The Composer

Duane Buford

Duane Buford

My Journey

My musical journey began at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, where I received my first formal training. It was there I discovered the deep connection between discipline and creativity. Surrounded by passionate instructors and talented peers, I immersed myself in the fundamentals of composition and performance.

As my skills developed, I was drawn to the expressive world of jazz. I had the privilege of studying under the renowned jazz educator Alan Swain. His mentorship taught me to listen differently—to find emotion between the notes and to shape stories through improvisation and harmonic movement.

My professional career took a turn when I joined the multi-platinum industrial rock band Ministry. Touring and performing at a global level gave me a raw, real-world education in live sound, production, and the powerful energy of music on stage. It was a defining period that sharpened my voice as both a musician and a creator.

During this time, I was part of a pivotal moment—working with Steven Spielberg on the film A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Ministry’s music was featured in the movie, and through that experience, I found myself on set meeting one of my biggest musical inspirations: John Williams. That encounter planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong passion.

Watching how music served the story in a Spielberg film opened my eyes to a new world. I saw how scores could elevate characters, enhance emotion, and become an invisible force behind unforgettable scenes. That was the moment I knew—I wanted to write music for film and bring stories to life through sound.

From classical beginnings to jazz mastery, from industrial stages to Hollywood sets—my journey continues as a composer, driven by a desire to create music that moves people. This path has been anything but ordinary, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Studio

Big News: Film Meets Frequency!

We’re excited to announce that Duane Buford and his film-scoring collective, Score Cue, have partnered with Slang MusicGroup and founder Vince Lawrence to offer Dolby ATMOS mixing services to independent filmmakers!

This collaboration is more than a partnership—it’s a reunion. Duane and Vince go way back, having co-founded JesSay Records and helped launch the global House music movement with classics like “Love Can’t Turn Around.”

Duane’s cinematic journey began on screen in A.I. with the band Ministry, a pivotal moment that sparked his passion for film scoring. He later earned a platinum disc for his work on The Matrix soundtrack.

Recently, Duane was featured in Move Ya Body: The Birth of House Music, a 2025 Sundance documentary highlighting the rise of House from Chicago to global stages.

Now, Score Cue gains access to Slang’s world-class talent and Dolby ATMOS studios—fusing film and music into immersive experiences for the next generation of visual storytellers.

Clients