ScoreNotes: Please tell us about the Symphonize movement and what it was that motivated this unique idea?
Jared Kraft: I like the way you phrased that... "Symphonize Movement"... That's really the vision for this idea. We live in an age of custom everything. From the drinks we order at Starbucks to the blogs we run online, everything is customized to us and our personal tastes and identity. My goal with Symphonize is to tap in to a bit of that interest via providing anybody and everybody with original, custom composed theme/score music! I really do think this is an up and coming "movement" and the possibilities are endless! I'd have to say that the first time I was really "inspired" with this idea, was the first time I composed an original theme for a blog. I thought, "Hey, this could catch on!"

ScoreNotes: As someone who is thrilled with the type of service you provide (Jared composed the music for the Soundtrack Nation trailer), what do you think is a key strategy for building up awareness about your offerings?
Jared Kraft: That is such a great question, (and one that has definitely been on my mind since this concept's inception.) It is my hope that the quality of my work and the satisfaction of my clients will be paramount in spreading the word about Symphonize. For now, my only strategy is to work tirelessly and hope that at least half of the doors I'm kicking at will start to open. I want to thank you, Tom, for helping me spread the word via this interview!

ScoreNotes: One of the things that impressed me about your service is how quickly you were able to deliver a high-quality end product. How are you able to balance the creative needs of a project while also keeping a time sensitive approach in mind?
Jared Kraft: I've always felt incredible creative inspiration whenever I'm assigned to a project. So, quite often, the energy of composing with purpose is enough to propel me to whatever speed is necessary. I love the feeling of writing and producing for time sensitive projects, because there is a clear goal and end in sight. I don't have time to rethink everything a hundred times!

ScoreNotes: Creatively speaking, do you feel that an original musical theme can be employed in areas that we may not have considered before? For example, I love the idea of traditional websites having a musical identity or books having their own scores!
Jared Kraft: YES! I'd like to see Symphonize grow to encompass many different venues. For example, wouldn't it be amazing if people were able to purchase their loved ones their OWN theme songs? I think many people would absolutely love the idea of having their own, personalized theme music. On top of that, I think this concept can spread to internet ads, promotional videos... even special family videos and slide shows! The sky is the limit.

ScoreNotes: Who are the composers that have helped shape your own musical voice and what are the types of scores that appeal to you personally?
Jared Kraft: Hmmm. I'd have to say that my original inspiration for composing came from listening to the scores of John Williams. His music really gave me a heart and a passion for composing from a very early age. Anymore, I'd have to say my musical voice has been affected most by composers like James Newton Howard, James Horner and Alexandre Desplat. Jerry Goldsmith is also a big one for me... His tasteful and yet explosively colorful orchestrations and themes will stay with me forever. As far as non-film composers, I'd have to say Frederic Chopin, Dimitry Kabalevsky and Alexander Scriabin have influenced me the most.

ScoreNotes: What are your long term plans for Symphonize and how does that fit in with some of your other goals in the composing field?
Jared Kraft: "Long term plans" seem to be a contradiction of terms for me. (Just kidding) Honestly? I'd like to see Symphonize spread like wildfire and infiltrate every nook and cranny of the music industry. I'd eventually like to see Symphonize turn into a team of talented composers/producers and orchestrators working together! Films, commercials, business ads, commission pieces... you name it, I want to be there.

ScoreNotes: At the end of the day, what do you find to be the most intriguing aspect about your road ahead as a composer in this dynamic entertainment landscape?
Jared Kraft: Honestly? My relationship with God. He always seems to grab me and pull me in a direction that I don't expect... it's been an adventure so far. I'm also interested to see how the tides of industry rise and fall as I pursue this vision. If there's one thing I know about the internet and the media industry, it's that they're always changing and always expanding. Symphonize might have an entirely new meaning altogether next year... So, I guess you could say that rolling with the punches and changing with the times is really what I'm anticipating. I think it'll be a blast.