IMPERFECT SPOILERS AHEAD: Tonight’s episode of “Caprica,” The Imperfections of Memory, explores a lot of territory.  The most important plot lines from a musical perspective are Amanda’s visions of her brother Darius and Joseph’s continuing quest for his daughter.

The Amanda story line clearly required some use of the Amanda Theme.  The Amanda Theme originated in the pilot, and is a simple ascending minor 7th scale:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Read the rest of this entry »

Caprica | 22 Comments »

SPOILERS BEYOND: The most recent episode of “Human Target,” Lockdown, allowed me to expand my compositional technique.  I made a conscious effort to write music with more layers and activity, that made better use of the diverse instruments within the orchestra.  The resultant score was more dynamic, effective and genuinely orchestral.  For Salvage and Reclamation, I pushed this approach considerably further.  In sheer scale and expression, this score blows away any of my previous orchestral compositions and will forever change the way “Human Target” sounds.

In addition to expanding both the size of the orchestra and the way I wrote for the ensemble, I also introduced the first use of ethnic colors to the score.  (This is the polar negative of the BSG score, where orchestral sounds snuck into the mostly ethnic score towards the end of the first season.)  Because the story takes place high up in the Andes in South America, I infused the score with traditional pan flutes, quena, latin percussion and mallet instruments. Read the rest of this entry »

Human Target | 28 Comments »

Contrary to completely unfounded rumors of a cancellation, Trauma returns TOMORROW to NBC, and airs every  Monday at 9/8c, beginning the completion of our first season!

To celebrate our return, I’ve decided to write a blog entry about my favorite cues I’ve written for the series thus far, including audio snippets.

First up, the Trauma Main Title:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

One of a handful of TV theme songs to ever be in a 7/4 meter, this piece of music summarizes the intense energy of the show and introduces the core ensemble at the heart of the score: a rock and roll rhythm section.  In addition to the guitars, bass and drums, there is an added layer of manipulated sound effects, comprising of distorted and cut up ambulance sirens and helicopter rotors.  This isn’t just a theme song gimmick, these sounds are a vital part of the unique signature sound of the Trauma score. Read the rest of this entry »

Trauma | 20 Comments »

KNOW THY SPOILERS: Tonight’s “Caprica” introduces Tomas Vergis, the owner of the rival company that Daniel stole the MCP from in order to complete his U-87 project.  That decision finally comes back to haunt him, literally and figuratively, in Know Thy Enemy.

Played brilliantly by John Pyper-Ferguson (recognize him as the Pegasus CAG Pegasus in “BSG” Season 2?), Vergis is a complex and interesting character.  He is clearly an antagonist, with his sights set on ruining Daniel Graystone and his company.  However, he is also a Tauron, and as such, is understandably motivated by vengeance for the two men who were killed in the theft, whose deaths he blames solely on Daniel.

Read the rest of this entry »

Caprica | 22 Comments »

SPOILERS BEYOND: Tonight’s There is Another Sky is the first “Caprica” episode directed by Michael Nankin, whose “BSG” episodes brought me some of the best musical opportunities in that entire series (Someone to Watch Over Me, for example).  I assumed that he’d have some challenges for me in “Caprica,” and I was not disappointed.

Another Sky is unique because it’s the first to focus almost exclusively on the Taurons and the Adamas.  In addition to exploring the relationship between Willie and Joseph, we also learn a great deal more about Tamara, who finds herself in a V-World videogame called “New Cap City.”  She essentially has the Game Genie Code for Infinite Lives (if you know that reference, you’re probably my age or older).

This episode allowed me to push the boundaries of the score with new source music as well as several new themes. Read the rest of this entry »

Caprica | 60 Comments »

This Tuesday, February 23rd, La-La Land Records will release the final “canon” Battlestar Galactica soundtrack: Battlestar Galactica: The Plan and Razor. This unique compilation, representing the two straight-to-DVD scores that were left off the Season 4 soundtrack album, will complete any BSG fan’s collection.

To celebrate this, and the recent release of Dark Void’s original video game soundtrack, I’m doing a CD signing of both records this Saturday at Dark Delicacies!

DARK DELICACIES
4213 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
Saturday, February  27th, 2010 at 2pm
www.darkdel.com

If you can’t make it to Burbank, fear not.  You can order personalized signed copies directly from the Dark Delicacies website.  International orders are accepted, too!  So, get your signed CDs of my two most recent albums and crank up the jamz!

Wanna hear some exclusive BSG: Plan/Razor sneak peeks?  I thought so…

Read the rest of this entry »

Battlestar Galactica | 131 Comments »

SPOILERS DANCING AHEAD: The world of “Caprica” continues to be revealed one layer at a time in Gravedancing.  This episode allowed me to play with character themes again and follow their ever-changing arcs.  But, I was also able to introduce more pop music into their society, including themes for Baxter Sarno’s TV show, and multiple songs featured prominently on Caprican radio, straddling the line between source and score.

