Hi, Chris! Thank you so much for agreeing to become my minion. I mean…to answer my Music Monday interview questions. :)
-No Problem!!! Sorry this took so long, I’ve been swamped…
First, if you’d like to give a brief bit about your background, training, how you got into composing as a career (anything you’d like to share!)
- I studied composition at the University of Southern California with Elmer Bernstein. I was originally planning to be a professional guitarist, but fell in love with film scoring when I saw Henry Mancini conduct a score of his a Universal Studios.
I write short stories, novellas and novels. Aside from the length, I approach writing each type of fiction the same way. You compose for television, feature films and video games. Do you find the process for each different, do you approach each with a different mind-set, or is the creative process the same?
- The main difference is the schedule. TV must be done much faster and usually with fewer musicians. So it takes a lot of creativity and tons of coffee to make it happen! They are actually quite similar. They mostly differ in construction…how pieces fit together. But as far as the drama and action go, they are very similar. As long as the project is interesting, then I’m psyched!
How much time do you have to watch the piece before you have to compose the music?
Maybe a few days…
Do you find it easier or more difficult to create on shorter notice, or do you prefer to have longer deadlines?
Well, more time is better to a point, but the thrill of a quick turnaround sometime produces some very cool results!
Do you have a favorite type of work to compose for?
Actually, as long as it is an interesting subject matter, I love just about anything.
I came across your work because I LOOOOOVE Supernatural. Are you still scoring the show (now into Season Three and heading for Season Four)
Yes…just started episode 13!
I read you share the episodes with another composer.
_yes, Jay Gruska, who is amazing!
Do you have a favorite episode?
I loved What is and What shall never be…as well as All Hell Breaks Loose.
Do you have a favorite “genre” to work with?
I like all of them, but I really like anything where the music can play a major role in telling the story.
You’ve created scores for horror and comedy pieces - most recently Alvin and the Chipmunks. Does your current project affect your mood, ever?
-Absolutely, I certainly get in a happy state of mind for the kids stuff, while Supernatural usually makes me a bit more mischievious…
What’s your dream project?
An epic animated musical about the mafia and secret agents starring Pacino, DeNiro, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, and Scarlett Johansen…co-directed by Speilberg and Scorsese where I write the score myself and co-compose all the songs with Bono.
I write when I have a contract or when I have inspiration, but I could write a book purely for my own pleasure and yet manage to sell it to someone. You write music to fit specific works — movies, games, tv shows. Do you ever just compose music for your own pleasure?
Very seldom…but mostly because I’m busy, although I’m currently writing my 12 week old daughter a lullaby.
Have you ever tried writing genre music — pop, rock, country?
Definitely, I started writing rock and pop tunes. I play guitar, so it was where I first developed my love of music.
Have you ever tried writing music with words?
Yes…most of my songwriting is with lyrics.
Your bio says you grew up in Easton, PA. So…the crayon factory. How many times have you been there?
Probably 5
What’s your favorite crayon color?
burgundy
Do you ever defect and use those cheap dollar store crayons that don’t smell half as good as the real thing?
Never!
…Ever eaten a crayon?
Mmmmmm…purple.
Left or right? left
Up or down? up
Sam or Dean? Dean (I’m the older brother)
Back or front? front
Vanilla or chocolate? coffee
You stand in front of three doors. What color are they, and which do you choose? What’s behind the one you pick?
Red, Green, Blue…I pick Red…behind it is a concert hall.
Thanks so very much for your time. I’ll add links to your official website and any place else you’d like — Facebook, Myspace, whatever. I’ll mention that people can find your music on iTunes - the video game scores are there! And anything else you’d like to mention.
So my site is www.christopherlennertz.com
I am also on Myspace and Facebook under ChristopherLennertz
Thanks Tons!
CL
Upcoming Minion interviews: Christopher Howell and an exclusive video interview with Luke Walsh, both Mr. Romance Contestants from 2008!
And remember, if you’d like to become a minion, drop me a line at readinbed AT gmail DOT com!
M
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