‘I think everyone is capable of being creative given the right circumstances’ - Founder, Super Awesome Studios, Sjam Sjamsoedin

Sjam Sjamsoedin is Owner, Founder, Music Composer, Film Composer and Sound Designer at Super Awesome Studios. Specialising in composing and producing music for audiovisual productions, he was the perfect asset to judge Music and Sound Design in the Craft Category at this year’s Dutch Creativity Awards. Although our Jury sessions have ended, we speak with Sjam to learn where he seeks inspiration, the qualities he thinks are important for a creative person should possess as well as his advice on how to help build a better tomorrow.

What’s your ‘must see’ work that you created last year?

I composed and produced music for a Skoda campaign in which 3 directors (From Form, Johan Kramer and Steffen Haars) were asked to make a film using a scale model of the new Skoda SUV. The music is based around the same theme, but has its own unique character in each film. It was good fun working on it.

What’s your biggest takeaway from last year?

DJing less gave me more studio productivity. I’ve been writing lots of new music for my solo electronica project Sjamsoedin, composed for commercials and films under the flag of my company Super Awesome Studios and made an album for INTERCITY 106, my project with Robert Vosmeijer.

Who is your current ‘one to watch’?

If you want to see a creative and musical genius at work, find “Look Mum No Computer” on Youtube. It’s not even his music I’m a big fan of. It’s his chaotic, raw energy and the surprising contraptions he builds.

Who would you define as a creative visionary? What qualities should that person have?

I think everyone is capable of being creative given the right circumstances. I think it’s something you do, not something you have. Oftentimes it’s about finding a solution for a problem. You can be creative in sports, politics, cooking, teaching... you name it. It’s most certainly not exclusively for people involved with arts.

Where do you seek inspiration from?

Music gear and instruments. Hitting random notes on a piano, gaining a preamp to ridiculous levels, using an outdated piece of software, or working on a modular synth patch for hours without a specific sound in mind. I collect gear because every bit of gear gives me new creative options and inspiration.

Do you have any creative mantras?

Trust the process.

How do you deal with (the fear of) failure? Any tips?

Try to silence this voice in your head and work through it. Also: you can’t learn/grow without failing.

What drives you to pursue your career goals?

Money and peer pressure. My drive to make music is intrinsic.

How can we, in the creative industry, help to build a better tomorrow?

Focus on others.

Best piece of advice?

Just start somewhere, create. At some point it will click and make sense.