31 – Nathan Klein – Scoring Sky’s Atomic, Creativity, Pressure & Trusting Your Instincts

In the latest episode of Sync Music Matters, I sit down with composer Nathan Klein to dive deep into his gripping score for the Sky series Atomic – a project defined by chaos, grit, and raw emotional power. From experimenting with industrial synths to navigating the psychological pressures of pitching, this conversation is a fascinating insight for anyone interested in film scoring and TV music composition.

Scoring Atomic: Crafting Chaos Through Sound

Nathan shares the creative journey behind developing the sonic identity of Atomic. The series demanded a score that felt chaotic and like it was part of a naughties buddy movie. To capture this, he leaned into Gritty industrial synths and Aggressive, textural string performances

The Trap of Second-Guessing: Why Composers Must Trust Their Voice

One of the most valuable themes in this episode is the danger of second-guessing what directors want during the pitching process. Nathan talks candidly about trying to predict expectations instead of following his instincts

He highlights that directors often respond most strongly to ideas that feel authentic and bold.

Creativity Under Pressure: Overcoming Mental Blocks

We also dig into how pressure can stifle creativity—something every composer, producer, and artist knows too well. Nathan shares how deadlines, self-doubt, and the fast pace of TV work can shrink your creative space if you let them.

From Atomic to Ludwig: Scoring Across Genres

The conversation expands beyond Atomic into Nathan’s work on BBC series Ludwig and Film Club, directed by, written by, and starring Amy Lou Wood. These projects required a totally different musical touch offering an intimate contrast to the intensity of Atomic.

Why This Episode Matters for Composers & Music Creators

Whether you’re an emerging composer, a seasoned scorer, or someone fascinated by the craft behind film and TV music, this episode offers:

• Practical insights into the composing and pitching process
• Honest discussion about the psychological side of creative work
• A behind-the-scenes look at two major projects from one of the industry’s rising composers

Nathan Klein Website

Nathan Klein Instagram