Insights into composition

• What are the top three artists that inspired the score?

"The Kinks, David Bowie, Joan Jett. If I had to grab three artists these would be the three, although the score is a mixture of classic rock with elements of environmental musical textures that are similar to cinematic soundtracks"

(If you'd like to learn more about the Rock Star inspiration throughout the entire show click here "Artistic Inspiration"

• What research did you conduct? How long was the exploratory and creation phase, respectively?

As always, the synthesis of the composition or design comes directly from the director’s vision. Professor Bradac and I have been working together for many years and have a shorthand when speaking conceptually. After discussions with Professor Bradac, I researched the musical genre’s for compositional and thematic inspirations. The exploratory phase was relatively brief due to my familiarity with the musical genre, no more than 2 or 3 days. I started working on the composition in early July. Some of the music was completed by mid-September. Upon viewing a stumble through of the production, I continued to work on elements of the score, and completed my last recording session with myself and other musicians on October 14^th. I am continuing to work on the music as it relates to the overall sound design, and will make further adjustments after viewing a designer run thru on October 21st. As with any collaborative endeavor, changes and adjustments are made throughout the process.

• Was the entire score created with a music program(digitally), or was it recorded live, or was it a mixture of both? Was this a design, personal, or necessary choice?

I am the owner/operator of Southbay Sandbox Studios in Torrance, CA so I have access to quite a bit of recording equipment and instruments. I use a hybrid style of recording, so all instruments are recorded into a DAW “Logic X” and I incorporate analog preamps, compressors, equalizers, etc. for creating music. Guitar’s, drums, etc. were recorded live playing actual instruments, and textural sounds were played with various synthesizer modules. I typically use very little to no pre-made loops and being a musician prefer recording actual instruments when working on a score such as this.

• Do you associate a particular instrument or genre with a character? Why?

Although the genre is mostly consistent throughout the score, I do themes for character groups. For instance, the magical characters have various themes, as well as the Mechanicals have a theme, and the Lovers have a theme. There is also the need to weave these themes into the actors’ movements and actions to assist with the overall storytelling.