karma” and PUBG Mobile the video games projects working at LM Audio Production LLC as a sound designer, additional composer, Naver’s movie series “Floor” as a composer and spatial audio director, and her short movie “Bon Appetite,” which was honored by various film festivals. In this interview, we discuss her background, her approach to music composition and sound design, her passion for Korean traditional music, and her thoughts on the future of sound design.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in music composition and sound design?
Sara Maeng: Sure! I grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and was always surrounded by music. My parents were both music lovers and often played different music genres at home. I started playing piano when I was 5 and eventually became interested in music composition. After studying composition at Howon University in South Korea, I decided to pursue a film scoring and composition career, and I wanted to work in Hollywood movie industry. I wanted to create music that could enhance the emotional impact of visual media, and sound design allowed me to bring that experience to the audience.
Q: What projects have you worked on that you are particularly proud of?
Sara Maeng:I am particularly proud of my work on “Arena Breakout”, “Dark World: Karma” and PUBG Moblie the video games projects working at LM Audio Production LLC as a sound designer, additional composer. Those games are disturbed in Sony PlayStation, STEAM, Xbox Games, etc. Also, Naver movie series “Floor,” where I worked as a composer and spatial audio director. It was a very fun and challenging project, I was into it immersive audio at that time, and when I got the project, I was so excited for I can make what I had always been eager to. It successfully attracted the Korean audience. It became a hot topic even before its release due to the combination of a mystery thriller and audio, exceeded 1 million views within a month of the release of the main part. Lastly, I enjoyed working on the short film “Bon Appetite,” where I was honored to receive recognition from various film festivals.
Q: You have worked on both film and video game projects. How do you approach music composition and sound design differently for these two mediums?
Sara Maeng: When I work on a film project, I try to immerse myself in the story and the characters’ emotions. I want the music and sound to enhance the audience’s experience and support the narrative. I try to create music and sound for video games that can respond to the player’s actions and movements. Interactive sound design is particularly important for video games, as it can create a more immersive and engaging experience.
Q: You have a passion for Korean traditional music. How do you incorporate it into your work?
Sara Maeng: I believe music is a powerful cultural exchange and understanding tool. I try to incorporate traditional Korean music into my work whenever possible to showcase the beauty of my culture to a broader audience. I’ve also been working on a project that combines traditional Korean music with western music, which I hope will help to promote cultural evolution.
Q: What challenges do you face as a composer and sound designer?
Sara Maeng: One of the biggest challenges is finding a balance between creativity and practicality. As a composer and sound designer, I want to create something unique and memorable, but I also need to ensure it fits within the project’s budget and timeline. Another challenge is working with different directors and producers, who may have different ideas and visions for the project. It can be challenging to find common ground and create music and sound that everyone is happy with.
Q: What are some of the new technologies or techniques that you are excited about in the field of sound design?
Sara Maeng: I am excited about spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and VR technology. Spatial audio allows me to create a more immersive sound experience, while Dolby Atmos can provide a more realistic and dynamic sound. VR technology also allows for a more interactive and engaging sound design experience. Those are amazing. I am also interested in using AI and machine learning to create more complex and unique music and soundscapes.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring composers and sound designers?
Sara Maeng: My advice would be to keep practicing and experimenting with different styles and techniques. Collaborate with other artists and learn from their experiences. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and adapt to new technologies and trends. Finally, be passionate about your work and enjoy the process of creating music and sound.
Q: What are you currently working on AND/OR Any upcoming projects coming up?
Sara Maeng: I have been selected as a finalist at the International Composition Competition “Musia per archi” 2023, which will take place in Lviv in Ukraine from March 31st to April 3rd, and will work on several video games this year.
Sara Maeng’s passion for music composition and sound design is evident in every project she works on. With her diverse background in various music genres and dedication to exploring new technologies and techniques, Sara continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sound design. Her work on various projects, from films to video games, has already garnered critical acclaim, and it is clear that she has a bright future ahead of her in the entertainment industry. We look forward to seeing what innovative and creative projects she will tackle next.
Anyone can follow on her Insta: @sara_maeng and visit on her official website for more details: https://www.saramaeng.com/
