Hyereem Son, a versatile composer and music professional, has made significant strides in composition, orchestration, and music editing. Her career, marked by a deep engagement with video games, documentaries, short films, and more, reflects a commitment to creating music that resonates deeply with audiences. From her work at Bleeding Fingers Music to her impactful scores for documentaries like “The Drifting Autism Families in Korea” and “Cuban Earth,” Son’s contributions are a testament to her skill and dedication. This article explores her journey, achievements, and the creative processes behind her notable works.
Freelance Composer at Bleeding Fingers Music
Since August 2023, Hyereem Son has been a part of the esteemed freelance composer team at Bleeding Fingers Music. She has contributed to various projects here, including tracks for the music library albums “Earth Tones” and “History Tones.” Although these tracks are set to be featured on Extreme Music and KPM, their specific release details are pending. Despite not having direct interactions with Hans Zimmer, Son remains hopeful for future collaborations, as Bleeding Fingers Music often facilitates opportunities for composers to work with renowned figures in the industry.
Impactful Compositions for Video Games
Hyereem Son’s expertise extends to video game composition, where she has demonstrated her ability to craft immersive soundscapes. Her recent projects include:
“Battle of the Golden Spatula”: Son’s orchestration enhances the game’s fantasy elements, using orchestral elements to create a compelling auditory experience for this title.
“KARMA: The Dark World, and Arena Breakout”: Son contributed as a booth reader, providing crucial feedback during recording sessions to ensure that the music effectively complemented the intense narrative of the game.
Documentary Scores that Inspire and Educate
Son’s talent shines through in her documentary work, where she has the opportunity to convey powerful narratives through music. Notable examples include:
“The Drifting Autism Families in Korea”: This documentary captures the experiences of multiple families dealing with autism. Son’s score for this project is characterized by its bright and hopeful tone. She uses guitar, a small string ensemble, and playful string techniques to create a soundscape that complements the families’ stories of struggle and hope.
“Cuban Earth”: For this environmental documentary, Son’s music reflects themes of diversity, sustainability, and environmental awareness. Her work includes a poignant solo cello piece that emphasizes the message of ecological concern and hope. In a key scene, her music underlines the urgency of environmental issues, enhancing the film’s impact.
Short Films with Emotional Depth
Son’s compositions for short films showcase her ability to capture complex emotions and narratives. Her work includes:
“0 Years Old”: This short film benefits from Son’s delicate and emotive music, which aligns with the film’s intimate tone.
“When Wind Blows on a Balcony”: In this film, Son worked closely with Director Sche-Hao Thomas Wang to create a score that reflects the nuanced emotions of two women with contrasting lifestyles. Using only strings, Son’s music enhances the emotional depth of the characters’ interactions.
Engaging with Diverse Genres and Cultures
Son’s versatility is evident in her participation in various genres and cultural contexts. For example:
“Pretas”: This short documentary explores the experiences of Black Brazilian women. Son’s use of traditional Brazilian rhythms and instruments, combined with rhythmic phrases that complement the dialogue, creates a powerful auditory reflection of the film’s themes.
“Basement”: This short film features Son’s ability to convey suspense and intrigue through her music.
Previous Role and Accomplishments
Before her recent successes, Son had already built a career as a pianist. Her role included:
Founder and Main Keyboardist of OLINAIP: Son’s work with OLINAIP includes creating music and video content, including their first single album, “Arirang.”
Honors and Recognition
Hyereem Son’s work has been recognized through several awards and achievements:
Telly Awards (2020): Her work on “Cuban Earth” earned an award in the General Non-Broadcast category, reflecting the high quality and impact of her compositions.
LA Shorts International Film Festival (July 2024): “When Wind Blows on a Balcony” premiered at this festival, showcasing Son’s contribution to the film’s success.
LA Brazilian Film Festival (October 2023): “Pretas” premiered at this festival, further highlighting Son’s ability to create music that resonates with diverse audiences.
Conclusion
Hyereem Son’s career is a remarkable blend of creativity, technical skill, and emotional depth. Her work across various media—video games, documentaries, short films, and more—demonstrates a profound understanding of how music can enhance storytelling and evoke emotional responses. From her role at Bleeding Fingers Music to her impactful compositions for documentaries and short films, Son’s contributions continue to shape and enrich the music world. Her ability to connect with audiences through her compositions, whether through the hopeful tones of “The Drifting Autism Families in Korea” or the rhythmic vitality of “Pretas,” underscores her status as a significant and innovative figure in the industry.
