Michael Whalen creates music that occupies the elegant intersection of a film score and a private meditation. His sound is anchored by a sophisticated, melodic piano style that feels both intimate and expansive. Unlike more abrasive experimental ambient music, Whalen’s work is characterized by a high-gloss production quality and a deep sense of harmonic resolution, making it feel incredibly safe and restorative.
What truly distinguishes his work is the 'composer's ear' he brings to the New Age and Ambient genres. Because of his extensive background in scoring for film and advertising, every note feels intentional and every texture is designed to evoke a specific, clear emotion. He often layers crystalline synth pads and subtle orchestral elements behind his piano, creating a sense of three-dimensional space that feels like a physical environment you can step into.
For those new to his catalog, 'Dancing in Black & White' serves as a perfect introduction to his melodic sensibilities. If you prefer something more atmospheric and environmentally focused, 'The Tree of Life' offers a beautiful sonic tribute to the California Redwoods, showcasing his ability to translate natural majesty into sound.
Michael Whalen (born December 2, 1965) is a composer of over 650 television and film scores and thousands of advertising jingles. He has won two Emmy Awards and his works are featured in places from TV shows to audiobooks. Projects include the 2011 human trafficking film Cargo and short films for Disney. As a recording artist and producer, his solo piano recording "All the Things I Could Not Say" was released in 2013, and he performs in NYC frequently, where he is an adjunct professor at The City College of New York, and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Whalen is represented and published by Warner/Chappell Music.
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