All you Thomas Newman fans sound off!

[WilshireBlvd]

Hey Everyone. I am a documentary filmmaker who also scores his films. I am working on a short doc right now and am having a tough time with the music. I know some of you have to be Thomas Newman fans and even some emulators out there. Obviously, he has a certain style (two styles actually), and I am trying to emulate his 'Green Mile/Horse Whisperer/Shawshank' flowing style (as opposed to his American Beauty 'percussive' style)style. I'm able to get melodies and harmony going that sounds similar...but there's just something missing. Are there any observations you all have about his style? Rules he seems to follow...progressions that are the basis of his style...anything I may have missed? I'm not trying to be Thomas Newman, I just want to use his music...but seeing as I can't...the next best thing is to write something that sounds like him! Any help? Appreciate it!!! (oh...and I have EWQLSO Gold + XP in case it matters)

[nickysnd]

I am a huge fan of TN, but let me see if I understand correctly:

Are you asking for some written descriptions of TN's style, descriptions that would be so effective that would enable you to write music sounding as if was composed by him?

Did I get it right? Is that what you expect?

[WilshireBlvd]

Originally Posted by nickysnd

I am a huge fan of TN, but let me see if I understand correctly:

Are you asking for some written descriptions of TN's style, descriptions that would be so effective that would enable you to write music sounding as if was composed by him?

Did I get it right? Is that what you expect?

Umm...yes and no. I don't expect to write music at that caliber. I expect to find a way to lay a music bed down behind the images that help evoke emotion and maybe at the end, someone might say: "You know...that sounded kind of like that guy who wrote music for Finding Nemo!"

Know what I mean?

[fongi]

I'm able to get melodies and harmony going that sounds similar...but there's just something missing.

I wonder what could be missing Thomas perhaps ??

[nickysnd]

Yeah, the "Thomas" factor is sorta important... Are you sure he is unavailable a couple of days later this week, or during the weekend maybe?

As I see it, it's very unlikely someone to be able to put into words TN's style, so here's what I'd do in your situation -

If you want people to think "Finding Nemo", you may want to take down on paper some traks from that score, analyse them and see in detail what's inside them, and then put up something similar, using same details.

HTH

[shnurgle]

Uh...he has more than two "styles" dude, whatever that means. I think you're a bit out of your league here. If you're interested in writing music that evokes the spirit of Newman's, my suggestion is to transcribe as much of it as possible. I'm afriad however, that if you're looking for a "cheat sheet" or set of tricks that will make you sound like Thomas Newman you've picked the wrong composer. He's one of the most original and versatile composers working today, and while a few of his scores have been knocked off beyond belief, he shouldn't be reduced to those alone. If you're looking for a composer to rip off without putting in any effort, there are plenty of them in hollywood that are pretty much lick-based writers; Tommy-boy aint one of them.

At the risk of speaking frankly, I would suggest hiring a composer to score your films. Someone with a slightly broader approach to writing music than trying to copy someone else's music via licks and shortcuts. Just an idea...

[priblejr]

repeating lines (clicks, strings, etc.)....piano that is non-rhythmic, and trypically in fourth and fifth intervals. he also uses a lot of min7 maj7 and 6ths. Don't use the root in your chords either, he doesn't seem to do that, he lets the strings or low brass do it.


Ummm, atmospheres as well.


Jon

[nickysnd]

Originally Posted by priblejr

repeating lines (clicks, strings, etc.)....piano that is non-rhythmic, and trypically in fourth and fifth intervals. he also uses a lot of min7 maj7 and 6ths. Don't use the root in your chords either, he doesn't seem to do that, he lets the strings or low brass do it.


Ummm, atmospheres as well.

You have to be kidding...

[WilshireBlvd]

Originally Posted by priblejr

repeating lines (clicks, strings, etc.)....piano that is non-rhythmic, and trypically in fourth and fifth intervals. he also uses a lot of min7 maj7 and 6ths. Don't use the root in your chords either, he doesn't seem to do that, he lets the strings or low brass do it.


Ummm, atmospheres as well.


Jon

Thank you! Nice that someone can just answer a question without getting an attitude. I really appreciate your help...that's exactly the kind of answer I was looking for.

[nickysnd]

You're not saying that using those suggestions you'll get some TN-sounding cues, are you?! ...

Attitude is quite important in film music, so maybe you'll benefit more from taking good care of your own attitude towards film music.