Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Scarlatti.
Hi Devon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My journey as an artist/musician started at a very early age. When I was 3 years old, I received a little Casio keyboard for Christmas from my grandma. And from there, my passion for music ignited and only grew. Playing the keyboard was a huge part of my daily life as a child, and many unforgettable memories were made with my little Casio. I’d put on “concerts” for my relatives when I’d learn songs, and they’d cheer me on with loving support. Haha. I composed my first, admittedly rudimentary, orchestral-type piece at the age of 8 with all the different instruments recorded on one of my synthesizers I had at the time and a makeshift written sheet music that wouldn’t make sense to anyone but me since I didn’t know how to read music at all at that age. I purely played by ear at the time.
Then, later in my teen years, I distinctly remember watching the late 90’s movie The Mummy. And I was just absolutely blown away by the soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith. It was the first time I knew music could shape a film and a story. It was so mind-blowing, and I thought, “Composing music for movies? Someone can have this as a job??” That was so cool to me. As soon as I knew this was a possible career path, I became hyper-focused on making it happen for myself. And just in general, I believe that I could be a musician for a living. I spent most of my childhood in a small town outside San Antonio. When I was growing up, no one outside my immediate family believed in me or thought I could make being a musician/composer work as a real job. People were just expected to attend church, get married, have kids, have a regular job, etc. You’re not taught to have ambitions or dreams other than “normal” everyday goals when you’re a part of a small southern town. I’m not trying to knock that way of life. There’s nothing wrong with it if it makes you happy. But I did feel like that concept of “normalcy” never appealed to me, and I also never cared that people thought it was weird or a bad idea. It’s ingrained in me to want more out of life. The fact that no one believed in me only empowered me even more to try and make it happen and prove them all wrong. Haha. Once I was able to, after graduating high school, I attended Berklee College of Music for film scoring and orchestration. After attending Berklee, from there, that launched me down a wonderful path of professional musicianship.
I’ve worked as an independent freelance musician almost all my adult life despite some huge hardships and struggles that I’ve been through. I’ve been lucky and hard-working enough to support myself through composing, audio engineering, and teaching music. During the pandemic, I decided to start my journey as a solo artist for the Cinematic Synthwave and Electronic Band Maestro Eternal, which I’m currently known for. It combines many of my passions into one. When I started it, my band was a major passion project. Since before 2020, I have been working for other people’s dreams. Even with composing & audio engineering for a living, I had only been working on other people’s projects. For years, I hadn’t composed anything for the fun of it or produced an album just for me. I wasn’t sure if I even had it in me. So, Maestro Eternal expresses my need to prove that I could create the music I wanted to create, put it out into the world, and be proud of it. I never expected anyone to like it or want to listen to it. Haha. But thankfully, to my surprise, that was not the case.
As of right now, I’ve produced six albums, six singles, and one EP with Maestro Eternal. And I plan to keep expanding and growing and making the kind of music I love, sharing it with the world. In the future, I hope to work on more film projects. As we speak, I’m composing/ producing my seventh album soon, which I’m excited about! So keep your eye out for it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, my road has not been a smooth one by any means. I think there have been a lot of huge struggles I’ve been through in my life. I’m not ready to talk about some of them since they’re so heavy and deep. But I think one of my biggest ones has been battling my mind. I am, one hundred percent, my own worst enemy when it comes to almost everything, particularly when it comes to my creative work. I’ve opened up a bit about this on some of my social media platforms. But I’ve struggled with mental health issues that can get in the way of my everyday life; one of the big ones is depression. Anyone who has battled with mental health knows that it can feel like you’re on a rollercoaster. And it can be isolating and lonely, especially if your issues lead to you being often misunderstood like myself. I used to try and push past these issues, ignore or lie to myself that I even had them. I thought admitting I had an issue meant I lost some battle or was weak. But now, I’ve realized it takes more strength and courage to admit you have an issue and seek help than totally ignoring it. In the past few years and as I’ve matured, I’ve started being a little more open to sharing some of my experiences, struggles, and overall ups and downs with it. And even though sharing this kind of thing does open me up to other people’s opinions and criticism, which is hard sometimes and not always welcome, it’s also helped me realize that I’m not alone and that many other people are going through similar things. Practicing mindfulness and meditation, attending therapy periodically, and grounding myself throughout the day helped immensely.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, audio engineer, and occasional music instructor. I mainly specialize in composing cinematic instrumental music, with film scoring and orchestration at the core of my education and focus. I also have a targeted interest in synthesizers and electronic sounds. I also specialize in audio engineering for Live sound and studio production. My musical background is very rooted in classical, impressionism, and jazz. So, many of my compositions are a reflection of this influence. I’m most known for my band, Maestro Eternal. And for composing instrumental pieces created with synthesizers and using nostalgic nuances from the 80s and 90s to celebrate that specific type of cinema magic feeling that particular movies from that era embody. Some of my compositions have been compared to composers like Vangelis, Moroder, and Badalamenti. And I’ve had many people tell me that if they ever made a remake of “The Neverending Story, “I should score that soundtrack. Haha. And honestly, that would be my ultimate dream job, and it fits my style perfectly!
