Our Next Generation Of Young Designers To Watch
Anthony Mattana, Sound Designer and Composer
Home base: Brooklyn, NY
Current project(s): A workshop with The Deconstructive Theatre Project: The Orpheus Variations; Execution of Justice at New School University; assisting Ryan Rumery on Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England with The Two River Theatre Co.
Most notable achievements: Finding an apartment in New York; graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama.
How I got into this industry: Science and rock ’n’ roll: I love listening to music, and I have always been enamored by the way technology can drive music-making. Sound design is a hybrid of the two.
Influences: Joe Pino, Lindsay Jones, Abe Jacob, Gary Rydstrom, Fritz Lang, Jean-Luc Godard, The Beatles, Eminem, Jay-Z, LCD Soundsystem, Will Oldham, my father (through his work and artistry as a podiatrist), and my mother, who has always taught me to be a good, honest, and patient person who admits when he is wrong.
Worst advice I’ve ever heard: “Don’t get into this industry.”
Best advice I’ve ever heard: “Shit happens. Stay calm. You’re only 22.”
favorite thing about the industry: The people in this industry don’t see their work as “work.” They see it as an opportunity to ask the questions that no one else is asking.
Favorite design/programming/technical trick: When I bought my first field recorder, I realized that all the sounds I was trying to make with computers and plug-ins could be made with my mouth. My body is my best tool for sound design.
Plans for the future: To have enough money to pay next month’s rent and to someday bridge the gap between the role of “sound designer” and “music composer” into one singular artistic position.
Other interests/side gigs: Playing drums, discovering new music, and making sonic photo albums. I have been recording my life for two years. Instead of remembering life strictly through visuals, I choose to remember mine through sound.
Awards, honors: Carnegie Mellon University West Coast Drama Alumni Clan Achievement Award; Peter C. Dozzi Pittsburgh Scholarship; two works at 2011 Prague Quadrennial 3rd International Theatre Soundscore and Music Composition Exhibit
Organizations, memberships: OISTAT Sound Working Group, Carnegie Mellon School of Drama New York Alumni Clan
Other: When I was nine, I was diagnosed with a chronic tic disorder (a minor form of Tourette syndrome) and ADHD. Every day I use my “disabilities” as fuel. I have created a lifestyle that capitalizes upon those character traits, rather than surrenders to them.
