Willem Claesen is a Belgian composer and sound designer known for his ability to blend orchestral depth with electronic textures, creating music that is both immersive and emotionally charged. His work spans theatre, film, television, and advertising, always serving the narrative with a distinctive sonic identity.

Early Years & Musical Foundations

From a young age, Willem was drawn to music as a means of storytelling. He began studying music theory at seven and soon after developed a fascination with the so-called mother-of-all-instruments: the church organ, his first instrument. Throughout high school, he expanded his musical language by playing keys and drums in bands, developing a natural instinct for composition and arrangement. This balance between classical structure and contemporary energy became the foundation of his distinctive sound.

From Electronic Underground to Cinematic Composition

Willem first made waves in the electronic music scene under the alias Modek, releasing music on renowned labels and touring internationally. His remixes for artists like Netsky, Porter Robinson, Zombie Nation and Etienne de Crécy gained him recognition, while his deep understanding of sound design and production became a crucial element in his transition into scoring for theatre, film and commercial projects. Over time, his focus shifted toward composing music that not only stood on its own but also enhanced visual storytelling.

Film, Television & Advertising

Willem’s music has been featured in high-profile advertising campaigns for brands like ALDI, Louis Vuitton, AUDI and Opel, working with renowned sound agencies such as Sonhouse, Sizzer and Klankwerk. Here his ability to translate brand identity into sound has made a lasting impact. In television and film, his compositions have shaped the atmosphere of some of Belgium’s most recognized productions, including De Slimste Mens Ter Wereld, De MIA’s, Iedereen Beroemd and De 5 voor 12 Show. His skill in crafting immersive soundscapes ensures that his scores not only complement the visuals but also add an additional layer of storytelling.

Theatrical & Live Experiences

In theatre, Willem has collaborated on numerous productions, composing dynamic and emotionally driven scores for projects such as Fabrique Fantastique’s Het Paashuis, Stad Bilzen-Hoeselt’s Dickens Dagen, and De Showmaekers’ La Femme Fatale. His music plays a key role in enhancing live storytelling, spectacle theatre, and immersive productions, creating an auditory experience that transports audiences into the heart of the narrative.

Goudzoeker & Solo Piano – A Personal Exploration

Beyond commissioned work, Willem explores his own artistic identity through Goudzoeker, a hardware-driven synth project merging nostalgic analog warmth with cinematic textures. This project allows him to push sonic boundaries, combining the raw expressiveness of vintage synthesizers with a modern cinematic sensibility. Alongside this, his solo piano compositions, released under his own name, reveal a more intimate and introspective side of his artistry, focusing on evocative and expressive melodies.

A Composer in Constant Evolution

With a career that has taken him from underground electronic music to large-scale compositions for film, theatre, and live events, Willem continues to refine and evolve his sound. His compositions have also shaped the sonic identity of major festivals and events, including Creative Belgium Awards, Us By Night, and Supernova reinforcing the emotional and immersive aspects of large-scale productions.

Beyond composing, Willem has also performed on stage in various theatrical productions. His background in live performance deepens his understanding of storytelling and musical expression, allowing him to seamlessly blend music and movement in immersive stage experiences.

Whether crafting expansive orchestral scores, intricate electronic soundscapes, or delicate piano pieces, Willem remains driven by emotion, storytelling, and sonic exploration. Based in Belgium, he is available for projects worldwide.

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