I am a professional composer, songwriter, and music producer with a proven track record of success in Los Angeles, California. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, I specialize in scoring music for feature films, TV series, documentaries, and online ads. I have had the privilege to collaborate with renowned artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Sarah McLachlan, and I am a two-time Grammy Award winner. My work blends studio mastery with live performance, including guitar work with David Byrne for Here Lies Love on Broadway. I bring a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to every project, delivering high-quality sound and creative solutions on tight timelines.

Joe Cruz

I am a professional composer, songwriter, and music producer with a proven track record of success in Los Angeles, California. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, I specialize in scoring music for feature films, TV series, documentaries, and online ads. I have had the privilege to collaborate with renowned artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Sarah McLachlan, and I am a two-time Grammy Award winner. My work blends studio mastery with live performance, including guitar work with David Byrne for Here Lies Love on Broadway. I bring a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to every project, delivering high-quality sound and creative solutions on tight timelines.

Available to hire

I am a professional composer, songwriter, and music producer with a proven track record of success in Los Angeles, California. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, I specialize in scoring music for feature films, TV series, documentaries, and online ads. I have had the privilege to collaborate with renowned artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Sarah McLachlan, and I am a two-time Grammy Award winner.

My work blends studio mastery with live performance, including guitar work with David Byrne for Here Lies Love on Broadway. I bring a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to every project, delivering high-quality sound and creative solutions on tight timelines.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Audio Engineer & Mixer at Rich Roll Enterprises / Rich Roll Podcasts
April 1, 2023 - Present
Mixed and mastered audio for various podcasts, ensuring exceptional sound quality and clarity; employed advanced editing techniques; maintained quality control of audio assets and files for delivery.
Audio Recording Engineer at Rainn Wilson / Voicing Change Network
January 2, 2024 - Present
Performed comprehensive audio recording and executed quality control measures for podcast deliverables; utilized industry-standard equipment; captured, edited, and enhanced audio recordings; post-production assessments to guarantee optimal sound clarity.
Guitarist at David Byrne / Here Lies Love Broadway Company
June 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023
Collaborated with iconic artist and songwriter David Byrne for the latest musical theatre production; demonstrated exceptional guitar skills; refined arrangements; rehearsed and performed live to high standards.
Songwriter / Producer at PEN Music Group
June 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023
Wrote and produced for artists and affiliates, with credits for Carly Rae Jepsen, Rayelle, and Baywood; film and TV placements in network shows such as Siesta Key, Dynasty, and Charmed.
Songwriter / Producer at PEN Music Group
October 1, 2016 - Present
Published songwriter/producer working with artists and affiliates; crafted songs for various film and TV placements.
Instructor at Garnish School of Music Production
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2023
Instructed music production courses using Logic Pro X; developed and delivered engaging pop songwriting and music theory courses; organized Logic Summer Camps for diverse learners and international students.
Production Engineer - Freelance at Dive Studios
October 1, 2015 - Present
Successfully executed audio recording of podcasts; ensured seamless production; implemented effective audio workflows and quality controls.
Audio & Music Production Instructor at Art Institute Vancouver
September 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Facilitated instruction in music theory and functional harmony to audio engineering students; conducted lessons; developed lesson plans; collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum.
Producer/Writer at Cruz Music
June 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023
Wrote and produced music for high-profile artists Carly Rae Jepsen, Rayelle, and Baywood; contributed to feature films, TV series, documentaries, and online ads. Collaborated closely with production teams to shape sonic direction and deliver polished cues.
Interim Production Engineer at KPCC - Southern California Public Radio
June 1, 2021 - June 1, 2021
Spearheaded the production and development of 'The Frame' as an Interim Production Engineer; coordinated live and recorded segments, oversaw audio capture and mixing using Pro Tools and Adobe Premiere.
Instructor at Garnish School of Music Production
October 1, 2016 - Present
Instruct music production courses using Logic Pro across all levels. Develop engaging pop songwriting and music theory curriculums and organize Logic Summer Camps for international students.
Audio Engineer & Mixer at Rich Roll Enterprises / Rich Roll Podcast
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2005
Recorded and mixed audio for podcasts and related media; established efficient recording setups and maintained high-quality outputs.
Composer at PuffCo
January 1, 2021 - Present
Composed music for the OPAL Promo Video campaign.
Assistant Composer at MacGyver TV Series
January 1, 2017 - Present
Assisted with music production for the television series.
Composer at Absolute Fear
January 1, 2012 - Present
Scored the feature film Absolute Fear.
Composer at Somebody's Gonna Pay
January 1, 2010 - Present
Wrote and produced music for the short film Somebody's Gonna Pay.
Composer at Flash Gordon
January 1, 2008 - Present
Music composition for the TV series Flash Gordon.
Composer at Making It Big
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Music composition for the CBC TV Canada series Making It Big.
Composer at College Days, College Nights
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007
Documentary series scoring and music production.
Audio Recording Engineer at Rainn Wilson / Voicing Channel Network
April 2, 2023 - Present
Performed comprehensive audio recording and post-production for podcasts and media; implemented rigorous quality control to ensure deliverables met high standards.
Producer at PuffCo
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Produced the OPAL Promo Video campaign Ad (2021).
Composer / Music Producer at Absolute Fear (Feature Film)
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Composed and produced score for the feature film.
Composer / Music Producer at Somebody's Gonna Pay (Short Film)
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Created original music for the short film.
Guitarist at Flash Gordon (TV series)
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Demonstrated exceptional guitar skills for the TV series.
Producer at Making It Big (TV series - CBC Canada)
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007
Produced music for the CBC Canada TV series.
Music Production / Engineering at College Days, College Nights (Documentary Series)
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004
Music production for a documentary series.

Education

Diploma in Jazz & Commercial Music Program at Vancouver Community College
September 1, 1987 - May 1, 1991
Music Production & Engineering / Mixing & Mastering Professional at Vancouver, Canada
February 1, 2012 - July 1, 2012
Instructor – Audio & Music Production at Art Institute of Vancouver
September 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Bachelor of Music at University of British Columbia
September 1, 1987 - May 1, 1991
Diploma at Vancouver Community College
September 1, 1984 - June 1, 1986
Diploma in Jazz & Commercial Music Program at Vancouver Community College
September 1, 1987 - May 1, 1991
Bachelor of Music at University of British Columbia
January 11, 2030 - April 13, 2026
Bachelor of Music at University of British Columbia
September 1, 1987 - May 1, 1991

Qualifications

Best Music Score in a Dramatic Series (Flash Gordon)
January 1, 2007 - March 11, 2026
Best Music Score in a Documentary Series (CBC)
January 1, 2008 - March 11, 2026
Diploma in Jazz & Commercial Music Program
September 1, 1987 - May 1, 1991
Bachelor of Music
January 11, 2030 - April 13, 2026
Adobe Premiere Pro
January 11, 2030 - April 13, 2026
Adobe Audition
January 11, 2030 - April 13, 2026
Logic Pro X
January 11, 2030 - April 13, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education