Episodes
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Austin Weber first gained attention in 2018 with his original records and boundary-pushing music videos. His music and videos are vibrant collages of early YouTube blogging, David Attenborough documentaries, and heartbreak. His theatrical live shows feature puppet monsters, lucha libré matches, and Gregorian chant ceremonies.
With an upcoming solo record set to release in November 2024, and his involvement in scoring the recently Tribeca-premiered film Rent Free, Austin continues to push creative boundaries. His score for Rent Free uses homebuilt instruments and analog synthesizers alongside an original soundtrack of new songs to alternatingly ground and augment the chaos of your early 20s.
Topics include:
-Early success laying the track for a music career
-The fun of being your own boss vs. having a director
-Classical vs Media music....is there a difference?
-Classical music as a visual medium
-The “Cow tools” Plinko instrument – making new instruments for “Rent Free”
-Collaboration and communication in Music
https://www.austinweber.info/
https://www.youtube.com/@AustinWeber
https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/5h0rTGkBqbWz66GwvsgwzF?si=b675e9bced7f4c43
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28626359/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk -
My guest today is Dr. Erin Parkes, Founder and Executive Director of the Lotus Centre for Special Music Education. She is here to talk about her work with Adaptive Concerts, which are performances that are adapted for neurodivergent audiences that may respond differently to stimuli, and especially music.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Dr. Erin Parkes holds a Ph.D. in music education from McGill University, where she researched how to train studio music teachers to work with students with autism. In 2012, Dr. Parkes founded Lotus Centre for Special Music Education, a charitable organization committed to providing access to music education for people with
exceptionalities. In addition to her role at Lotus Centre, Dr. Parkes is an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa, where she is also a principal researcher at the Music and Health Research Institute. Dr. Parkes presents at conferences and guest lectures internationally on teaching music to students with exceptionalities and other issues in music education.
MORE INFORMATION ON ADAPTIVE CONCERTS:
www.lotuscentre.net
https://www.chamberfest.com/series/2022/adaptive-concerts/
https://nac-cna.ca/en/stories/story/a-musical-experience-for-autistic-children
https://nac-cna.ca/en/video/series/the-music-circle
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1321103X231214113
https://xeniaconcerts.com/ -
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After 12 years as a composer for media, David Bertok is branching out into the world of concert music with his most recent project, ONE, which will be released in October. He joins Christine in this episode to discuss his journey through music, his belief in the human touch of music, and the perfection in imperfection and experimentation.
Topics include:
*David’s background from Germany to LA
*The value of a wide range of skills
*With new technology is human creativity necessary?
*Will AI make us appreciate live performances and creativity more in the future?
*What AI cannot do.
*What is the composing process for “ONE”
*David’s favorite pieces
*Improvising Baroque Counterpoint?
*Why create a neoclassical?
*From the DAW to the recording stage
*The advantages of live instruments
*The perfection in imperfection
*Advice for aspiring musicians
About our Guest:
https://www.davidbertok.com/
Composer of the award winning feature films "Peace by Chocolate" and "Botero", David Bertok writes for film, TV and the concert hall. After graduating from music college in Germany, David enjoyed a busy career as a live musician touring Europe with progressive rock bands opening for acts such as Scorpions and Saga. His band, Subsignal, reached the German album charts twice during his tenure as keyboarder, songwriter, lyricist and producer.
In 2012, he relocated to Los Angeles on a Fulbright Scholarship admitted to the famed Scoring for Motion Picture and Television Program at USC. David's creativity extends to songwriting, producing and more. After 12 years as a composer for media, David is branching out into the world of concert music with his most recent project, ONE, which will be released in October.
https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/david-bertok-on-his-neoclassical-album-one -
"You can't be the producer and the generator at once"
When you get a chance to learn from an influential and innovative musician like Evan Frankfort, you can't pass it up! In this episode Evan shares fantastic practical advice for aspiring musicians/producers as well as his own philosophies on creativity, curiosity, craft, and of course....The Spiritual Machines!
