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The Million-Dollar Score: Shaochen Jesse on His Rise in the World of Musical Theater and Film
Composer of 2024 award-winning short film ‘Free’ chats with us on his journey
The music and film industry is a competitive and crowded space, yet only a select few succeed in establishing a truly unique presence. Shaochen Jesse Cai is one such talent. Having embarked on his musical journey in the early 2010s, Shaochen initially focused on recording guitars and composing for a variety of artists and projects. His deep passion for music eventually led him to pursue formal studies in musicology, a decision that broadened his creative horizons and propelled him into the world of musical theater and film scoring in the 2020s.
Among his notable achievements is the critically acclaimed musical ‘No Longer Human’, inspired by a renowned Japanese novel. The production not only captivated audiences but also achieved significant commercial success, grossing over a million dollars in the Asian market. Today, we sit down with Shaochen to explore his creative process, inspirations, and the journey that has shaped his illustrious career.
How did you approach composing the soundtrack of your short film, Free, and what were the key elements you focused on to enhance the storytelling?
