Josh Mancell


Josh Mancell is an American composer and multi-instrumentalist who writes music for film, television, and video games. He is best known for his work on the Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter series of video games.
Mancell has received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the children's television series, Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Early life and education

Mancell was born on November 13, 1969 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended Sarah Lawrence College.
As a child, Mancell learned to play the piano, drums, and guitar and was a "rabid record geek". The exposure of playing music in different types of bands, combined with fandom in many genres, led Mancell to pursue a composing career. He was encouraged by his college professors to move to Los Angeles to write music for film and television.

Career

Mancell has developed a successful career writing musical scores for film and television. In film, he has scored a range of films such as Bongwater and Love Comes to the Executioner as well as contributing music to the cult indie Chuck & Buck.
Mancell's music has been used for the animated television shows Gary the Rat, Shorty McShorts' Shorts, and Clifford the Big Red Dog, which has earned him two Emmy nominations.
Mancell is known for his music in video games including Sony's Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter series, and other titles such as Johnny Mnemonic: The Interactive Action Movie and Interstate '82. This work was done with the assistance of Mutato Muzika, the music production company which Mark Mothersbaugh formed with several other former members of Devo including his brother, Bob Mothersbaugh.

Musical groups

Mancell has been a member of the following bands and musical groups outside of his solo composing career:
Mancell's influences include electronic artists such as Mouse on Mars, A Guy Called Gerald, Aphex Twin, Juan Atkins, Richard H. Kirk and Kraftwerk, as well as progressive rock band Pink Floyd. He has cited their "interesting rhythmic elements" and said that "melodically they're simple but kind of leftfield too".

Works

Video games

Film

Television

;Daytime Emmy Awards
YearAwardWorkResult
2002Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and CompositionClifford the Big Red Dog
2003Outstanding Sound Editing – Live Action and AnimationClifford the Big Red Dog