First of all, I just have to say Patton Oswalt is one of the funniest and most unique comedians working today.  I will confess when I first learned he would have a role on “Caprica,” I wondered if he could effectively blend into the world.  However, at this point, my only regret about them casting Patton is that they didn’t make him a series regular!  Somehow, adding this kind of personality to the grim and brooding texture of the series adds a layer of authenticity to the city, and to the entire world.

Read the rest of this entry »

Caprica | 49 Comments »

SPOILERS AHEAD: Lockdown was the most challenging episode of “Human Target” yet. Like most, it has enough action scenes to be its own little feature film. However, I also stretched myself creatively and found new ways of approaching composition and orchestration, refining general musical philosophies and techniques that proved incredibly effective.  In fact, this score may end up being one of those occasional creative turning points that forever change the way I approach my music.

Each episode of “Human Target” begins with a unique orchestration and arrangement of the main theme.  Until now, the one element in common between each intro music has been the mood: generally ambient, spooky and mysterious.  However, Lockdown begins with an unusually thrilling intro, as we cut directly to Chance in a freefall from thirty thousand feet.  This time, I wrote a title card that feels more like the beginning of an action cue, because that’s exactly what it is:

Read the rest of this entry »

Human Target | 20 Comments »

SPOILERS RUNNING AHEAD: Tonight’s episode of “Human Target,” Run, pits Chance against corrupt cops out to get a DA who would expose them.  The score introduces a new theme and provides several epic action and dramatic cues.

Every episode’s opening title card features a unique orchestration of the Chance Theme.  After last week’s exotic boys choir arrangement, this week’s is relatively simple.  Violins and English horn state the melody against an ascending bass line:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Immediately after the title, the low strings introduce the new theme for Run, the Alison Theme: Read the rest of this entry »

Human Target | 44 Comments »

I’m thrilled to announce that Capcom and Sumthing Else will release two Dark Void albums this Tuesday, February 9th.  Of course, the first and most essential is the 80-minute album Dark Void, Original Video Game Score. Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a single CD of mine better check this out, because it ranks right up there with the best albums I’ve ever put together.  Second (perhaps) only to the double-disc BSG Season 4 album, this music is the most sweeping, epic and kick ass soundtrack I’ve ever created.

There’s little I can say about the score I didn’t already discuss in depth in this here.  Every theme and unique soloist can be found on the album.  Here’s the scoop on the official track list with exclusive audio clips: Read the rest of this entry »

Albums, Video Games | 76 Comments »

SPOILERS AHEAD: Reins of a Waterfall continues to expand the characters and the world of Caprica, and so the character themes in the score are also adapting. While this episode doesn’t introduce any new thematic material, it does use the current library of themes in new ways.

The first cue helps establish Lacey’s isolation at school, as she walks through the hallways while her fellow students scorn her for being friends with a terrorist. (Dude, her friend is frakkin’ DEAD, cut the girl some slack!) The orchestration of the main theme here is unique, because it rests atop a freely ascending accompanimental line in the violin and clarinets.

Read the rest of this entry »

Caprica | 46 Comments »

Video Blog #2:

SPOILERS AHEAD: The gentle refrains of a boys choir float down, as if from a celestial balcony, as we are transported to a monastery in the mountains. The opening ten seconds of Sanctuary promise something special, and the rest of the episode does not disappoint. Here, the mythology behind the main characters is explored further and the score bursts across the episode with new character themes and a larger, more operatic approach.

(Session photography courtesy of Andrew Craig)

The element of the score that stands out the most is, of course, the boys choir. The producers and I wanted to open the episode strong, with music that simultaneously communicates fun, energy, adventure and a credible Catholic undertone, to help establish the monastery setting. I never thought we’d actually get a choir, because they are extremely expensive, but the series producers believed in the idea and made it happen. A Wednesday night idea, Thursday morning budget approval, Friday afternoon composition and Saturday orchestration led to a Sunday choral session!

Read the rest of this entry »

Human Target | 29 Comments »

SPOILERS BEYOND: After the intimate two-hour pilot film that established the major characters and themes, Caprica now takes off and expands the world and characters. The appropriately-titled Rebirth is the first of several episodes that pushes the boundaries of the narrative beyond the world of the Graystones and Adamas, and gives us our first real glimpses of Caprican society. We witness snippets of Caprican television broadcasts, a huge pyramid match, Tamara’s high school, the Dive Bar and the city center where thousands of citizens gather to mourn the victims of the terrorist bombing.