4- time Emmy nominated, Songwriter, Sound Designer, and composer Evan Frankfort's innovative musical contributions in both television and indie rock have offered uniquely captivating soundscapes for nearly 30 years. He currently serves as Head of Music for Hearst Media, as well as frontman of the innovative indie rock band “The Spiritual Machines” and co-creator of “Less Friction.” His past credits include shows like The 100, and Beverly Hills 90210, and he has collaborated with iconic artists like The Bangles, Plain White T’s, Rancid, Warren Zevon, and Liz Phair.
Topics Include:
*Finding your place in music – embrace your differences
*Hiding the Tool – how it applies to music making
*The Spiritual Machine – what defines us as individuals or as human?
*Instruments as Spiritual Machines
*Don’t get bogged down by proving something
*You can’t be the producer and the generator at once
*Spontaneous vs Scheduled creativity
*Creativity through collaboration
*The Spiritual Machines and the evolution of a band’s “sound”
*What is your “spiritual machine?”
*Balancing life as a Music Director and a creative
*Advice for aspiring musicians -
Just like the many students in the US returning to school this month, music teachers are making goals of their own for the upcoming school year. In honor of that, Christine is switching from interviewer to interviewee, and with the help of producer, Russ, will be discussing some of the activities she's planning on implementing to help her students become more connected and creative in their music making. We also discuss a teacher's role in preparing and protecting their students in very competitive environments/auditions, as well as reviewing lessons Christine has learned from a few of her fantastic guests on this program!
Resources Mentioned:
**These are not affiliated links. We're not getting sponsored by any of these products...we just like them**
The Mind's Ear by Bruce Adolphe https://a.co/d/hmBdsu2
Rhythm Cup Explorations by Wendy Stevens: https://composecreate.com/product/rhythm-cup-explorations/
Pattern Pieces by Piano Safari: https://pianosafari.com/product/patternpiecespack/
Shades of Sound by Jenny Boster: https://a.co/d/1JB7JeW
MvW Episodes referenced:
What Are You Trying to Say? Musical Imagination with Bruce Adolphe: https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/what-are-you-trying-to-say-musical-imagination-with-bruce-adolph
How to Win an Audition: A conversation with Dr. Scott Holden https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/musicians-vs-auditions-part-1---how-win-an-audition
Audiation and Music Learning Theory with Siliana Chiliachka: https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/audiation-and-music-learning-theory-with-siliana-chiliachka
Competition in Music with Dr. Brandon Bascom https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/competition-in-music-with-dr-brandon-bascom
Performance Anxiety: https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/performance-anxiety-5-principles
Jenny Boster: Female Composers and Why We Should Study Them https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/female-composers-and-why-we-should-study-them -
Binaural beats are an audio illusion often used in psychology circles to aid in stress reduction and concentration. Our guest today, composer John Joseph Wiater, used this compositional technique in a creative way to enhance the emotional impact of his score for the film “I Think I’m Sick.” He’s here to talk with us about it today.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
-John’s background
-Finding the first composing job
-Branching out to new styles
-Binaural beats – what are they?
-The use of binaural beats in film scoring
-Future possibilities for exploration with binaural beats
-DIY building a composing business
About our Guest:
https://johnwiater.com/
https://itisfilm.com/
Philidelphia-based John Joseph Wiater (Waiter) has scored over 15 genre-spanning films from an Oscar-qualifying family drama short to a dark comedy on suicide awareness, to espionage, romance, and sci-fi adventures.
John's most recent credits include the debut feature from Danny Gevirtz "I Think I'm Sick", which portrays a young man's second chance at life after a failed suicide attempt. The score was a collaboration with long-time musical collaborator Matt Fell, and featured a textural scoring inspired by binaural beats and choral vocals.
