Personal details
- Birth Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Professions: Composer, Soundtrack, Music Department
Dustin O’Halloran, man, this guy’s basically everywhere if you’re into gorgeous piano and film scores that actually make you feel something. He’s this American composer and pianist with six solo albums—yeah, six, not just one or two like most people. You might’ve heard his name tossed around with A Winged Victory for the Sullen, that ambient duo that’s sort of a cult favorite among people who like their music a little dreamier. He’s not just some indie darling, though. In 2015, he straight-up won an Emmy for the main title on Amazon’s “Transparent.” That theme song? All him. And the dude’s been up for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Critics Choice for the “Lion” soundtrack, which he did with Volker Bertelmann, who goes by Hauschka because apparently composers get to have cool alter egos. O’Halloran got his film start thanks to Sofia Coppola, who asked him to jump in on “Marie Antoinette” back in 2006. Since then, he’s been racking up credits left and right. “Like Crazy” at Sundance? Yep, that was him. “Puzzle” in 2018, with a closing song he did with Ane Brun—Scandinavian pop legend, no big deal. He also scored “The Hate U Give,” and teamed up with Bryan Senti for the series “Save Me.” He keeps coming back to work with Hauschka, too—“A Christmas Carol” for the BBC, “The Old Guard” on Netflix, “Ammonite” with Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. And lately, he’s been on a roll: he knocked out scores for “Bridget Jones Diary: Mad About the Boy” and Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut “Eleanor the Great,” both dropping in 2025. This guy doesn’t quit.
A Winged Victory for the Sullen isn’t your run-of-the-mill band—it’s more like a soundscape that creeps under your skin. The duo, made up of Adam Wiltzie and Dustin O’Halloran, crafts these shimmering, cinematic pieces that basically make you feel like you’re floating through a foggy dream. Their music pops up all over the place—think indie films, late-night playlists, or that one emotional scene in a series that totally wrecks you. They lean heavy on piano, strings, and all sorts of ambient textures, so don’t expect big pop hooks or catchy choruses. It’s all about mood, slow builds, and letting the sound breathe. Fans of moody scores, experimental vibes, or just zoning out with headphones—these are your guys. They’ve got this way of making silence feel important, too. Not just another band, honestly—more like a vibe you sink into after a long, weird day.
Konidela Ram Charan
Los Angeles, California, USA