I’m most proud of my strength and resilience in overcoming some of the struggles I’ve gone through to get to where I am today. Professionally, I’m probably most proud of my album “Epica.” It truly is one of my best albums yet. And it, at least right now, most accurately reflects what I want to put into the world and the type of music I love to make. I’m very proud that I composed and produced that album, and I still am in awe that I was able to create something wonderful.
What sets me apart? My determination to never settle for less sets me apart from many artists and creatives. Music is my living, and it has been for most of my adult life. I’ve never settled for less and always try to strive for more. I do not have a regular office job that does music on the side. Not that there’s anything wrong with that at all. There’s not. But I’ve always made it a personal priority of mine to be working in the music industry one way or another. And that’s one thing that sets me apart and makes me different.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Unfortunately, the music and entertainment business can be tough to break into. It has that reputation for a reason. It is about who you know and who you can impress or make connections with if you aren’t lucky enough to be born into it/ have a relative already in it. I’ve worked as a Live/ Studio sound engineer and musician/composer. So, the first thing I think I’d suggest is always try to start your search locally. Visiting a local studio or a smaller venue in your area and interning/ volunteering to shadow some people in your field of choice. Sometimes studios or live productions need extra hands to do the grunt work that no one else wants to do (i.e., striking a stage, rolling up cords, plugging things in, loading/ unloading really heavy equipment.) Connect with local creative people making YouTube videos, indie movies, or short films, and start by offering your services for free. It probably won’t be the most glamorous job, and you most likely won’t get the recognition you deserve for your first few gigs. But it will get your foot in the door to meet some people in your field who will likely have deeper connections in the music business. This will allow you to show them what you can offer them. And if all else fails, the experience will look great on your resume and further your education on your craft. Through this networking method, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll meet other musicians and creatives you could collaborate or work with later. As for finding a mentor, you must be realistic because you will probably have to pay someone for their time and expertise. At least if it’s someone notable, worthwhile, and someone who doesn’t have basic knowledge of your trade, you can’t just learn on YouTube and acknowledge that they had to most likely spend a lot of money and tons of time to get where they’re at, too. Usually, simple Google searches can help you find professionals online or locally who can guide and help you in your field. But if you don’t have the time or money to invest in a coach or mentor, I’d highly suggest reading books, going to your local library, and picking up a free library card.
There’s this app called “Libby,” As long as you have an Austin Library Card, you can place books on hold. Most books are even available for rent digitally through the app, so you never even have to go to the actual library/ leave the comfort of home if you don’t want to. This is a free way to gain great insight and use books as your mentor. And then, well, there’s YouTube! There are so many experts out there providing great, free information all over the internet that sometimes the only mentor you need is the World Wide Web. Haha. And also, if you enjoy their content and really get something out of it, maybe reach out to them or comment on their stuff. Ask questions, and never be afraid of looking stupid. You might not always get a reply from bigger accounts. But you never know! I’ve encountered many kind and helpful people who want to share their love of what they love to do. Networking and finding a mentor will not be the most convenient thing in your schedule. But it will be the one that pays off the most for your future. Some of my methods might sound “old school” to some. But these are some of the most effective ways I’ve found of networking/ mentorship, especially in the business that I’m in. But the connections you’ll make and the knowledge you’ll gain will be priceless and last forever. Beyond what any degree or class could ever teach you. It might take some time, so be patient. But it’ll be time very well spent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maestroeternal.carrd.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maestroeternal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maestroeternal
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaestroEternal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/maestroeternal
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/maestroeternal
- Other: https://maestroeternal.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Zanah Danae
