Nik Sharshak: From the Alaskan Wilderness to Hollywood
Contributed by Bradford Jackson Films
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then film is worth much more. However, neither can truly weave emotion and memories quite like music can. The importance of a film's musical score cannot be overstated. It's the unseen hand that guides our feelings, sets the mood, and breathes life into moving pictures. Among the talented composers who craft these sonic masterpieces, there is one Alaskan artist that stands out in the industry, a composer whose music has the ability to resonate deeply with our emotions – Nik Sharshak.
Born in Russia and transplanted to the rugged landscapes of Alaska at an early age, Nik Sharshak's life has been a remarkable journey of exploration and self-discovery. From his early days playing hockey on frozen lakes to his achievements on the grand stage of a prestigious Hollywood film festival, Sharshak's path has been defined by dedication and an unwavering passion for music, which resounds most profoundly in his compositions.
His mother attended the University of Alaska Anchorage. Sharshak, being very young at the time, had no real understanding of the change he was undergoing. Adapting to a new language and environment happened naturally for him, and he soon felt a deep connection to Alaska, a place that would become his home.
Alaska's awe-inspiring wilderness and captivating landscapes left a mark on Sharshak's artistic journey, He explains, "Absolutely immensely, really. It's hard to not be in awe of the surrounding visuals…I think that for me, the real beauty is in the isolation of it all, especially in the winter season." The isolation and grandeur found their way into Sharshak's compositions.
Film composition, however, wasn't Sharshak's initial aspiration. He was deeply immersed in the worlds of metal and jazz music. His foray into the realm of film music happened serendipitously when he was tasked with scoring a commercial. However, the pivotal moment came when he watched Ridley Scott's ‘Gladiator’ and experienced the profound impact of Hans Zimmer's music.
Sharshak recalls, "I can vividly remember actually seeing how powerful Hans Zimmer's music was to the imagery I was watching and the intensity of it all. It was quite a unique experience."
Crafting music that complements a film's narrative is a delicate art. Sharshak's approach starts with understanding the pace of the music within the film, rather than focusing on its tempo. He emphasizes the importance of grasping the film's message before delving into the technical aspects of composition, highlighting the creation of a musical language that speaks directly to the audience's emotions.
In the world of film composition, building a strong rapport with the director is of paramount importance. Sharshak emphasizes this, saying, "Building a good relationship with the director. No question. I think that being on the same page with the director, especially as a film composer, is pretty much 50% of the battle."
Collaboration in filmmaking demands a deep understanding between the composer and the director. Sharshak's ability to foster harmonious relationships has become a hallmark of his career.
When reflecting on the projects he is most proud of, Sharshak fondly recalls ‘Come Back Home’, a historical drama that allowed him to stretch his creative boundaries. "I felt like I was working on ‘Braveheart’ or ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ or something. It felt very exciting.”
He has lent his musical talents to a diverse range of films. Whether it's an Alaskan-made production or a film from another corner of the world, Sharshak's ability to craft powerful music has resonated with audiences worldwide.
He urges newcomers to prioritize forming real friendships over seeking mere connections, emphasizing that authenticity and trust are the keys to a successful and fulfilling career. "I think the best piece of advice I can give is to be as genuine and honest a person as you can be when it comes to working with people."
As for the future, Sharshak’s recent film, ‘Botch’ for which he composed the music, has been accepted into the Mammoth Film Festival in Mammoth Lakes, California. Besides film projects, he's delving into chamber music and embarking on a Celtic/Folk/Viking music project called Varyagi with a friend. Additionally, a musical project is on the horizon.
In conclusion, Sharshak outlines his mission as a composer beautifully: "I think that the entire point of any art is to create a sense of suspension of time for the person consuming it. For them to be able to leave their current mental state for a bit. To give someone a space of solitude, or peace from their troubles. I think that if I can create a moment of escapism for the person who is listening to my music, or watching a film that I have worked on, well, that is pretty much why I do what I do."
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