// Extended Bio
Justin R. Durban was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Madisonville, Kentucky, where his early fascination with film, music, and technology set the foundation for a lifelong creative journey. His childhood was filled with building future space travel schematics, tinkering with electronics, and composing music for stop-motion films—always with a mind for pushing imagination beyond the ordinary.
Although mostly self-taught in music, his instinctive approach to composing led to the creation of a signature sound, “Upliftingly Dark”. Which blends cinematic intensity with deep emotional resonance. His relentless pursuit of storytelling through music led him to compose for a wide range of films, trailers, multimedia projects, and immersive experiences.
Justin’s first major break came when his music was featured in the Warner Bros. trailer for “Taking Lives” starring Angelina Jolie. From there, his scores found their way into feature films, independent projects, and prestigious film festivals, including “Firecracker,” a Roger Ebert-recognized indie film. His orchestral work has been recorded at world-class studios, including Skywalker Ranch, Nashville’s Ocean Way Studio, and Seattle’s Bastyr Chapel, capturing the full depth of his compositions with live ensembles.
His compositions have been featured in major Hollywood film campaigns, including Avatar, Immortals, Alice in Wonderland, Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Mummy 3, and many more. His work extends beyond film, having created scores for theme park attractions like Six Flags’ “Green Lantern: First Flight”, and immersive museum experiences, such as the Admiral Nimitz Foundation’s WWII tribute concert attended by George H.W. Bush.
Beyond composing, Justin has built a diverse career in film production, visual effects, and digital storytelling, working in web design, advertising, and multimedia branding. His skills have allowed him to contribute to every aspect of visual and sonic storytelling, from concept to execution.
Currently residing in Austin, TX, Justin continues to push creative boundaries in filmmaking, music, and digital art, with numerous projects in development. Whether crafting epic scores, directing visual narratives, or experimenting with emerging technology, he thrives on shaping stories that resonate across mediums. He welcomes collaboration and is always excited to share his latest creative ventures with those who reach out.
He currently resides in Austin, TX with his wife and kids, further pursuing his filmmaking and film scoring career.
// Film Studio Credits:
