Mark Smythe, Beloved Composer from Los Angeles, Passes Away at 53
Los Angeles — Composer Mark Smythe, recognized for his work on The Reef: Stalked, passed away on May 9 at the age of 53. He collapsed while hiking on Mt. Wilson in Los Angeles. Smythe received nominations for both a Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Award and a World Soundtrack Award in 2023, underscoring his impact on the film and TV music landscape.
Smythe was not only a skilled composer but also made significant contributions to the SCL, serving as its chief operating officer from 2018 to 2021 following his role as the Los Angeles administrator. His death has sent shockwaves through the community. “To say that his loss comes as a profound shock to our community, especially to his students, collaborators, and friends, is an understatement,” remarked SCL President Ashley Irwin.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Smythe moved to Los Angeles in 2013. His accolades included three Hollywood Music in Media Award nominations for the films Unfallen, Flying South, and The Things She Did. He also won an award from the Australian Screen Industry Network for Best Composer in 2012 for Daddy’s Little Girl.
Reflecting on Smythe’s warmth and generosity, Irwin added, “He had a wry sense of humor and an infectious laugh that could light up a room. Exceptionally generous with his time and energy, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome.” His signature greeting, “I’m all the better for seeing your smiling face,” resonated deeply with friends and colleagues.
The Australian music rights management organization APRA AMCOS also expressed their condolences. On Instagram, they noted, “Smythe became an APRA member in 2004 and was also a beloved colleague to many in our Melbourne office.” APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston emphasized the significant loss Smythe’s passing represents to the screen composing world and other musical communities.
At the time of his death, Smythe was teaching media composition at California State University, Northridge, and serving as the Department Head of Composing for Visual Media at the Los Angeles College of Music. Irwin acknowledged the profound impact he had on aspiring composers, “Many composers in our community had the privilege of learning from Mark.”
Smythe was also working on choral compositions and had collaborated with the LA Choral Lab. He is survived by his sister, Kate Ward-Smythe.
