Simon Hanes is a California born, Brooklyn-based composer, performer and arranger. His work revolves around bridging his main influences; soundtrack music from 1960s/70s Italian films, contemporary classical music, renaissance music, 70s hard rock, Ukrainian Trembita music, and non-idiomatic improvisation.
Hanes composes for, conducts, and performs extensively with his Italian soundtrack-pop large ensemble Tredici Bacci, his Experimental Surf Quintet The Tsons Of Tsunami, and most recently the mammoth 15 piece ensemble GARGANTUA (3 voices, 3 french horns, 3 trombones, 3 electric basses, 3 drumsets), which was described as a “masterpiece” by the New York Times, and premiered at Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN in 2026.’’
Hanes received the Best New Discovery award at the 2026 European Film Score Awards for his original score to Harpo & Lenny Guit’s 2024 film “Aimer Perdre”. Films scored by Hanes have been presented by film festivals such Sundance, Slamdance, TIFF and Fantastic Fest.
Hanes was musician in residence at Pioneer Works in April 2018, and has held Stone residencies in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024 and 2026.
