Take us right back — what was the first sound, song, or film score that made you stop and think, "I want to be the one shaping that"?
The soundtracks of Interstellar and Black Panther have been two of my biggest inspirations. Hans Zimmer’s emotionally powerful and atmospheric score for Interstellar and Ludwig Göransson’s unique fusion of African musical traditions with modern cinematic sound in Black Panther truly fascinated me. Both films made me realise how deeply music and sound can shape storytelling and evoke emotions. They inspired and motivated me to pursue my passion for music composition and sound design, creating experiences that audiences can truly feel.
Was there a particular moment early on when composing or engineering stopped feeling like a hobby and started feeling like your calling?
Absolutely! It was when I first started experimenting with music composition and sound design and realised how powerful sound could be in bringing emotions and stories to life. What began as a creative hobby gradually became something I couldn't imagine my life without. The satisfaction of turning an idea into an emotional experience through sound made me realise that this wasn't just something I enjoyed doing, but something I genuinely wanted to dedicate my life to. That's when I knew music and sound engineering were my calling.
Who shaped your ear along the way — a mentor, a composer, an engineer, or even a record you studied obsessively?
One of the biggest influences on my journey has been my mentor, Mervin Thomas, the Principal of The Audiophile's School of Sound Engineering in Chennai, where I pursued my Diploma in Sound Engineering and Music Production. He's an incredible audio engineer and an even greater mentor. His knowledge, guidance, and passion for audio helped me develop my technical skills, sharpen my ears, and understand the art of sound on a much deeper level. He taught me that great audio engineering isn't just about technical perfection, but also about creativity, emotion, and attention to detail. I'm truly grateful for the impact he's had on my journey as a music producer and sound engineer.
What was the piece for Cosmic Crazies scored for, and what did you want the audience to feel the second it played?
This was composed for Cosmic Crazies, a sci-fi-themed slot machine game by Darpha Studios. I wanted the music to instantly immerse players in a fun, futuristic, and energetic atmosphere. I blended modern synth sounds with catchy pop elements to create something fresh, vibrant, and full of personality. My goal was to make players feel excited and hooked from the very first second, while keeping the overall experience playful, immersive, and full of cosmic vibes!
Walk us through how you built that atmosphere — what did you want the listener to feel surrounded by?
I handled the entire sound design, Foley, and ambience, focusing on creating a natural, immersive, and cinematic soundscape. My goal was to make every sound feel authentic and seamlessly connected to the environment. From subtle background details to the movement and interaction of objects, I wanted listeners to feel as though they were physically present in the scene, experiencing everything firsthand rather than simply watching it unfold.
What does your studio and setup look like?
What's the one piece of gear or software you'd never mix without, and why does it earn its place?
Two essentials I could never mix without are my Focal Alpha 65 Evo studio monitors and Avid Pro Tools. The Focal monitors give me the clarity, accuracy, and detailed sound reproduction I need to make confident mixing decisions. Pro Tools, on the other hand, is my go to software for its powerful editing, mixing, and audio production capabilities. Together, they help me achieve the precision, creativity, and professional sound quality I aim for in every project.
Can you show us something from your "Devilan" world-record work — a still, a clip, or a screenshot from the sessions?
Completing a full audio post and Atmos mix in 24 hours is intense — what did those hours actually feel like?
It was an incredibly intense yet rewarding experience! Those 24 hours were filled with adrenaline, creativity, pressure, and a lot of coffee! From sound editing and design to the final Dolby Atmos mix, every minute mattered. The biggest challenge was maintaining precision, creativity, and sound quality while racing against the clock. There were moments of exhaustion, but my passion for audio kept me going. Hearing the final mix come together made every sleepless hour worth it. It was a true test of my technical skills, endurance, and ability to deliver under pressure, and definitely one of the most unforgettable experiences of my career!
This one's your own songwriting rather than scoring to someone else's story — what's the feeling at the heart of it?
At the heart of my songwriting is a very personal mix of emotions, experiences, and self-discovery. Unlike scoring for films or games, where I'm bringing someone else's vision to life, songwriting gives me the freedom to tell my own story. I draw inspiration from life's struggles, loneliness, heartbreak, hope, and the little moments of happiness we often overlook. For me, it's about finding peace within myself, embracing independence, and learning to appreciate life as it comes. More than anything, I want listeners to feel something genuine and perhaps find a little piece of their own story in my music.
What makes this one special — the project, the people, or the moment you finally nailed the sound?
What makes this piece special to me is the emotion behind it. It's a soul-touching composition that I created with the intention of connecting with listeners on a deeper emotional level. Every melody and harmony carries a feeling, and I wanted the music to speak for itself, even without words. The most rewarding moment was hearing everything come together and realising that I had created something that could genuinely touch someone's heart. For me, that's the true beauty of music!
What's the dream project or the sound you're still chasing — the one you can already hear in your head but haven't made yet?
My dream is to compose and design sound for a large scale Hollywood sci-fi or fantasy film, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience. I've always been fascinated by the emotional depth of "Interstellar" and the unique sonic world of "Black Panther". I want to create something that blends powerful orchestral music, futuristic electronic textures, and immersive Dolby Atmos soundscapes. I'm constantly chasing that perfect balance between emotion, innovation, and storytelling, a sound that doesn't just accompany the visuals but makes audiences feel like they're living inside the story. Ultimately, I dream of creating a soundtrack that stays with people long after the film ends.
Contact and Follow
Email: shibinchrisby@gmail.com
Website: www.shibinchrisby.com
