How did you get into scoring music for TV and movies? What do you like about it?
I've actually been doing it since 1982 when I did the soundtrack to a friend's student film. The worst possible thing for me as a musician — or even as a human being — is to wake up without anything to create, and by create, I include, cooking or conversing with friends (not only making music or other overtly artistic inventions). So, when these opportunities arise to score films or TV shows, I have historically always jumped at the chance to do them.
In a broad sense, the energy I have for scoring isn't the same as what I bring to making records or performing live. It's a bit slower and more methodical, more analytical perhaps. I think of it as puzzle solving in a way... very lucrative puzzle solving. I enjoy it immensely and a large part of what scoring causes me to do, is interact with people to help them accomplish their goals. It's nice to be a part of a team, rather than to constantly be pressing my own vision into place. I think the balance helps.
What do you like better – scoring music for TV and movies or writing albums like this?
Without a doubt, I like writing albums (and performing better) but maybe that's because I see it as a break from the scoring stuff. The albums are exhausting in a way and like I said, I think the balance between the two is important. One thing to note is that I'm always entirely consumed by whatever the challenge is at the time and that's what's so pleasing about what I do for a living. It doesn't escape me, that what I do (records, scoring... performing) is so fun, I would probably pay to do it. (Please don't tell my agent).
What’s the best and worst part about making music for children and movies versus those for adults?
Great question.
Kids’ records best part: the feeling of freedom. not worrying about the consequences of a particular track finding no home at radio, etc. playing and writing from an innocent and childlike perspective, utilizing a sense of humor... a sense of limitless possibilities. Playing music and creating an intimate bond with my friends and fellow musicians, being part of something that brings joys to people.
Kids’ records worst part: none that I can think of
Adult records best part: having a place to express feelings and ideas that I don't feel comfortable expressing in conversation. Speaking an intimate truth that I would not otherwise have the courage to divulge. Feeling the hardness and softness of rhythm and motion. Loud angry guitar riffs.
Article comments
1 - Scott Hughes
How much spoken word does he do? I want to know because I am a fan of the spoken word movement.