Santiago Aramburu is a Mexican composer, music producer, and sound designer whose work spans film, television, podcasts, and live performance. Currently based in New York City, Aramburu operates at the intersection of traditional musical composition and highly technical audio design. His career is defined by a commitment to storytelling through sound, building immersive audio environments that support narrative structures and drive emotional resonance.
Academic Foundation
Aramburu developed his dual expertise at the Berklee College of Music, where he graduated with a double major in Contemporary Writing & Production and Electronic Production & Design. This specific academic track provided a comprehensive foundation in both the artistic and technical sides of the audio industry. While his writing and production studies honed his ability to compose and arrange music, his electronic design coursework focused heavily on sound synthesis, audio manipulation, and software engineering.
This combination allows him to approach projects holistically. Rather than viewing a film strictly as a composer or purely as a post-production engineer, Aramburu addresses the entire sonic environment; seamlessly blending original scores with detailed Foley and ambient sound design.
Crafting the Sound of Cinema
In the film industry, Aramburu has built a robust portfolio in post-production audio, specializing in dialogue editing, sound design, Foley, ambience creation, and final audio mixing. He served as the lead sound designer for the feature film The Paper Bear, constructing the auditory world of the narrative from the ground up.
His versatility is evident in the contrasting genres he takes on. His credits include the tense, dramatic audio environments of Tail Between Her Legs and Bloody Ax Wound, as well as the specific comedic timing required for Sam Pezzullo’s mockumentary The Premiere. The productions he has contributed to have earned official selections at numerous established film festivals, including the Hamptons International Film Festival, Buffalo International Film Festival, George Washington University Film Festival, Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, and the Florida International Film Festival.
Beyond narrative film, his post-production skills extend into the audio documentary space. He applied his technical expertise to the Peter Kirk audio documentary for New York Road Runners (NYRR), demonstrating his ability to build compelling stories relying entirely on audio cues, pacing, and environmental sound.
Live Performance and Philanthropy
Outside of his studio work in New York, Aramburu has applied his technical and creative skills to significant philanthropic efforts. He has collaborated extensively with Ukrainian singer-songwriter Valeriia Vovk, serving as her composer, producer, sound designer, and live audio engineer.
Together, the duo conceptualized and executed three separate fundraising tours across the United States. Aramburu managed the creative direction, live production, and technical execution of each show, ensuring a high-quality live audio experience while on the road. These concerts successfully raised nearly $100,000 for humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine, simultaneously increasing public awareness of the country’s ongoing crisis. The tours highlighted Aramburu’s ability to combine artistry with direct social impact.
The Intersection of Technology and Storytelling
Aramburu’s work is driven by a precise objective: using sound to enhance the emotional weight of a story. Whether he is composing an original score, designing the specific audio texture of a room in a feature film, or running the soundboard for a charity concert, his focus remains on the narrative.
He continues to explore the boundaries of music, technology, and cinematic storytelling. By treating sound as an active narrative tool rather than a passive technical requirement, Aramburu shapes exactly how audiences experience media.
For a comprehensive look at his original music and sound design portfolio, visit his official website at santiburu77.wixsite.com. His complete list of production credits can be found on IMDb.
