• A close-up image of a humanoid ape with brown fur and intense eyes, with another ape partially visible behind. The background suggests an outdoor, natural environment with trees and sunlight.

    “‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes resonates with bestial power, from its photo-realistic performance capture effects to the layered sounds of the various ape factions that tear across the screen. Much of the film's visceral impact owes itself to composer John Paesano who was compelled to mix and match a host of musical styles stemming from the classic Apes franchise.”

    - Sean Wilson, Cineworld

  • A man in vintage clothing seemingly controlling lightning during a rainstorm.

    “John Paesano's score for Michael Almereyda's film "Tesla" ingeniously captures the essence of the inventor's electric legacy. Drawing inspiration from modern classical composers, Paesano's innovative approach electrifies the screen, resonating with Tesla's groundbreaking discoveries. Through sweeping strings and pulsating rhythms, Paesano's music illuminates Tesla's visionary genius in a captivating symphony of sound.”

    - Russ Petry, Soundtrack News

  • Four people standing side by side, dressed in gothic and Victorian-style clothing, with serious and intense expressions, against a dark background.

    “Paesano utilizes the golden age of Hollywood sound, mixed with modern sensibilities of some of todays greatest scores to striking effect.”

    - Sarah Constance, Soundtrack News

  • A person on horseback riding through a lush green landscape with tall, overgrown buildings in the background, and a bird flying nearby.

    “As "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" prepares to take audiences on an unforgettable journey, John Paesano's score stands as a testament to the power of music to elevate storytelling to new heights. With each soaring crescendo and haunting refrain, Paesano guides us through a world where humanity's past collides with its future, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.”

    - Sarah Constance, Soundtrack News

  • A man dressed as Ant-Man from Marvel Comics wearing a gold helmet and black costume with yellow accents, standing in front of a red-hued cityscape background.

    “Marvel's 'Daredevil' wasn't just another superhero show—it was a groundbreaking exploration of darkness and justice, and at its core was the evocative score by composer John Paesano.”

    - Russ Petry, Soundtrack News

  • Spider-Man in two different suits, swinging against a red background, with one suit featuring lightning.

    “If you feel your spider-sense tingling whilst listening, it’s because Paesano’s music is designed to give you chills. He is intimately versed in this world having composed the music to the previous and massively popular game as well as Netflix’s television series Marvel’s Daredevil and Marvel’s The Defenders.”

    - Marc Ciafardini, Go, See, Talk

  • Four young adults with serious expressions, standing against a dark forest background, dressed in casual clothing and backpacks.

    “The Maze Runner trilogy, comprised of ‘The Maze Runner" (2014), ‘The Scorch Trials’ (2015), and ‘The Death Cure’ (2018), captivated audiences with its gripping storyline, compelling characters, and adrenaline-pumping action. However, one aspect that often flies under the radar but significantly contributes to the trilogy's immersive experience is its music.”

    - Russ Petry, Soundtrack News

  • Spider-Man in a black and red suit crouching on a city street at night with neon lights in the background.

    “John Paesano brings a much darker edge to Spider-Man in this sequel soundtrack, with imposing electronics for the symbiote and moodily malevolent new themes for villains Kraven and Venom interplaying to excellent effect with Peter and Miles all across this thoroughly enjoyable eighty minute game score.”

    - Zanobard Reviews

  • A group of eleven people dressed in 1940s attire standing on a city street with vintage cars and storefronts in the background.

    “Lakeshore Records has released Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels—Showtime Original Series Soundtrack featuring music by John Paesano. Paesano utilizes the golden age of Hollywood sound, mixed with modern sensibilities of some of todays greatest scores to striking effect.”

    - Soundtracks, Scores and More Staff

AWARDS

  • Logo for the Annie Awards with gold-colored text on a black background.

    2013 Winner Annie

    Music in an Animated Television or Other Broadcast Venue Production

    DreamWorks Dragons

    For episode "How to Pick Your Dragon"

  • Oscar statuette and the words 'Academy Awards' with 'Best Picture'

    2021 Winner BAFTA Games Award

    Best Music

    Spider-Man: Miles Morales

  • Logo for the Dice Awards with black circle and the word 'DICE' inside it, followed by 'AWARDS'

    2024 Winner D.I.C.E. Award

    Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition

    Spider-Man 2

  • Gold and white emblem for the Guild of Music Supervisors Annual Awards, established in 2010.

    2024 Winner GMS Award

    Best Music Supervision for a Video Game (Original Music)

    Spider-Man 2

NOMINATIONS

  • Logo of the International Film Music Critics Association, with the acronym IFMCA and the full name below.

    2025 – IFMCA Award

    Best Original Score for a Fantasy/Science Fiction FilmKingdom of the Planet of the Apes

    2019 – IFMCA Award

    Best Original Score for a Video Game or Interactive MediaMarvel's Spider-Man

    2015 – IFMCA Award

    Best Original Score for an Action/Adventure/Thriller FilmThe Maze Runner

    2015 – IFMCA Award

    Breakthrough Film Composer of the Year

  • Graphic for Music + Sound Awards with a yellow star and black text on a white background.

    2024 – Music+Sound Award

    Best Original Composition in a Video Game (Gameplay)Marvel's Spider-Man 2

    2024 – Music+Sound Award

    Best Original Composition in a Video Game TrailerMarvel's Spider-Man 2

  • Hollywood Music in Media Awards logo with gold and black design and a circular emblem featuring a stylized 'M' and 'A'

    2023 – HMMA Award
    Best Music Design – TrailerMarvel's Spider-Man 2: Launch Trailer

    2018 – HMMA Award
    Best Original Score – Video GameMarvel's Spider-Man

  • Logo for the 51st Annual Saturn Awards featuring a stylized Saturn planet with rings and an alien head silhouette.

    2025 – Saturn Award

    Best Film MusicKingdom of the Planet of the Apes

  • A city street scene at night with a Burger King sign and a wider view of buildings and streetlights.

    2025 – Grammy Award

    Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive MediaMarvel's Spider-Man 2

  • BAFTA Games Awards logo with a gold mask and black text

    2024 Winner GMS Award

    Best Music Supervision for a Video Game (Original Music) Spider-Man 2

  • Black and white drawing of a cat sitting on a cushion

    2018 – The Game Award


    Best Score/SoundtrackMarvel's Spider-Man

  • Logo for the AZ Awards featuring a gold silhouette of a man in a hat and the text 'AZ Awards' in gold and silver.

    2019 – UZETA Award


    Best Original SoundtrackMarvel's Spider-Man

  • Primetime Emmy Awards logo with a golden Emmy statuette on the right.

    2018 – Primetime Emmy Award


    Outstanding Original Main Title Theme MusicThe Defenders