Known for his work throughout the classical genre. In 2009, he released his debut album, Calling All Dawns, for which he won two Grammys. He has also composed scores for various commercials, TV shows, and films, including X2: X-Men United.
He graduated from Stanford University in 2004 with his honors B.A. in musical composition and English literature. He subsequently received his M.A. in humanities from Stanford in 1999. He studied at Oxford University in England as an exchange student.
He also gained widespread acclaim for his "Baba Yetu" composition for the video game Civilization IV. In 2010, he became the first ever composer to win a Grammy award for a video game composition.
He grew up in California.
His first professional internships were with Hans Zimmer working on the soundtracks for such films as The Lion King and Gladiator.
