CJ Thomas on SoundBetter

I'm a composer, producer, and commercial video director based in San Diego. Most days for me are split between composing/producing original music as well as custom scores for short films, commercials, etc.

CJ Thomas is a composer and producer of original instrumental music and music for media. He grew up in the small western town of Carson City, NV, surrounded by sagebrush and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

As a composer, CJ uses music to enhance the story and evoke emotional responses in films, commercials, documentaries, and other media. In addition to music composition, he is a commercial filmmaker, leading branded content productions as a producer, director, and owner of Wondertree Media. His unique perspective as a director and producer informs his approach to scoring projects, always prioritizing the story.

CJ also releases his own original works, including "Fractures" (2023), featuring a string quartet and ambient electronic elements, and the solo piano album "Rebuilding" (2022).

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

7 Reviews

Endorse CJ Thomas

by Tina
Verified
CJ is an amazingly talented composer and a joy to work with.
by DoubleSharp Production
Verified (Client)
Working with Thomas was a great experience! The communication was perfect. He is very precise in the explanation of the required work. Looking forward to work with him again!
by NightPulse
Verified (Client)
CJ was an absolute pleasure to work with! His vision was clear, his process was organized, and his encouragement of creative exploration made the experience a ton of fun. I look forward to working with him again soon!
by Zach Ronda
Verified
I am so happy that CJ worked on my song!! He really went above and beyond my expectations and I couldn’t be more happy with the results! Definitely will be working with CJ again!!
by Emanuel Pavon
Verified (Client)
CJ Thomas is an extraordinary composer. It was a pleasure to record strings for his song. He's a easy to communicate with, and I received top-quality sheet music with clear instructions. I would love to collaborate again!
by Konopka Sound Productions
Verified (Client)
I had the great pleasure of working with CJ again, this time mixing his album. Again, I can't speak highly enough of his musical command and collaborative process. His compositions are emotionally gripping, insightful and adventurous. He seeks and draws inspiration from only the best composers and producers, yet maintains his own originality and intuitive style. If you are looking for a composer that will deliver exceptional work, don't waste anymore of your time searching, this is your guy.
by Konopka Sound Productions
Verified (Client)
CJ is a highly talented composer/producer. In all sincerity, his music is beautiful, powerful, and emotive. On top of that, he's an incredible collaborator; quick to respond, reliable, understanding, and appreciative. Can't recommend CJ enough. He's the real deal.

Interview with CJ Thomas

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Textural, Emotive, Minimal.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: The biggest thing I strive to bring is emotional impact. I'm not focused on writing catchy music that gets stuck in your head or makes you bump at the club. Instead, I focus on creating music that allows you to feel something and perhaps think a bit. I also tend to find that my favorite pieces (mine or others) are the ones that can effectively use a few simple elements rather than throwing everything at the wall.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: If I'm scoring a film, commercial, etc. it all starts with the spotting session. This is where I sit with the director and watch the film. We discuss where there should (and should not) be music as well as the desired emotional impact. From there, I go to work on creating the score using a combination of instruments that I own, computer software, and hiring session musicians if needed. Depending on the project, I'll either mix myself or send it out to some incredible engineers.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Digital helps me capture and finesse but analog is where the inspiration lives.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Anyone with a powerful story to tell.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Great music doesn't require loads of complex layers. Sometimes, one very characteristic element paired against a contrasting element can be all that's needed. The more I grow as a composer and producer, the more I focus on simplifying and developing stronger musical ideas.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Typically neo-classical, ambient, acoustic, film-score type stuff.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My biggest strength would probably be the arrangement. Taking a simple musical idea and developing it into something interesting by using different instruments, orchestration, and colors.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio centers around my Yamaha U1 piano. I have loads of quirky instruments, guitars, analog synthesizers, effects, tape machines, and recording equipment. But of course, the computer is the brains. I use Logic Pro and Pro Tools and have loads of the best effect plug-ins and sample libraries.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Olafur Arnalds, Max Richter, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Johann Johannsson, Phillip Glass, Thomas Newmann, Erk Satie, Fryderyk Chopin, Bernard Hermann, Jonny Greenwood, Tool, the list goes on and on.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: My time is generally split between directing commercial video projects and music composition. I compose music for film and media. Short films, documentaries, commercial, etc.