John has a strong following on social media through his educational and film composer and music production-centric content, and a large fanbase for his artistic compositions streaming on music platforms. -
Today we are talking with Award-winning mixing engineer Shalev Alon. We’ll be discussing the art of mixing music, the difference between vocal and instrumental mixing, and we’ll also hear his excellent advice on building a successful career in music.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
-Mixing Music in depth: The width, the depth, and the height
-Our ears are in charge of the final decisions – if it sounds good, it’s good.
-The intricacies of mixing vocals
-The importance of the foundation: good songs, good arrangement, good production
-Common mixing mistakes
-Shalev’s background and career path
-Everyone can be successful in the entertainment business
-What does success mean for you?
-The value of persistence
-The balance of building relationships – having social awareness
-The 3 things you need to build your reputation and business
https://www.youtube.com/@S.AMixing -
Today we are talking with ASCAP award-winning composer, Matt Bowen. We discuss his musical development from a classically trained violinist touring with a youth symphony to a full-time composer. We also dive into the compositional process behind his project, the Amazon Series "Gen V."
Topics Include:
• Matt’s Background in violin
• San Diego Youth Symphony
• Learning harmonic structure
• Do you know how to wrap cables? The value of an internship
• The Importance of asking questions
• Gen V: Threading the needle of spinoff music
• Creating the Gen V “gritty” sound
• How experience as an orchestrator helps with synthesized music
• The members of the Gen V music team
• Advice for aspiring musicians
https://mattbowenmusic.com/
Matt Bowen is an ASCAP award-winning composer based in Los Angeles. A classically trained violinist from the age of three and later a member of a touring youth symphony, he ultimately shifted to working behind the scenes. He teamed up with record producer Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More) and worked as an engineer on RIAA-certified platinum singles Michael Franti & Spearhead's "All Rebel Rockers" and O.A.R.'s "All Sides.” As composing projects continued to ramp up, he ultimately pivoted to composing full-time.
Bowen recently scored Hulu’s R-rated feature film THE BINGE starring Vince Vaughn and Skylar Gisondo. His work can be heard on the gritty Emmy Award-winning documentary BLOOD ROAD (Red Bull Media House). He also teamed up with Christopher Lennertz to co-score the Netflix TV series BEST WORST WEEKEND EVER. In addition to composing, Bowen has contributed as an arranger, orchestrator, and composer of additional music on a wide variety of projects for all mediums. He frequently works on Christopher Lennertz's music team on projects such as THE BOYS and BAD MOMS. -
Today we are talking with Elyssa Samsel, the composer behind the music of the Lionsgate feature film "Miller's Girl." We discuss her process of composing and creating the score for the popular film, including the use of conventional and unexpected instruments to add depth to scenes and characters. In addition, Elyssa discusses her background composing for musical theater and animation, the importance of collaboration, and her strategies for maintaining optimism in a competitive career.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
-Elyssa’s Background
-BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop
-The Importance of Collaboration
-The Freedom of Composing for Animation
-Endless Optimism and How to Persist Through “Hiccups” in Your Career
-The Value of Networking and Consistency
-Surround Yourself with “A Mastermind Alliance”
-Behind the Music of “Miller’s Girl”
-Advice for Aspiring Musicians
https://www.samselanderson.com/
https://betweenthelinesmusical.com/
https://youtu.be/pKA01VUKlCU?si=kZGdalvpO9YQTUxY -
“Cliff End Records is more than a label; it’s a movement that empowers artists and navigates them through a vast ocean of musical possibilities.” In this episode Christine talks with Dina Rizvic and Alan Jones about the founding of Cliff End Records, and their goal of helping musicians create their art on their own terms.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
-Dina and Alan's backgrounds
-The beginning of Cliff End Records
-The goal of Cliff End Records
-The history of recording and publishing
-How a small label is different than a large label
-Working with artists from a creative and legal standpoint
-Plans for the future
-A day in the life at an Independent Label
-Advice for aspiring musicians
https://www.cliffendrecords.com/
https://www.cliffendbooks.com/
https://dinarizvic11.wixsite.com/dinarizvic
https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/cliff-end-records-behind-the-scenes-at-an-independent-label -
Composer Jason Brandt joins us today as we’re talking about how the composer needs to function as part of the story telling team in the world of film and television production. We discuss strategies you can use as a composer to help to support your message, transport your audience to different settings, and even foreshadow key narrative events.
