Brian Horn
9th Annual Film/TV/Multimedia Song Nominee
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Genre: Film/TV/Multimedia
HOMEBASE/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Los Angeles, California, USA
WHICH MUSIC GENRES BEST DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC? The track that was submitted to the IMAs is actually part of my solo-effort, which focuses on licensing music for film, TV and videogames. In that sense, the genres are all over the place, depending on the requirements of the jobs and my clients’ needs.
My primary band (and musical tendencies) would probably be considered Progressive Surf & Post-Rock. You can check them out here: www.myspace.com/ghostsofsearchlight
ARTISTS ON THIS TRACK: Just me!
IS IT ALSO ON AN ALBUM – IF SO, WHAT IS THE TITLE? The track “Halloweenie,” which was done for the Farrelly Brothers film, The Heartbreak Kid, is not on an album at the moment, but my similar work can be found on the special features on that DVD. You can also find my work on The Ruins DVD and DVDs for Smallville, Two and A Half Men, The New Adventures of Old Christine, the independent film, Fling, and many others.
WHY DID YOU SELECT THIS TRACK TO SUBMIT TO THE IMAs? This is one of my favorite tracks I’ve produced and, I feel, inadvertently captures a lot of my favorite influences growing up. Part Surf guitar, part Space Mountain, part Horror film, part early Faith No More tune…it just wound up having a lot of elements I can get behind. I hope other people will find something similar in it.
WHERE WAS THIS SONG USED? The song was used throughout a special features piece on The Heartbreak Kid DVD. More specifically, the piece was about the day the film crew celebrated Halloween on the set.
WAS THIS TRACK WRITTEN SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT PROJECT? The track was written specifically for the project but, as with all of my music, came from a more personal place than the paycheck. As a result, I think it became much more rewarding than the paycheck, as well.
WHICH DIRECTORS DO YOU THINK HAVE THE BEST ‘EAR’? I think the best directors or producers to write music for are ones who are passionate about music themselves and are willing to trust you as the expert, allowing you to contribute to and enhance the final product. But, they also understand that the music must serve the moving images first and aren’t afraid to tell you when you’ve drifted off track.
WHAT UNUSUAL INSTRUMENTS OR TECHNIQUES DID YOU USE ON THIS ALBUM? The way I structure most of my “churn and burn” tracks like this one is by laying down either a bass line or drum loop that inspires me and then start laying down ideas on top of that and moving pieces around. Almost like working with clay. I record everything in Logic Pro, using an Apogee Duet for capturing the live instruments.
Being the video editor for many of these projects also gives me an edge on how the music will end up in the cut. I make many of these songs with clear looping points and I always, always, ALWAYS end with a sting out. If you end your song with a sting or a single ring out, you have a 50% greater chance of seeing it used in professional video pieces. It’s just that much easier for editors to work with.
DID FANS HELP FUND THIS PROJECT? Unfortunately, no. Wouldn’t that be awesome though?
WHO IS SITTING IN YOUR AUDIENC? My audience is made up primarily of three categories. One is the producer or director I am working for directly. The other category is the studio executive who, usually on the projects I do, has the final say on what stays and what goes. And the third…is everyone else in the world, whether they know it or not. When you’re watching one of these behind-the-scenes pieces, you’ll never really notice the music unless it’s too distracting. And distracting is not a good thing.
WHAT MAKES YOUR FANS UNIQUE? What makes my fans unique is that they’re not interested in my stage presence or my “image.” My fans are the producers who champion me to be a part of their team on project after project. The best part about this is that forging long lasting relationships with my fans is a lot more feasible than the average music listener.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY? With my instrumental rock band, The Ghosts of Searchlight, my favorite places to play are ones where the crowd is small but intense. It’s in those crowded-room situations where the energy is tangible and you can feed off it and give it right back.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EXCITING MOMENT TO DATE? For me, being nominated for the 9th Annual IMAs is hands down the most exciting. Validation of your craft is something we all want and need to keep going, even if it’s cooler to act like you don’t give a shit about what other people think.
WHAT’S IN THE WORKS FOR 2010?: This year I’ll be scoring my first feature film, an indie comedy. The Ghosts of Searchlight will be in the studio recording our first album and we will be looking for distribution and publishing opportunities.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS…Beautifully frustrating.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS? My definition of success is being able to support yourself doing what you love while being surrounded by the people you love. And then, having a shit ton of money.
WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD THAT WOULD SURPRISE YOUR FANS? Gojira, Tony Furtado, Into Eternity, Willy Porter, Bela Fleck and Phish.
NAME SOME ARTISTS YOU ARE CHAMPIONING: The Mermen, Man Or Astroman? (RIP), Friends of Dean