Mark Simpson

About

Mark is a London-based composer and multi-instrumentalist whose music is shaped by a lifelong relationship with rhythm, performance and storytelling. Originally a drummer, Mark has spent many years performing in jazz and recording across a wide range of musical settings, experiences that continue to influence his approach to composing for film and television.

For Mark, composing is about discovering the musical world that allows a story to speak. Whether through melody, rhythm, instrumentation or texture, he seeks to create music that responds to the characters, emotions and atmosphere already present on screen. His background as a performer gives him a particular sensitivity to pacing, interaction and the emotional flow of a scene.

Drawing on contemporary, jazz and classical musical languages, Mark creates scores that combine memorable melodic writing, rhythmic energy and carefully crafted atmospheres. Moving between acoustic performance, contemporary production techniques and orchestral colours, he approaches each project individually, finding the sound that best supports the narrative rather than applying a fixed musical style.

Mark is particularly drawn to stories that reveal unusual perspectives and human experiences, creating music that brings depth, character and emotional connection to the screen. He believes the most effective scores work in collaboration with the filmmaker, enhancing the story while allowing space for the images and performances to breathe.

Alongside his composing work, Mark has performed and recorded with jazz musicians, artists and production music libraries, and has composed music for short films and media projects. He holds an MA in Professional Media Composition from ThinkSpace Education / University of Chichester.