What is the best thing that I love about my work?

I love composing music because it allows me to express the emotions I am feeling. I am not one to talk about my feelings. Writing a song is my outlet, it clears my mind and brings me peace. I write instrumentals because I feel lyrics can be distracting when a song is meant to express a certain emotion. I am able to create a melody that speaks so much more then words. I am very grateful that I have this gift and I love sharing my music with others.

What is my idea of happiness?

Happiness to me is living a humble life. I don’t want or need an extravagant lifestyle. My happiness depends on who and what I decide to share my life with. I hold on to things that make me feel good and let go of the bad. I am a happy optimistic person to begin with and it takes a lot to bring me down. I just try to live a good life and remember it’s the small things that matter the most. 

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear in life are bugs. I am absolutely petrified of them. I don’t know why they scare me, but I will have a full blown panic attack if they are crawling on me. They are my only fear in life. I have been trying to face this fear. I realize it’s completely ridiculous and I get annoyed with myself when I freak out. I know there are much worse things one could fear, but for some unknown reason, I am not meant to be at peace with insects. 

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I would have to say I struggle with motivation in every aspect of my life. I am such a “go with the flow” person. I can be really into something and then on a whim just be done with it. I like to do things that make me feel good and hold my interest. Finishing what I’ve started is not something I practice. Now there are things I do finish, and that would be songs. I will always finish a song, even if it takes 8 months, I will be sure to not give up. Everything else in my life does not receive the same treatment. I wish I was more motivated but then again I must be this way for a reason, or maybe it’s just part of being an artist. 

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

Honestly the one composer that I truly admired has passed away. James Horner touched my soul when he composed the music for Titanic. He was asked to make it different then the typical romantic music and was given a few instruments to use. I saw the movie when it came out back in 1997. I was a freshmen in High-school. The soundtrack was instrumental besides for one song. The music just rocked my world and I started composing shortly after I listened to it. There is no one that I currently admire. I appreciate all artist and enjoy listening to works from all over the world. I guess I do not easily admire people, like I said, they have to touch my soul. 

What is my greatest extravagance?

I do not have an extravagance. I am very frugal and only buy what I need. I guess I spend the most on groceries. I am not into material things. Give me a beautiful sunset over diamonds, Maxwell House over Starbucks. My own friends and family see me as a cheapskate and I am ok with that. I just know you can’t take anything with you. Now my wife does love designer bags and jewelry, the things most women love to have. I will get her things like that because it makes her happy and I love making her happy. 

On what occasion would I lie?

I would lie if it spared someone else getting hurt or if it is not my truth to tell. I don’t like to lie, I feel one lie just leads to another lie and that can be exhausting. I lied more as a child and young adult. I am too old for that now, I just avoid situations that I would have to lie about. Keeping my life simple is what I aim for. 

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I dislike the standards of the music industry. It’s about who you know, how you look, your number of followers. I just can’t get with all of that. There are current singers who can’t sing a note without auto tune. Women today strut around in music videos like their going to a lingerie party. The more seductive they are the more followers they have. Now I know it’s not every single artist, there are some that are really good and follow the current trends. I love writing music, there is nothing about composing I dislike. I guess I dislike what music has become in the USA. It’s different in some other countries. It’s still about raw talent, it’s still about the music. 

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I am the happiest when I am sitting in my studio, playing my piano and working out a new melody that came to me in a dream. That always makes me the happiest because I know I am finally releasing an emotion I’ve been holding onto. I know once I figure out that melody my mind will be eased. 

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I wouldn’t change anything. I am at a point in my life where I accept and love everything about myself. If I changed something about myself, I wouldn’t be me. I have things that I wish I could do, like drive a stick, play guitar, but I could learn. I think people spend too much time trying to change or wanting to change that they lose sight of how great they really are. 

What is my greatest achievement in work?

My greatest achievement was writing my first album. My first album was something I completed from start to finish. The story of my life up until 2019 was composed and given the title “Mortal Odyssey”. I am proud of my first album and all 18 songs on the album were inspired by true emotions. 

Where would I most like to live?

I would love to live in the country with a lot of land. My wife and I are currently looking for the perfect place to build our dream home. I’ve lived in Baltimore, Maryland my whole life and am looking for a place where life slows down and you can sit outside and hear nature all around you. 

What is my most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is a stuffed animal named Rover. My parents gave me him for Easter when I was about 7-8 years old. I had hundreds of stuffed animals growing up, but for some reason Rover made the biggest impression. I still pack him in my suitcase whenever I am taking a trip. I love that stuffed doggy, couldn’t imagine life without him. 

What is my most marked characteristic?

My most marked characteristic would have to be physical strength. I was born strong. I was lifting cinderblocks over my head at 4 years old. I do not lift weights cause I bulk up and look like a linebacker. I love being strong because I can do most things myself. I also love arm wrestling and it’s kinda fun being stronger then some men. 

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I live next to the Gunpowder River and since I was a child the river has always been my escape. I love sitting on the rocks, watching the water flow by and just zoning out. The River gives me energy and brings me an inner peace. Nature inspires me and allows my mind to just be free. 

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I am not really one for going out to eat or drink. I am Italian and can cook, I enjoy my cooking more then any restaurant. As far as drinking, my favorite bar closed in 2007 and I’ve never found another one. I guess my favorite place now would be my backyard when I light the charcoal, grill some meat and knock back a few drinks. 

What books influenced my life and how?

I only read supernatural fiction books. I can honestly say I’ve never read a book that influenced my life. I read for a reality escape and enjoy the stories since I am good at visualizing while I’m reading. 

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

I would listen to music from the 50’s. I love good old Rock and Roll. I can understand all the lyrics and I enjoy the music. It takes me back to being a child and singing those songs with my parents. It’s good music, it’s clean, and makes me feel good. I would want to leave this world just feeling good. 

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

So I love fiction, but I always root for the bad guy. Like growing up, elementary school, I loved Freddy Krueger. I realized that he was just tormenting people in their sleep but I liked him. Can’t say he was my hero but I just enjoyed his character. It’s hard for me to say I have a hero or heroine in any fiction stories. I watch and read fiction for an escape. I enjoy a good supernatural story and don’t really think about it past that. 

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

My mother is my heroine. She is no longer with me but I got to witness her love and strength when she was ill. She is my hero because I saw a light in her that I have never seen in anyone else. She was an amazing woman and a great mother. I can only hope that if I ever go through the struggles she did, I will persevere the way she did. 

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Pet Sematary, 1983. The best movie ever in my opinion. Do not bother with the remake, it’s not nearly as scary as the original. 

What role plays art in my life and work?

Art is my life. I am a composer and it’s my only role. I tell my life story through the music I write. 

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

To me it means the choices you make will determine the life you live. Positive thoughts equal positive realities. Don’t worry about things that are out of your control, focus on the things you can control and always listen to your intuition. You live your best life and stay humble. 

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My greatest fan is my wife. She is my rock who supports my passions and loves me unconditionally. She is the reason my music is now being heard by people I’ve never met. She pushes me to stay motivated and never give up. I would be lost without her, she is my soulmate and my best friend. 

What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?

I am currently working on my second album. I have grown as a musician since releasing my first album and I am looking forward to the new pieces I will be writing. 

Where can you see me or my work in 2020?

YouTube is the best place to check out my work. New music is always being uploaded.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmMdxhwKpqbPtrJfzkdoHVQ

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

I will never stop writing music. I will never grow tired of writing music. Passion comes from the heart. Music is in my blood and in the air I breath. I will never stop, not in this life and not in the lives that follow this one. 

How can you contact me?

Email:  victoriaditommasso@yahoo.com

Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey