Daniel Lopatin

Biography

Daniel Lopatin, also known by his stage name Oneohtrix Point Never (OPN), is an American composer, electronic musician, and producer celebrated for his experimental soundscapes and groundbreaking contributions to modern electronic and film music. He was born on July 25, 1982, in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA, to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents who were both musicians.

Growing up surrounded by classical and electronic influences, Lopatin began experimenting with synthesizers at an early age. His father’s Roland Juno-60 keyboard became one of his first instruments — a tool that would later shape his signature sound. He studied Cultural Studies at Hampshire College, where he deepened his understanding of art, media, and sound theory.

Career

Daniel Lopatin emerged in the mid-2000s as one of the most original voices in electronic music. Under the moniker Oneohtrix Point Never, he released a series of acclaimed albums that redefined ambient and experimental electronic genres. His early works, such as Betrayed in the Octagon (2007) and Rifts (2009), introduced listeners to his lush, nostalgic synth compositions.

Lopatin gained international recognition with albums like:

Replica (2011) – built from chopped and reimagined television commercials.

R Plus Seven (2013) – a minimalist, conceptual exploration of sound design.

Garden of Delete (2015)* – blending distorted electronic textures with surreal narratives.

Age Of (2018)* – combining baroque influences with avant-garde pop elements.

His music is known for its emotional intensity, digital experimentation, and philosophical depth, often exploring themes of memory, identity, and technology.

Film Scoring and Collaborations

Beyond his solo work, Lopatin has become a highly sought-after film composer. His collaboration with the Safdie brothers has been particularly acclaimed. He composed the soundtrack for Good Time (2017), which won the Soundtrack Award at the Cannes Film Festival, and the score for Uncut Gems (2019), praised for its pulsating, synth-driven energy that amplified the film’s chaotic atmosphere.

Lopatin has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including The Weeknd, serving as the executive producer and music director for The Weeknd’s After Hours era. He has performed live with him, including during the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show (2021).