Danilo Stankovic

Danilo Stankovic is a composer based in Vienna, Austria. He draws his passion and drive from his curiosity and love for music in all its eclectic forms. His early interest in music grew as he formally started studying classical piano and music theory at age six and envisaged becoming a concert pianist. Danilo then studied music composition at the University of Music and Performing Arts and at the Music Conservatory in Vienna. He is formally trained as a classical pianist and composer. Additionally, Danilo attended various film scoring masterclasses with Hollywood composers Alexandre Desplat, James Newton Howard, Richard Bellis, and Bruce Broughton. This inspired his decision to pursue a film-scoring career.

His music can be heard in short films, radio and television advertisements for major brands, movie trailers, TV shows, internet campaigns, and arrangements for vocal artists. His credits include music for major brands such as Mastercard, Nintendo, LinkedIn, Toyota, Microsoft, Netflix and many more.

When did the journey start for you?

My family introduced me to classical music at a very young age. We used to listen a lot to classical music on the radio and cassette player. When I was five years old, I was listening to my older brother practicing piano. I would then play his exercises and music from the radio by ear on the piano. Since then I started attending music school playing classical piano and learning music theory at the age of six.

Who are some composers/artists you pull inspiration from?

To name a few: Alexandre Desplat, John Williams, Thomas Newman, Bernard Herrmann, Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, Stravinsky, Chopin, Ravel, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and Keith Jarrett.

What do you do to decompress after a long day in front of the monitors?

I like to take long walks in the city and spend time in nature.

Other than your studio, where does inspiration most often strike? (Or rather “Where is the second place you come up with ideas?”

Definitely when I am in nature. I find a lot of inspiration in the mountains.

Which instrument(s) do you have the most fun playing?

I used to play the trumpet but nowadays I like to play Kalimba for fun.

What was your latest gear purchase?

Expressive E - Touché.

Is there a piece of music you're most proud of?

"Pieces" for Solo Piano. I feel grateful that this track reached over one billion streams on TikTok.

What are two things you're most proud of? One musical/professional, one personal. No humility allowed.

Doing what I love and dreamed of since my childhood. I am proud that through music I am able to reach and inspire many people around the world. A personal achievement that I am proud of is when my wife and I hiked and camped for 14 days during the Tour du Mont Blanc, crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland by foot for 200 km (124 miles).

What's your favorite score of the year?

1917.

What's your favorite score of all time?

Other than Star Wars, The Ghost Writer.