Star Wars Music Minute

TROS 20: Independence Day Speech (Minutes 96-100 with Catherine Kneen)

In minutes 96-100 of The Rise of Skywalker, Artoo restores Threepio's memory, Finn and Poe give an inspiration speech to the Resistance fighters, and Rey lands on Exegol. My Aussie friend Catherine Kneen joins me to talk about one-line-at-a-time dialogue, chunky button pushes, the many components of March of the Resistance, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
4:17 - Emotional scene leading into Artoo chirping.
7:40 - Chunky button pushes.
15:31 - Why not Luke's theme with the mention of Luke?
20:31 - Minor chords traversing the circle of fifths. We also heard this back on Kef Bir when they were looking at the Death Star wreckage.
26:09 - What makes March of the Resistance sounds so part of the Star Wars language?
34:54 - Catherine's background with classical music.
42:49 - A very fantastical strategy meeting where no one talks over each other.
47:10 - Missed opportunities with Rose.
52:31 - Increasingly awkward "one-line-at-a-time" dialogue.
57:58 - Are there too many inspirational speeches in newer Star Wars?
1:01:55 - March of the Resistance A and B themes.
1:07:48 - March of the Resistance C theme.
1:12:13 - Interesting editing of this timeline (speech-montage-speech).
1:15:37 - Journey to Exegol motif. This part of the movie possibly tempted with ROTS.
1:18:55 - Rey's theme superimposed on top of Journey to Exegol motif.
1:22:52 - Unethical production methods of the Empire/First Order.
1:29:07 - Brief musical respite before the Emperor's theme comes in.
1:34:43 - Catherine's favorite Star Wars sounds.
1:41:54 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
57. Friendship
47a. March of the Resistance (A Section)
58. Victory
47b. March of the Resistance (B Section)
47c. March of the Resistance (Connective Motif)
106) Journey to Exegol
45a. Rey A (Theme A-Phrase)
17. Emperor
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 11. "They Will Come"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Emotions. Timeless. Magic.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
What did the orchestra who first recorded Star Wars think of the score?
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
The Commitments (soundtrack)
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Guest: Catherine Kneen
That Geek Pod: https://thatgeekpod.podbean.com/
Catherine is also a frequent guest on Star Wars Spelt Out! https://starwarsspeltout.com
Twitter: https://x.com/Catherine_Kneen
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 19: Orchestration Flavor Bible (Minutes 91-95 with Jeremy Sawruk)

In minutes 91-95 of The Rise of Skywalker, Luke stops Rey from throwing her lightsaber into the fire and raises his old X-wing from the water. Jeremy Sawruk returns to the show to discuss orchestration flavorings, the re-use of the iconic "Yoda and the Force" cue, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
3:09 - Poe's theme.
4:53 - March of the Resistance orchestration adding mystery.
8:54 - Intervals getting smaller (resignation) then bigger (energy).
13:41 - Luke catches the lightsaber and walks through fire.
19:01 - Classic mentor conversation.
23:52 - Lots of rubato. Force theme orchestrated in an atypical register.
24:52 - Jedi Steps Variant, lightsaber burrito.
28:30 - Harmonic resolution in Leia's theme.
33:29 - Troubled-sounding Main Theme.
39:04 - Rey, computer hacker.
41:48 - Same bit of score from "Yoda and the Force," but it's faster here than in ESB.
47:49 - Delightful, chromatically-dancing flutes.
51:04 - As a composer, what is in your personal toolbox of techniques/signature sounds?
53:22 - Orchestration is like cooking & seasoning.
57:42 - Analyzing the Friendship theme. Melody goes up while chord goes down.
1:04:55 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
The Flavor Bible (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4443485-the-flavor-bible
ESB 15: Yoda and the Wolf (Minutes 71-75 with Fr. David and Trevor Mowry) - https://www.starwarsmusicminute.com/podcast/esb-15-yoda-and-the-wolf
TROS 9: Symmetrical Design (Minutes 41-45 with Dominic Sewell) - https://www.starwarsmusicminute.com/podcast/tros-9-symmetrical-design
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
49. Poe
47a. March of the Resistance (A Section)
45a. Rey A (Theme A-Phrase)
3. Force
112) Jedi Steps (Variant)
4. Leia
114) Luke Trains Leia
1a. Main Theme (A Section)
57. Friendship
12a. Yoda (A Section)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 6. "Destiny of a Jedi"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Brass. Adventure. Heroic.
ESB answer: Space. Brass. Droids.
Solo answer: Big octatonic brass
ANH answer: Opera without words
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: Getting into the technical details/weeds about instrumental/orchestration decisions.
ESB answer: The creation of the sound effects/sound design. Can I recreate some of these sounds on my ARP 2600?
Solo answer: The score for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
ANH answer: Musical / orchestrational “filler” and sound effects/foley.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: Only Murders in the Building (series) by Siddhartha Khosla, Birdman composed by Antonio Sánchez
ESB answer: The Matrix by Don Davis, Bob's Burgers (series) composed by Loren Bouchard
Solo answer: Star Trek by Jerry Goldsmith, Wall-E by Thomas Newman
ANH answer: North by Northwest by Bernard Herrmann, Loki by Natalie Holt, Catch Me If You Can by John Williams
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Guest: Jeremy Sawruk
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jsawruk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/composer314
Substack: https://substack.com/@composer314
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 18: Music for People Named Ben (Minutes 86-90 with Star Wars Minute)

