Richard Buxton talks with composer Jeff Russo about his foray into writing music for television, balancing his career between composing for film and TV with his band-work, how he came to write the score for the first season of Fargo and more.
 

Fox's television-series-turned-cultural-phenomenon, "24," began airing some 13 years ago and with each tick of the proverbial and practical clock, with each twist, turn and double-turn experienced by Jack Bauer and his covert cohorts was the music of composer SEAN CALLERY.  Richard Buxton chats with the composer about the legacy and challenges of "24,"  and his return to the franchise with 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY.
 

Richard Buxton chats with Trevor Morris about some of the prolific composer's most recent work spanning across video games, feature films and some of television's most popular period dramas.
 

Oscar Araujo talks about his foray into the musical world of Castlevania. He opens up about his own personal love for the original games, his respect for the franchise music that came before, looking to set a world record recording with 237 musicians at Abbey Road Studios, and what he is working on next.

 

COMPOSER TOM SALTA shares about composing the original score for HALO: SPARTAN ASSAULT as well as his own Halo-fandom over the years.

COMPOSER JESPER KYD talks about taking the musical reigns for the Darksiders franchise with his score for DARKSIDERS II, its unique challenges, and finding inspiration for scoring death, hell, and heaven.

Kim Planert, composer of 2012’s TV drama MISSING, provides Tracksounds with an insight into a European composer’s life in Hollywood and the link between the skies and scores.


 

As the ABC dramedy CASTLE continues through its fourth season on air, versatile composer ROBERT DUNCAN explores his work on the show and his previous experiences of scoring hits such as BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THE UNIT and THE CHICAGO CODE, and offers an insight into the differences between TV and Film scoring.

 

Composer Sam Hulick shares about his technological path to the world of video game music composition - from MASS EFFECT to RED ORCHESTRA 2 - HEROES OF STALINGRAD.
 

Tracksounds talks with composer Alan Menken on receiving his recent star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his latest collaboration for the Disney animated film, TANGLED.
 

COMPOSER JESPER KYD shares about his early career in video game music and being the man behind the music of the ASSASSIN'S CREED video game series.
 

Composer Mark Griskey talks about returning to score THE FORCE UNLEASHED, how the music for the franchise has evolved since the first game, and what it was like working on this project at the same time as STAR WAR: THE OLD REPUBLIC.
 

Tom Hajdu, part of the seasoned scoring duo Tomandandy, joins us to discuss their involvement in scoring RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE. Tom explains how the writing process was different from other projects, how the score stands apart from other work that they've done and that others have done, and what his speculations are for the future of film and its music. - Interview by Marius Masalar
 

SEAN WILLIAMS, author of the novelization of STAR WARS THE FORCE UNLEASHED, the recently released, STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC – FATAL ALLIANCE, shares about his recent works, his passion for film music and what he listens to when writing.  He also shares about some of his all-time favorite soundtracks, why the year, 1981, is such an important year and how he faced the difficult choice between writing and composing music.

 

Composer KEVIN RIEPL shares about his latest project, CRACKDOWN 2, which is the highly anticipated sequel to the surprise 2007 hit, CRACKDOWN. He also shares about this year's E3, the status of DAMAGE VAULT, and other upcoming projects: HUNTED: THE DEMON FORGE and ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES!

 

Tracksounds talks with composer JAMIE CHRISTOPHERSON about his work for one of Capcom's most anticipated game sequels, LOST PLANET 2.   Jamie shares about working with Audio Director, TOMOYA KISHI, collaborating with Capcom-staff composer, MARIKA SUZUKI, and what it was like returning to the LOST PLANET world and the differences we'll hear in the original score this time out.
 

Capcom Audio Director, Tomoya Kishi and composer Marika Suzuki discuss their unique approach to the music and sound design of LOST PLANET 2: the collaboration with composer Jamie Christopherson, their use of Source Connect and Skype to virtually attend the recording sessions in Los Angeles and the possibility of more for the land of E.D.N. in the future!
 

