Meet Rylan Butera, a film composer who was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene.

Rylan's music has been featured in internationally released films and media.

In addition to collaborating on projects outside the region, Rylan works closely with his family’s production company, Paradox Studios, which focuses on creating narrative films for audiences around the world. The company is a true family effort with his mother, father and brother all playing key roles. Rylan works most closely with his older brother, Caden Butera, 28, who directed their newest feature film, "Recollection," set to release on streaming platforms Thursday, including Apple TV, Fandango and Amazon. Visit paradoxstudiosco.com/recollection for details.

1) What is in the works in your world of music and movies?

We just finished "Recollection," a sci-fi thriller filmed in North Idaho and Spokane, and we’re excited for people to finally see it! Writing the music was a rewarding challenge that taught me a lot. One of the most interesting parts of my job is adapting the music to fit each project. For "Recollection," I had to decide what this world should sound like. Should it feature brass, woodwinds, egg shakers? Well, those instruments might’ve worked, but I ended up landing on something else. The story’s futuristic memory-deletion technology clashes with the raw, imperfect nature of human life, so I blended an electronic palette to represent the technology, with the emotional texture of a string orchestra. 

The funny thing about film music is that if I’m doing my job well, most people won’t consciously notice the music. Of course, if the music is really bad, people will definitely notice. But if it’s just slightly off, the audience still might not realize the music is the problem. Instead, they might feel less anxious, less emotional, or less connected to the scene. Sometimes viewers even blame the script or the acting, when really the score just wasn’t supporting the scene the way it should have. With all of that in mind, I spent months carefully crafting the score for "Recollection" to the best of my ability.

2) How excited are you for “Recollection” to play again Sunday in Coeur d'Alene and hit streaming March 19?

I’m really excited for people to see this movie and hopefully be entertained! Hearing the audience reaction and sharing the work of so many talented local artists is incredibly rewarding. At its core, "Recollection" is a thrilling mystery that keeps you guessing, but it’s also an important human story. The film explores the idea of memory deletion and what that means for identity, relationships and the human experience. The film is also a great example of what independent filmmakers can do. Indie films give creators the freedom to tell the kinds of stories they genuinely want to tell and often in a more grounded and authentic way. Lastly, the Sunday event is also featuring a live string quintet performance of the score I wrote! I am very excited to show the film one last time and feature the music more prominently. Tickets available for purchase here: paradoxstudiosco.com/recollection

3) What are a few things you’ve loved most about making a movie with your brother and parents?

The main thing that stands out is our communication style. We tend to say exactly what we’re thinking and feeling, all the time, no exceptions. As you might expect, that allows us to be extremely honest with each other during the creative process. Sometimes that honesty can be a little brutal, but we all know it’s for the betterment of the project; well, some of us. In all seriousness, we communicate very efficiently and the trust we have in each other is invaluable.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

When I am not writing music, I am swimming and coaching water polo! I am a huge believer in sports for my own sanity and life balance. I currently serve as one of the coaches for North Idaho Water Polo club here in Coeur d'Alene and I hop in the pool as often as I can. Having something completely separate from music is really important for me. It clears my head and, ironically, ideas still show up while I’m in the water or driving home from coaching. Sports also helped develop the mindset I bring to most things. Communication, pushing yourself and learning how to handle loss all translate surprisingly well into creative work. Now I hope I can help pass some of what I’ve learned on to the next generation of athletes here in Coeur d'Alene.

5) Where will we see you (or where would you like to be) in one, five, and 10 years?

Honestly, my main goal is simple: I just want to make a living by working on projects that feel meaningful to me and keep me learning along the way. I’m not chasing being the world’s greatest film composer (although maybe a little). Rather, if I can keep working on films I genuinely care about and still afford groceries every month, I’ll be happy. I am also happiest when I am learning something new! The beautiful part of film composing is the prospect of working on a project that is completely different than the last. The music for a Western, comedy or thriller all invite new approaches and challenges, sign me up! At the end of the day, I hope that other people get to experience and appreciate the projects I work on. Art is meant to be shared and music is meant to be heard. If someone watches a film I worked on and feels something because of it, then mission accomplished!