Daniel recently composed some tracks for the Brand X Music library titled, “Architect’s Series: Ethereal”.
From the Brand X website: (about)
“Brand X is widely regarded as the premiere music library for motion picture and entertainment advertising. Launched in 2002, Brand X was among the first music libraries specifically designed for the unique needs of movie trailers, television promos and video game trailers.”

Brand X has the most incredible music available anywhere to license.  What a privilege to work with such wonderful composers and musicians.

Watch the Architects of Ethereal video

Listen to Featured Tracks

Daniel’s is honored that one of his tracks are featured in both of these promotional links from Brand X Music.

Daniel recently had the pleasure of orchestrating for the upcoming summer blockbuster, “The Nice Guys”.  The film stars Matt Bomer, Ryan Gosling, and Russell Crowe, and is directed by Shane Black.  Daniel is incredibly grateful to virtuoso composers Jason and Nolan Livesay for bringing him in to work on such a fun project.  “The Nice Guys” releases on May 20th, 2016. Check out the trailer and website here.

Daniel is pleased to announce that he recently worked on the feature film, “When the Game Stands Tall“, a inspirational film by Sony Pictures that will be released this Summer in theaters nation-wide.  The film stars Jim Caviezel and Alexander Ludwig, and is scheduled to release August 22, 2014.

Daniel has started a new YouTube channel to feature his original compositions for Film/TV.  This channel is specifically for popular film trailers, for which Daniel removes existing sound/dialog/music, and composes a new music cue to match the picture.  Daniel treats the existing (and often brilliant) score as a “temp score”, and composes new music to match the original feel and scope of the “temp”.

The idea is to do what many composers must do on a day-to-day basis when working on a film–review the temp score, and compose original music that still conveys the same feelings and dramatic effects as the temp.

You can check out the new music on Daniel’s YouTube channel by going to YouTube and searching for Daniel Semsen, or by clicking here.

The following is a press release from Azusa Pacific University regarding Daniel’s Dove Award win:

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Burbank Couple/APU Alumni Recognized at Dove Awards

The Gospel Music Association recognized Burbank couple Daniel and Christy Semsen at the 44^th Annual Dove Awards on Oct. 15, 2013, in Nashville, Tennessee. Daniel won a Dove Award for his work as arranger and orchestrator of Christ, The Redeemer, named Musical of the Year. He and his wife Christy, both graduates of Azusa Pacific University, received a combined eight nominations in three categories. They are first-time nominees.

Nominations included:

Youth/Children’s Musical of Year

• Spend Awhile on the Nile
• The Secret of Snowflake County
• The Star Factor

(All three musicals created by Christy and arranged and orchestrated by Daniel Semsen)

Choral Collection of the Year

• Season of Joy (co-created, arranged, and orchestrated by Daniel Semsen)

Musical of the Year

• Christ, The Redeemer (co-created, arranged, and orchestrated by Daniel Semsen)

Christy graduated from APU with a bachelor’s degree in music education and music theory composition in1998 and with a master’s degree in pastoral studies in 2010. Daniel graduated from APU with a bachelor’s degree in music theory composition in 2001.

“ Our time at APU in the School of Music, especially being part of the University Choir and Orchestra, gave both of us a deep appreciation of Christian music that paved the way for our careers,” Christy said. “Further, my theology classes provided a solid foundation for my current ministry of reaching thousands of children in churches across the county through Christ-centered musicals.”

“Receiving a Dove Award and sharing these nominations with my wife is both humbling and gratifying,” Daniel said. “It further encourages me to strive for excellence in my field.”