Just days prior to the release of the hotly anticipated film, DISTRICT 9, composer Clinton Shorter talks about suddenly being in the spotlight, his long, working-relationship with director Neil Blomkamp, and finding the right musical blend for his original score.
 

Coming off one of the busiest seasons of his career, composer Brian Tyler shares about his two latest projects:  DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION, FAST AND FURIOUS and THE LAZARUS PROJECT.  He also answers fan submitted questions touching on where his love of vests came from, how he chooses the music for the original soundtrack releases, how he handles rejection and industry-walls.  He also discusses some of his upcoming, 2009 projects!
 

Composer Joris de Man shares about his epic score for the hit video game KILLZONE 2.  He returns to the game-verse he helped to create in the original KILLZONE, this time solely focusing on writing the original score.  He contrasts his writing experiences for the two games and the musical advantages that have come with the next-gen (PS3) consoles.
 

After the mega-hit CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE, developer TREYARCH returns the franchise to World War II in CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR.  We speak with composer SEAN MURRAY about his genre-bending score, the ideas behind the divergences from the norm and his special connection to both the game's setting and recording in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
 

Just prior to the soundtrack release of VALKYRIE and the feature film release on December 25, 2008, composer and editor JOHN OTTMAN shares about his ongoing working relationship with BRYAN SINGER, the unique challenges posed when both editing and scoring Valkyrie, and his thoughts about involvement with the long rumored SUPERMAN sequel, THE MAN OF STEEL, and even Mark Milar's reboot-trilogy idea.
 

The two names behind the musical voice of the PRINCE OF PERSIA game franchise come together to score the next-gen console version of the game.  Both INON ZUR and STUART CHATWOOD share about their histories in the franchise, the unique challenges provided by this iteration of the game, and their process for working together.
 

Tracksounds catches up with JESSE HARLIN, music supervisor of not only THE FORCE UNLEASHED but the newly released video game, FRACTURE.  Jesse, a staff-composer at LucasArts himself, shares about some of the special challenges that FRACTURE brought to himself and the composing team of Michael Giacchino, Chris Tilton, and Chad Seiter.  He also comments on the unsung praise of the musical supervisor and the role this specific score plays in this unique shooter.  Also, proudly presented are 30 second clips of 22 audio tracks from the FRACTURE soundtrack.
 

Composer Jeff Beal returns to work with actor/director Ed Harris on APPALOOSA.  He shares about his work relationship with the director, Harris, the challenges of writing a score for a Western, and what he'd like to do next.
 

Between long-distance jaunts across the Pacific Ocean, Tracksounds is able to catch up with composer/producer Miho Nomura and discuss her journey into new media music, the state of the music-business in Asia, her production of Stevie Wonder's 2007 tour in Japan, and the scarcity of Asians in the music-side of Hollywood.
 

Tracksounds was able to talk with composer Mark Griskey about his work on LucasArts next big game, THE FORCE UNLEASHED.  He shares about following in the tradition of John Williams, the unique challenges posed by the game's story, and recording the first Star Wars game score at Skywalker Sound.

Just after the release of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN, composer Harry Gregson-Williams shares about his return to Narnia, his feelings about moving on from the franchise, what he's doing with up-and-coming-composers like David Buckley and Stephen Barton at his Wavecrest Studios, and his upcoming projects which include X-Men Origins:  Wolverine.

Fresh off of the success of award-winning documentary, SHARKWATER, composer Jeff Rona talks about his latest project - composing a symphony for the regatta events of the Beijing Olympics.  He shares candidly about the challenges organizationally and musically that effort has faced, as well as detail regarding the music and performers themselves.

Just over a month before the release OF the highly anticipated follow-up to BATMAN BEGINS, we are able to speak with film music's own "dynamic duo" HANS ZIMMER AND JAMES NEWTON HOWARD. They share their thoughts on how they have continued in the collaborative tradition begun with the first film, their treatment of themes for Batman and the Joker, and about "the note."

Just a few days prior to the release of the highly-anticipated IRON MAN, composer Ramin Djawadi talks with Tracksounds about his experience working on the project with director John Favreau and with score producer, Hans Zimmer.  He also shares about other recent and upcoming projects:  DECEPTION, PRISON BREAK, and OPEN SEASON 2.