This series presents a unique set of challenges for me. I have all the usual jobs of a television composer: match the mood of each scene, bring to the surface emotional arcs that may not be coming across, write and develop character themes as necessary and stay tastefully out of the way of dialog and sound effects. However, I also have the added duties of helping to realize Caprican society by writing and producing source pieces for every environment where they may be helpful.
Read the rest of this entry »

Caprica | 58 Comments »

This entry presents my first official VIDEO BLOG:

SPOILERS AHEAD: Embassy Row shows Chance’s search for a spy who killed his former colleague Danny.  In the process, he fights henchmen, rouge double agents, jumps a motorcycle over armed guards and joins forces with a sexy government agent.  All in a day’s work for Christopher Chance!

Read the rest of this entry »

Human Target | 38 Comments »

The time has finally come:  time to change the name of “Bear’s Battlestar Galactica Blog.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Other Projects | 138 Comments »

MODERATE SPOILERS AHEAD: After many months (or arguably years) of anticipation, the “BSG” prequel series “Caprica” premieres tonight on SyFy.  Originally released as a two-hour film on DVD last spring, with a subsequent soundtrack album release in June, most hard-core BSG fans have probably already experienced this.  For any of you who don’t know, “Caprica” is a prequel series to “Battlestar Galactica” that chronicles the origins of the robotic Cylon race that will ultimately wipe out most of humanity.

Those of you who have been enjoying the soundtrack CD know that this two-hour film introduces several important melodic and rhythmic themes.  Beginning next week, you will finally hear that musical world expand and develop into exciting new ideas, themes, melodies, songs and score.  I also just tonight approved the final “Caprica Main Title” which you will hear next week (and it kicks ass).

I plan on blogging detailed entries about each episode, so check back each week after you’ve seen the show.  And if you’re watching the pilot tonight for a second or third time, try to pick out the variations of the Graystone and Tauron Themes that are woven throughout the score.

There’s little I can say about the “Caprica” pilot that I didn’t already cover in my blog last spring, when the DVD came out.  So, I’m reposting that entry with updated sound clips so you can hear the themes being discussed…

Read the rest of this entry »

Caprica | 33 Comments »

Next month, La La Land Records will release the final* official Battlestar Galactica soundtrack album: Battlestar Galactica: The Plan / Razor. This CD includes cues from the two straight-to-DVD films that flanked either side of Season 4. The first track features a very special musical guest: Scott Ian of Anthrax!

The album comes out February 23rd.  Here’s the official track list (as usual, you heard it here first!):

Read the rest of this entry »

Albums, Battlestar Galactica | 77 Comments »

SPOILERS AHEAD: Human Target’s second episode airs tonight, now in its regular Wednesday timeslot.  Rewind takes Chance from a speeding train to a crashing jet, and also allows Chi McBride’s Winston to get involved in the action.  The pilot was scored with a pretty large orchestra, and surprisingly, Rewind was recorded with an even bigger ensemble.  As a result, the score is even more bombastic and powerful.  And where the pilot scored strove only to introduce the Chance Theme, here I have begun to expand the thematic texture of the series.

Read the rest of this entry »

Human Target | 17 Comments »

DARK VOID, the first video game I’ve ever scored, is released today for X-Box, PS3 and PC!

MODERATE GAME PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD: When I was a kid, I was enthralled with Capcom’s Mega Man II. I battled mechanized evil robots and saved the day as the curiously bombastic 8-bit music seeped into my imagination. Those catchy melodies and bold arrangements, realized in glorious sine wave synthesis, were among my first musical influences. I dreamt of one day creating my own video game score, one that could grow past the limitations of 8-bit hardware and match the scope and breadth of the orchestral film scores I also adored. Exactly twenty years later, Capcom would give me that chance, offering me the score to Dark Void.

Having spent the first several years of my musical career scoring television and films, I approached writing for an interactive medium with no previous models in mind. And I sought none. As an avid life-long gamer, I knew what I wanted to hear: a swashbuckling orchestral score in keeping with the grand story. I wanted the music to constantly adapt, as if it were being written specifically for the gamer, with virtually no repetition whatsoever. I sat down with the development team at Airtight Games and described to them my musical aspirations. They said this was impossible, and thus, I knew we were on the right track.

Read the rest of this entry »

Video Games | 60 Comments »

DARK VOID ZERO is released on DSiWare today!  PC and iPhone aps are coming soon.  I scored the game in a completely authentic 8-bit style, based on the musical themes of my orchestral score to Dark Void.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Dark Void Zero is a prequel story to the events of Dark Void, which comes out tomorrow for X-Box, PS3 and PC.  The evolution of my completely 8-bit Dark Void Zero score began last spring, when Capcom announced me as the composer for Dark Void. As part of an April Fool’s prank, Capcom and I released a track I created called “Theme from Dark Void (Mega Version).”

I created that track during my last days of composing the real Dark Void score as a way to thank to gang at Capcom for such a rewarding and creative experience.

Read the rest of this entry »

Video Games | 16 Comments »