Nick Wood is a British composer, music producer, and creative director whose career spans continents and genres. Born in Liverpool, he moved to London at the age of 19, signing with Virgin Records as a founding member of New Wave band Appassionata. His music production work began at London’s legendary Marcus Studio. In 1987, a fortuitous trip to Japan inspired Wood to relocate to Tokyo where, in 1991, he co-founded music agency Syn with Simon Le Bon and Yasmin Le Bon. Since then, he has been based in Tokyo, leading Syn’s work across film, television, advertising, live experience, and branded sound. Wood has composed music for over 2,000 commercials, working with global brands including CNN, Disney, Apple, Amazon, Mercedes Benz, and Shiseido. In 2020, he created the engine sound of the Fiat 500e in a style that honored the brand's legacy and heralded its move into the future. His film soundtracks include 13 Kaidan (Masahiko Nagasawa’s award-winning thriller starring Tsutomu Yamazaki), the animated film To-i Umi Kara Kita Coo, RAILWAYS 2 (starring Tomokazu Miura), Birthgap (Stephen Shaw’s documentary on declining birth-rates) and The Brighton Miracle (directed by Max Mannix). Wood’s television work includes licensed music for Tokyo Vice (HBO), Pachinko (Apple TV+), Fistful of Vengeance (Netflix), and People Just Do Nothing (BBC). Wood continues to collaborate with creative partner, Simon Le Bon, including the original song Closer To Your Bed, performed at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2017. The duo’s upcoming collection of co-written songs is set for release in 2025. Beyond his commercial composition, Wood brings his signature storytelling approach to experiential, hospitality, and wellness-focussed sound. He created a 90-minute soundtrack for Claridge’s Spa in London and music for Disney’s Imagination Tree at Monash Children’s Hospital. His work is grounded in the belief that music can enhance both emotional connection and wellbeing. Wood’s accolades include an Emmy Award for CNN’s Why We Go (Outstanding Promotional Announcement), PromaxBDA awards for Best Use of Music and Sound Design, and a Clio Award for his work with CNN Creative Marketing. He’s been a speaker at ADFEST and Cannes Lions. Splitting his time between Tokyo, Los Angeles, and his unique lakeside studio in Lake Towada in Northern Japan, Wood combines a profound love of cinematic sound, natural environments, and the emotional dimension of music. In 2024, he composed the Towadako Series—a five-part collection of ambient music lovingly documenting seasonal changes in Northern Japan. Mixed in Dolby Atmos and released worldwide, the series demonstrates how Wood’s creative practice is deeply rooted in nature. A pioneer in sonic storytelling, Wood’s music continues to inspire audiences around the world.