Helmut Vonlichten of the enigmatic duo, E.S. Posthumus, shares his feelings about the success of their first release Unearthed, their work for CBS, their latest project with Luna Sans, Cartographer, and if scoring a film is in their future!

Composer Tyler Bates talks about his recent project DOOMSDAY, paying homage to classic genre films from the 80s, his upcoming video game score, RISE OF THE ARGONAUTS, and two more film projects: THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL and WATCHMEN.

Rushing from L.A.X. (if that is actually possible), I made my way to Wavecrest Studios, where composer DAVID BUCKLEY had just finished a meeting with director JOEL SCHUMACHER.  I was, most generously, welcomed in and, over the next hour, I was treated to a tour of the state-of-the-art facility.  I talked with David Buckley about how came into the film-music business, his work-relationship with Harry Gregson-Williams, and his two new projects:  THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM and TOWN CREEK.

Tracksounds is able to get both composers Kaveh Cohen and Michael Nielsen on the line for quick chat regarding their upcoming score for the much-anticipated SPLINTER CELL: CONVICTION vdieo game, as well as the new TV animated-series, WOLVERINE and the X-MEN.  The co-composers also talk about their library of trailer music entitiled FULL TILT and Kaveh Cohen's score for the 2007 Audio Book of the Year, THE BIBLE EXPERIENCE.

Composer Christopher Lennertz takes a few minutes away from working on season 3 of SUPERNATURAL to talk with us about his most recent foray into comedy genre, scoring parody films, his composing-partnership with Timothy Wynn, how the writer's strike is now effecting composers and finally his thoughts on having his work released on iTunes and AmazonMp3.

Just prior to the release of the BEOWULF the film and the Ubisoft video game tie-in, Tracksounds was able to fire off a few questions to one of the most prolific scoring duos of the game world.  Sascha Dikiciyan and Cris Velasco talk about their work on BEOWULF: THE GAME, influence from Alan Silvestri's score, recording at Skywalker Sound, meeting George Lucas, and their careers beyond the genre of game music.
 

On a late Saturday afternoon, Tracksounds was able to catch a few moments with composer JAMES MICHAEL DOOLEY who is deep into writing a ton of music for the new, hit television series, PUSHING DAISIES.  He shares his feelings about his work being compared to Danny Elfman and the creative challenges he faces in writing for such a unique show and the sheer volume of work he must produce every six days!
 

As the official launch date for the highly anticipated game ASSASSIN'S CREED approaches, we are able to ask composer JESPER KYD a few questions about his musical score for the innovative game.
 

As 2KGames continues to get rave reviews for their ground-breaking effort BIOSHOCK, Tracksounds speaks with composer GARRY SCHYMAN about his work on the project, his thoughts about a potential paradyme shift in the gaming industry, and his most recent project DESTROY ALL HUMANS:  PATH OF THE FURON.
 

A couple of months prior to the 2007/2008 NFL football season kicking off, Tracksounds speaks with composer DAVID ROBIDOUX about being a part of the musical legacy of NFL FILMS.  He shares about the foundation laid by composer Sam Spence and Steve Sabol, about the new era of music at NFL Films and the new NFL NETWORK.
 

Just a few days before the wide release of Zack Snyder's 300, Tracksounds is able to talk with 300's score composer, TYLER BATES.  He shares about his work for the ground-breaking film, his influences, and his desire to continue to work with visionary directors.

Just a few days before the wide release of Zack Snyder's 300, Tracksounds is able to talk with 300's score composer, TYLER BATES.  He shares about his work for the ground-breaking film, his influences, and his desire to continue to work with visionary directors.

LOST PLANET: EXTREME CONDITION has been one of the most highly anticipated releases for the XBOX 360 since the game console's release. Game producer, Capcom, brought back composer JAMIE CHRISTOPHERSON, to provide the score for the first-person-shooter. Tracksounds was able to catch up with Jamie to talk about LOST PLANET, some of his other projects and the growing industry of game music.