Topics Include:
What Stravinsky and Metallica have in common
The world is so beautiful when looking back into the history of classical music
In Media Music, many different genres can have a home.
Composing on a 4-track recorder - how to adjust composing to new technology
Write a piece of music every day - but don’t show it to anyone
Give yourself space to fail
Music’s role in storytelling - Looking into the music of Camp Hideout and Max Winslow and the House of Secrets”
When does your ear get tired?
Advice for aspiring composers
About our Guest:
https://www.jasonbrandt.com/
https://soundcloud.com/jasonbrandtmusic
Jason Brandt recently composed music for the film Camp Hideout (starring Christopher Lloyd and Corbin Bleu) released by Roadside Attractions. This family comedy was released theatrically on September 15, 2023 and on HULU in February 2024. Jason also scored the award-winning film Max Winslow & The House Of Secrets, (starring Chad Michael Murray) F.R.E.D.I. (starring Kelly Hu), and Christmas Wonderland. Other films include the thrillers Mommy Be Mine and The Other Mother. A Christmas Reunion, (starring Denise Richards). Night of the Living Dead 3D (starring Sid Haig) and the documentary That Guy Dick Miller premiered at SXSW 2014.
Jason also creates original music for a wide range of national television programming, including Cartoon Network's Teen Titans GO!, Mike Tyson Mysteries, Extra, and TMZ. Other TV shows include American Idol, The Bachelor The Bachelorette, and many more.
Music Featured in this Episode:
Camp Hideout Main Title - from the motion picture "Camp Hideout" Composed by Jason Brandt
Who is Atticus Virtue? - from the motion picture "Max Winslow and The House of Secrets" - Composed by Jason Brandt
The Story Begins -from the motion picture "F.R.E.D.I." - composed by Jason Brandt -
Have you stopped to think about what makes music funny? What makes a good action score? And what can a composer do to suck the life out of their composition? In today’s episode, we’re talking to Composer Matt Novack. We discuss all of this and really get into the details, so if you want to learn about how to write music like this, this is the episode for you.
Matt Novack is a classically trained composer and percussionist whose intuitively smart scores have created indelible moments in (mostly) comedy projects across series and film. Matt’s music supports performances by many of today’s greatest comedic actors, including Amy Poelher, Paul Rudd, Rob Corddry, Megan Mullally, Henry Winkler and Will Arnett. Some of his notable credits include working cult favorite Children’s Hopsital, Netflix’s a Murderville, as well as award-winning Dog Days and spots for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. His most recent work can be heard on TBS’s Miracle Workers: End Times.
Topics include:
• Matt’s background and education as a percussionist/composer
• What makes good “action” music
• Scoring a comedy
• Absurdist comedies vs sitcoms
• What I wish I learned in school
• Working with a temp track while staying original
• Using and manipulating digital samples to create analog synth sound
• Nothing kills the music of a scene like trying to be funny
• The project Matt learned the most from
• Advice for aspiring composers/musicians
https://www.mattnovack.com/
Music featured in this episode (and shared with permission):
Better Than Heroes Overture Composed by Matt Novack
I Regret Lots of Things from "Harley Quinn" composed by Jefferson Friedman, Matt Novack, Christopher French
I Like it Here from "Miracle Workers" Composed by Matt Novack
Sad Sid from "Miracle Workers" Composed by Matt Novack
The Enchanted Workshop Composed by Matt Novack
End Times Main Title From "Miracle Workers" Composed by Matt Novack -
Today we are talking with Composer, Producer, Cellist, and Teaching Artist, Margaret Maria, about music’s power to change the world for the better. She shares her passion for creating music and giving back to the community by walking us through her not-for-profit organization "OrKidstra" as well as her creative projects.
