It is easy to remember the name of a singer, but behind the scenes, there is often a composer credited with some of the world’s catchiest tunes.
Take Ack Kinmonth, a Brisbane local who is the secret star behind several television compositions, both nationally and internationally.
Kinmonth started out working on regional short films such as Dying Ice, Don’t Fear the Reaper, and Mute.
Cutting a niche within History TV and Children’s programming, Kinmonth would soon become the first Australian composer to work on the popular kids show Sesame Street, helping to create the tune Five Kangaroos performed by Jessica Mauboy.
As of this month, Kinmonth is on the brink of attending his first ARIA Awards.
The Association have nominated Ack for Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album (presented by Stan) for his work on the Independent children’s movie Scarygirl.
With the awards coming up in two months’ time, we reached out to Ack to find out more about his unique career path, the influences behind his work, and what aspiring local composers can do to improve their future prospects.
Hi Ack, congratulations on your ARIA nomination. I understand this is your first time getting a nomination. Will you be making the trek up to Sydney for the event this year?
I’ll definitely be heading up for the event, I think it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you have to do. Plus it seems like it will be a lot of fun, winning or not!
You’re a Brisbane-based artist; has Queensland always been home for you?
Yes, I’ve always lived in Brisbane, aside from a few short stints in LA, so QLD is home for me.
You’re now got over a decade of music experience as an established composer. How did you get your start?
One of my lecturers in TAFE was a composer, and he showed me that it can be a viable career choice. I started off in theatre and advertising, and then moved into film and TV from there.
What drew you to compose for children’s programming? How do you find it different from composing for other outlets and genres?
I think there’s a huge amount of passion and talent working in the genre. Animation is such an interesting art form that people are still innovating in, and you can really get some wild and interesting music briefs working within the genre. Composing for Children’s programming can encompass quite a few different styles, so it’s always a bit of a test of skill!
How did the opportunity to compose for Sesame Street come about?
I had a friend who worked in a production company reach out to me, as they had an opportunity to create a segment for season 44, and it ended up being a full song. I had a couple of days to create and send the demo through, trying to write something that could work with an amazing singer like Jessica Mauboy. Sesame Street liked the demo, and the rest is history!
You recently worked on the 2023 film Scarygirl, which got nominated for Best Soundtrack at the ARIAS. What made this project stand out?
The team behind Scarygirl wanted something different and unexpected for the music for the film. I experimented with odd meters, found sounds and antiquated children’s synthesizers to get something that fit the world a little better. It’s such a unique film and art style, so I felt the need to try something different.
What’s next in the works for you?
“The last project that I finished (The Sloth Lane) has been released, so currently working through a soundtrack album for that project. We’re also starting work on two feature films this year, so it will be quite a busy time ahead.”
What advice do you have for composers just starting out?
“One thing I’ve found key to gaining traction is working on expanding your network and meeting like-minded creatives. I was lucky enough to have a career working with very talented people, and through them I’ve been pushed into creating better and better scores. I’d also take the time to find a mentor, as I had a lot of skill growth from working with someone far more experienced than me, and it was invaluable for my development.”
Ack Kinmonth’s latest projects, The Sloth Lane and Scarygirl, are available to stream via Amazon Prime and Apple TV. The ARIA’s, where Kinmonth will feature as a first-time nominee, will be held at The Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on 20th November, with a live stream of the event available via Stan.
