Arjan de Wit is a versatile, award winning (film) composer and producer who draws his inspiration from a mix of folk, indie, and classical music. Through his music, he subtly and authentically creates a profound listening experience that embraces both powerful and emotional moments, but never becomes shouty. By utilizing a wide range of acoustic, electronic instruments and custom made sounds, he creates a unique atmosphere that is both familiar and innovative, taking listeners on a memorable musical journey.
Arjan is a member of the indie-pop duo ISLE and the folk-pop band Canvas Blanco. He won a MIMA Film Award for his music for the feature film “Under the Naked Sky” by Lilian Sijbesma. Furthermore he composed for the TV film “Onze Straat: Othala” by Yim Brakel, among others. For the short film “Marijn,” he won the Best Music Award at the Eindhoven Film Festival. Arjan earned his Master of Music at the Utrecht School of the Arts in 2013.
When writing music Arjan develops his ideas inspired by ‘everyday’ concepts like processes in nature, space, time, movement and growth, combined with a process of playing around with acoustical and electronic instruments and other objects. He aims to find a unique sound and/or theme for each project he is working on.
Influences are: Steve Reich, John Adams, Arvo Pärt, Nico Muhly, Patrick Watson, Daniël Lanois, Henryk Górecki, Warren Ellis, Radiohead, Philip Glass, Andrew Bird, The Punch Brothers, Midlake, Bon Iver, Nick Drake, Max Richter, Sufjan Stevens.
Arjan studied composition and music production at the Utrecht School of Arts, where he graduated with a Master of Music, European Media Master and a Bachelor of Music with Honours in composition.
Together with Bas Bouma, he owns the company Room Service Music. He has an in-house studio which allows him to produce most of his music, but occasionally he will find a suitable location for recording instruments and ensembles that require more space or nice acoustics.
Awards
Buma Music in Media Film award 2024 for the feature Under the Naked Sky
Best Music for the short Marijn at Eindhoven Film Festival.
Best Music (nominated) for the short Tussenstop at Eindhoven Film Festival.
Arjan is available for coaching and training sessions, ranging from (film)composition to (live) sound engineering.