Tracksounds was able to interrupt composer Mychael Danna's busy schedule to talk about his popular work for THE NATIVITY STORY.  He shares openly about his unique approach to scoring this epic, yet intimate story and how this film tapped into some reservoirs of talent that Hollywood rarely taps into.

Tracksounds speaks with composer HOWARD SHORE just after the release of the second installment of his mammoth LORD OF THE RINGS music project: THE TWO TOWERS COMPLETE RECORDINGS.  Howard Shore shares about his experience in putting the complete releases together, his work on the Lord of the Rings Symphony, his foree into the video game genre, SOUL OF THE ULTIMATE NATION, and his possible involvement in THE HOBBIT!

The day after the world premiere of SNAKES ON A PLANE, TREVOR RABIN takes a short break from finishing up yet another upcoming-score, THE GUARDIAN to talk with Tracksounds.  He shares about some of his most recent projects:  SNAKES ON A PLANE and FLYBOYS, about how he handles scoring multiple projects, and his involvement in the film NATIONAL TREASURE 2.

Tracksounds speaks with composer CHRISTOPHER LENNERTZ after the announcement of his Emmy nomination for his score to the pilot episode of the hit television series, SUPERNATURAL, and just a few weeks before his wedding!  The composer shares about his experience on the show, his upcoming score for the 3D-animated film SHARK BAIT, upcoming release of his score for the video game GUN and two upcoming projects for two SONY PLAYSTATION 3 titles!

On the heels of receiving a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Dramatic Score for his work for NARNIA:  THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, Tracksounds is able to speak with composer, Harry Gregson-Williams about his epic score, working with director Andrew Adamson, and even the influence (or lack thereof) of Howard Shore's work for THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

Composer Graeme Revell talks about his experience on AEON FLUX, his two CALL OF DUTY scores, his screenplay and focus on revitalizing orchestral concert.

With early-2004's most talked-about film now a part of his repetoire, versatile composer John Debney shares about his involvement in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

Helen San spends a few moments with Greg Edmonson, composer for the short-lived yet beloved television series Firefly!

The Medal of Honor franchise was put on the musical-map by composer Michael Giacchino's stellar efforts.  Now, as the Medal of Honor video game series continues, it does so under the musical direction of an up-and-coming-composer.  Medal of Honor:  Rising Sun composer, Christopher Lennertz shares about this latest high-profile project!

As the The Matrix franchise retakes theatres all over the world, the Wachowski Brother's, along with Atari and Shiny Entertainment, are about to take over Playstation 2s, Gamecubes, Xboxes, and PCs, with the video game, ENTER THE MATRIX.  Tracksounds catches up with the man behind the music of this groundbreaking game - Erik Lundborg.

Ron Jones talks about the evolution of film scoring, his film scoring-school, and his musical beginnings with the legendary cartoons producers, Hanna Barbera.

Edward Shearmur's shares about his experience composing for Reign of Fire, working in the genres of rock and roll and film music simultaneously, and the similarities and differences between the two.

Up and coming composer, Christopher Lennertz talks about his passion for conducting orchestras, what's good and bad about temp scores, and what it takes to get a feature film gig.

Thad Spencer of Asche & Spencer talks with Tracksounds about Monster's Ball, composing in the world of advertising and how they are taking their unique approach to film scoring to Hollywood.

Tracksounds speaks Don Davis, composer for Jurassic Park III, about following in the footsteps of John Williams and The Matrix Reloaded

Also available:
Composing the New Reality
1999
 

Composer Hans Zimmer shares about his live album "The Wings of a Film,"  Director's Cuts, and the 2000 Oscars.

Long time orchestrator, Conrad Pope shares on his first major film music composition release - Pavillion of Women and his upcoming orchestration gigs on A.I., Harry Potter, and Star Wars Episode II.

Michael Giacchino, composer of the video game soundtrack series, Medal of Honor shares about this project and what influences and inspires him.

White Squall composer, Jeff Rona talks about the diversity of film music and where he thinks the industry is headed.

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