• Love at first sight with the cello
• Learning to be fearless at Curtis Institute
• Playing professionally. What comes next?
• OrKidstra – not for profit serving kids in underserved areas
• The internal drive to create and giving back to the community
• Passion over Precision
• Two goals of OrKidstra: create musicianship and social development
• Academy of Impact through Music’s five pillars of creating social change through music
• Finding a place where music and belonging are the same
• Changing the social structure so children learn their voices matter
• Genre-fluid collaboration: “Music Can Change the World”
• Finding a place for new music
https://margaretmariamusic.com/home
https://orkidstra.ca/
https://www.aimpowers.com/
https://musictreson.com/
https://marbyllia-bg.bandcamp.com/album/uncountable-spheres
https://www.apmmusic.com/albums/HARD-0061
https://www.craigrobertmcconnell.com/ -
Video game orchestral composer Amanda Cawley joins us to discuss creating the music and atmosphere for the video game Siegebreaker.
It's a fascinating discussion of the challenges of composing and producing numerous musical options for interactive entertainment.
Topics Include:
• Creating different palates for different settings in different points of the game
• Workflow for Video Game music - Who does the composer answer to?
• 3 levels of intensity
• Linear vs looping track
• Composing for an orchestra
• How to break into the business
• Finding inspiration when walking through the woods
Music shared in this episode:
Siegebreaker Main Theme
Siegebreaker Main Theme 2
Forest Continent - Low Intensity
Desert Continent - High Intensity
Arctic Continent - Low Intensity
Volcanic Continent - High Intensity
https://amandacawley.com/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/21... -
Composer Vinicius Barbosa Pippa believes that musicians need to be creative not only in their musical works, but also how they structure their career. In this episode we discuss Vinicius’ journey from Brazil to the Berklee College of Music, to LA where he is currently running his own company “The Music Giant.” During our conversation we discuss how to say yes to diverse opportunities without losing sight of the ultimate goal, how to gain essential skills in unexpected places, and how to have fun and enjoy life along the way.
Topics Include:
• From Brazil to Berklee College of Music
• Composing process: echoes of an idea fleshed out
• The different paths in a music career leading to your ultimate goal
• How experience in music editing can help composers technically and creatively
• Be creative in how you structure your career
• Say yes to opportunities without losing sight of your ultimate goal
• Conducting an orchestra, conducting to screen
• The next experiment – The Music Giant
• Advice for aspiring musicians
Music featured in this episode:
“The Last Battle” composed and recorded by Vinicius Barbosa Pippa
“Catalyst” composed and recorded by Vinicius Barbosa Pippa
All music shared with permission
https://www.themusicgiant.com/
https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world -
Today we are talking with Carlos Baker, who is sharing his story of overcoming childhood cancer and using creativity through becoming a songwriter and author to deal with the emotional aftermath.
Topics Include:
• The emotional aftermath of Cancer
• Carlos’ hermitage in Germany
• Seeing yourself as an artist
• Using creativity to cope with depression and anxiety
• Working with a producer
• Song melody vs syllabic melody
• Working with studio musicians
• Advice for future musicians
Song Writer, Bass Player, and Author Carlos Baker is an American born musician who moved to northern Germany in 2009. In 2020, he penned the novel, Songs for Ivy which is available on Amazon. Carlos has written over 50 songs ranging from country to ballads to rock and blues. He writes songs that are filled with raw emotion, many of which deal with his personal experiences and struggles with depression. But above all, Carlos is most proud of the 4 children that he and his wife have raised.
https://ckbakerband.com/
C.K. Baker Band on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1CsZn...
Songs for Ivy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/huzxAoC -
Today we are exploring the world of music editing, the invisible art form that is a success only if you don’t notice it. We are lucky to have the award-winning music editor Yuri Gorbachow here to talk with us about this topic.
