Meet the Composer

Jason Young graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 1992. During this time Jason gained valuable experience writing music for choral groups (4 – 100 members), small instrumental groups, full orchestral forces and an understanding of the midi music studio. He also developed skills in programming, spotting and audio/video editing. After graduation, he went on to complete degrees in Audio Technology and Commercial Music Composition/Arranging. It was during this time that Jason developed skills in studio technology, recording, mixing, and mastering. After college, Jason founded Midnight Oil Music Productions- a music production facility that provided music for everything from short films to national commercials to theatrical venues. Specializing in Midi music production, Jason’s skills also extend to writing, orchestrating and conducting music for everything from small ensembles to major orchestral forces.

A multi-instrumentalist, Jason has played guitar for 21 years and piano for 18. In fact, Jason bagged that rarest of all musical beasts: the consistent gig. For 7 years he was the club pianist at the Brazos Club - a five-star, tuxedo-wearing, flaming-dessert, members-only little dive in Waco, Texas.

For the past 13 years, Jason has written and directed over 130 individual acts for Baylor University’s All University Sing, provided audio and music for film festival entries, written music for local, regional, and national advertising campaigns, mastered music for Word Music's Word Choral Club, and provided transcription services for some of the industry’s biggest names. Jason is as comfortable in front of a computer screen as he is directing a 90 person orchestra or 130 voice choir.

Invisible Strings Music and Audio was started when Jason moved to Austin Texas—the live music capitol of the world—in late 2000. Since then, Invisible Strings has been providing music and audio services in the local game, film and television scene. He looks forward to more great music and sound experiences.

Q: Why did you get involved in the music and sound industry?

I’ve always loved music and have been involved in it ever since I was 4 or 5 years old. So it was only natural that I would pursue a music degree in college. However, after spending my last semester there as a student teacher, I came to the conclusion pretty quickly that I would rather spend my time making music than managing a classroom. After college, I started a business writing music for commercials and providing just about any other musical services I could get hired to do. This gradually developed into what I do today. I love the teamwork and collaboration that you get on a project. I love seeing a vague concept slowly being hammered into a finished product, and I love the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve done excellent work. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to be in any other career (well, maybe an astronaut).

Q: Who are your influences?

Some people collect beer cans or stamps or Star Wars toys, I collect movie scores. I have hundreds of them and it seems like there’s always one playing in the background. My traditional influences are the expected ones: John Williams, David Arnold, Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri. I also love the music of Randy Newman and the choral work of Robert Young. I think David Wilcox is one of the best lyricists alive today and Frank Wildhorn has done some great work in the theater.

Q: Could you describe your dream job?

The work I do now is just about the most fulfilling thing I can think of. I get to work with creative people, laugh a lot while we hammer out concepts, and see people experience and enjoy our work. I’m one of those lucky people who can say that they’ve found something that’s very, very fulfiling personally and professionally. There are very few days when I don’t look forward to getting to work. I carry this attitude and enthusiasm over to everything I do.

Q: What has been your biggest professional accomplishment?

Well, writing most of the music for Baylor’s All-University Sing for more than a decade has been an experience I could never replace. Thousands of participants, hundreds of thousands of audience members, and invaluable experience gained. I’ll always be proud of my contribution to the show. It’s exciting to hear your music in a national ad, but somehow a show like Sing is more personally fulfilling. I have people come up to me and thank me for work I did 12 years ago. That’s pretty satisfying.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully doing what I’ve been doing for the last 10. Producing creative music and audio for clients and living a great life. Oh - and there’s that little space on my bookshelf reserved for a Grammy.

Strengths: Highly educated, extremely professional, experienced, knowledgeable, great people skills, creative, disciplined, enthusiastic.

Not your typical “musician” mentality. Jason is a businessman who understands timelines, budgets, and schedules. With Invisible Strings, you won’t be left wondering what “the music guy” is doing.