Today we’d like to introduce you to David Urbinati.
David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my musical journey when I was 10. I had just started homeschooling in the 5th grade and as part of my curriculum, my parents encouraged me to learn an instrument. After trying out several different instruments, I settled on the violin. My exposure to music growing up was heavily influenced by classical music and I studied the violin through private lessons, string ensembles, and youth orchestras until I went to university at 19.
I had played a lot in my church’s band throughout high school and became interested in arranging music and how each instrument was capable of and served different purposes to a song. In my first year of college, I picked up the mandolin and began studying its place in bluegrass and folk music. I quickly discovered that I could use it as a songwriting tool and recorded and produced songs in Garage Band on my roommate’s computer. This was my first taste at writing/recording/producing and since then I took every opportunity to learn about software, understand arrangements, practice recording techniques, etc.
My major in college was mechanical engineering. However, at every chance to procrastinate I had, I would either practice my mandolin and writing songs or experiment with film visual effects on the computer. When I graduated, I decided to pursue a career as a motion graphics animator. Music was still very present in my life.
College is really where I started to explore music. Coming from my familiarity with classical and church music, I was first exposed to post-rock. Ambient and instrumental music were my jam alongside more exploration of indie folk bands. I became fascinated with experimental sounds and creative production eventually taking me to a place of appreciating electronic music. This is where I really began experimenting with music production in a kinesthetic way. Manipulating sounds, arranging chord progressions and instruments, and experimenting with production techniques led me to the relationship I have with music today.
When I’m not animating logos or making explainer videos, you can find me in my synth lab either by myself or with friends exploring the sonic landscapes of the imagination.
Has it been a smooth road?
The satisfaction of finding an expression of sound that resonates with my feelings is what draws me in. I also enjoy the technical puzzle of it too. When you love something, it can be difficult to be in the process knowing that it will take time and patience and practice and excitement and hate and commitment and frustration and money and troubleshooting and figuring it out and then all that again to grow. Sometimes writing music feels like the greatest thing I’m doing and other times it can be so so not. But I keep at it. I actually love the process. What’s encouraging is watching the growth along the way–from the first pieces of music I’ve written to now.
Music for me is very therapeutic and that’s also part of the reason I’ve decided not to pursue it as a career, primarily. It’s giving me the opportunity to learn in my own pacing and develop my brand and portfolio as a producer in my own way.
I have a few different projects I’ve started trying to see what would take off. Starting something is easy, finishing is a little bit harder, and keeping it up is the hardest. Not having the pressure of music being my primary source of income, however, gives me the freedom to experiment and have fun with the whole process–from creating a band to making a one-off recording.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with David Urbinati – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a motion graphics designer and animator who enjoys and strives to share and create experiences by telling stories through those mediums.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the size of West Palm Beach and the community of people. The momentum of growth this city has is incredible. I wish West Palm had a larger culture centered around good music, art, and design. I’m excited for the direction we’re heading!
Contact Info:
- Website: davidurbinati.com
- Instagram: @davidurbinati
Image Credit:
Photography by Nick Murray
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