Yuri Gorbachow is the founder of Aesthetic Corporation, a sound and music production company with a rich history in the audio for video industry. With a career spanning over 35 years, he has been working behind the scenes, ensuring that the music in some of the most iconic television productions reaches its highest possible standards.
Recognized for his outstanding work, Yuri has been nominated for 25 M.P.S.E. Golden Reel awards and has won four times for best sound and music editing. He has received 11 Canadian Screen Award nominations, winning nine times. Additionally, Yuri's contributions earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series, and he is especially acclaimed as a trustworthy ally and collaborator on prestige projects such as Vikings and Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
· A music editor’s role
· What makes a good music edit?
· How are awards decided?
· The art form of temp music
· Episodic music editing vs feature film music editing
· What is a cue sheet?
· Managing time and multiple projects
· Yuri’s background
· The future of music editing
· Advice for future music editors
https://aesthetic.ca/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0329786/ -
In this episode of Musicians vs the World, we talk with Adam Lukas and James Everingham, the incredibly creative composers behind the music to the BBC’s Frozen Planet II. We’re going to do a deep dive into the inspiration and composition techniques they used when creating their beautiful score and we’ll also chat about their experience collaborating with Norwegian singer, songwriter and record producer, Aurora in this project.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
· Vomiting birds and baby seals
· Collaboration with Aurora
· The theme should be “giving” to the rest of the score for cohesion
· Creating a sound palette – what is the core of your project?
· How a chord progression can grow throughout a large project
· That first view of a scene…where to begin?
· The more you prepare before a project, the more fun you’ll have at the end of it
· Working with Spitfire to create “Fractured Strings”
· What does Ice Sound like in Music
· Take care of your mind, and keep composing
https://www.adam-lukas.com/
https://www.jameseveringham.com/
https://www.bleedingfingersmusic.com/
https://www.spitfireaudio.com/
https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world/f/frozen-planet-ii-behind-the-music -
Tormod Ringnes is a Norwegian sound designer and sound editor. He is an avid collaborator and sought-after artist for much of his contributions, expertise, and precise dictations in the sound design community.
In this episode, Tormod describes his collaboration with filmmaker Margreth Olin, editor Michal Leszczylowski, and composer Rebekka Karijord on the 2023 Norwegian documentary film "Songs of Earth," which was recently selected as Norway’s entry into the International Feature category for the Oscars.
Tormod's past projects also include Maleficent, Pirates of the Carribbean Dead Men Tell no Tales, Academy Award Winning Animated Feature Flee, partnerships with German filmmakers Thomas Aslan and Wim Wenders, video games like Battlefield 2042, and Tribeca 2023 selection Laroy (Steve Zahn).
TOPICS INCLUDE:
-What is sound design?
-Tormod's background
-Storytelling through sound
-Collaborating with filmmakers, composers, and editors to enhance storytelling
-The process of creating musical symphony using sound in "Songs of Earth"
-Gaining inspiration from nature and from music
-Tormod's 4-step approach to sound
-Advice for future sound designers
Songs of Earth Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InpVP...
Songs of Earth Score: https://open.spotify.com/album/0o8KF0... https://www.margretholin.com/songsofe...
www.uohert.no -
In our latest episode of Musicians vs the World we’ll be learning about the role and importance of the sound editor and re-recording mixer in the film and television industry. It’s a possible career path for musicians, so we’re going learn about it over the next 2 episodes. My guest today is Supervising Sound Editor and Re-recording mixer, James Parnell from Monkeyland Audio.
Topics Include:
• The difference between a sound editor and a re-recording mixer
• The process of re-recording and mixing
• What is foley?
• How much sound is foley, and how much is original sound?
• Ear Fatigue – what is it? Why is it a problem?
• How to protect hearing as a sound remixer
• How to stay true to source material in an adaptation
• Advice for musicians wanting to become sound editors
http://www.jamesparnell.com/
https://www.monkeylandaudio.com/
https://frostedlens.com/musicians-vs-the-world - Show more