In minutes 86-90 of The Rise of Skywalker, Ben Solo speaks to his dad and throws his lightsaber into the sea. Pete and Alex from Star Wars Minute join me today to talk about 80s TV robots, high school coach pep talks, the "woob woob woob" sound, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
3:00 - Music that reminds Pete of David Lynch's DUNE.
4:55 - Harrison Ford's gruff mumbling in movies; Matt Wood's portable ADR studio.
10:21 - "Calm before the storm" strings; comparing this to the scene with Rey on Pasaana.
15:09 - Inadvertent "Ben Kenobi" theme (from the show)? "Untwisted" version of Anthem of Evil.
21:26 - Do you notice differences between John Williams's music for the Original Trilogy vs. Sequel Trilogy?
20:07 - Somber resignation theme.
31:32 - Anthem of Evil properly twisted again.
35:26 - "woob woob woob" telemetry ambience reminiscent of the Death Star and Aunt Beru's kitchen; Ben Burtt's short wave radio recordings.
45:11 - Unique blast sound from the planet-killing weapon; "tubularity."
56:51 - Why doesn't Beaumont Kin translate the Sith inscription on the dagger?
1:00:52 - Charlie on Lost.
1:04:45 - Xanthe's least favorite line of dialogue in TROS.
1:10:50 - Vague high school coach pep talks.
1:19:49 - D-O sounds like an 80s TV robot.
1:25:18 - General Pryde, Captain Phasma, and Richard E. Grant.
1:32:12 - Alex and Pete pitch their ideas for the next special edition ROTJ.
1:35:02 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Mustafar Takes Los Angeles: https://mustafarla.com
The Great Kamino Kaper: https://kaminokaper.com
The Naboo Movie: https://naboomovie.com
Getting Lost (documentary): https://gettinglostdoc.com
Blast Points (podcast) Episode 414: Name That Star Wars Sound - https://blastpointspodcast.com/2024/08/27/episode-414-name-that-star-wars-sound/
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
100) Resignation
59a. Psalm of the Sith (A Section)
17. Emperor
4. Leia
3. Force
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
FYC 15. "Advice"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Pete: woob woob woob (Previously: Pneumatic machinery sounds. Short wave radio. Aunt Beru's kitchen.)
Alex: Ben Burtt's closet. (Previously: Imperial walker clanking. Elephant on blacktop. Tchew tchew tchew. Majestic French horns.)
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Pete: What percentage of each movie contains music?
ESB answer: "What is That? (with Ben Burtt)" (a TV show proposal)
SOLO answer: Pete wants to watch the movie with no added sound/music; ideally just what was captured on set.
ANH answer: Pete wants to watch a sound design commentary from Ben Burtt or any sound department special.
(Previously: "What Is That? with Ben Burtt (TV show proposal). Pete wants to watch sound design commentary from Ben Burtt or any sound department special. Pete wants to watch the movie with no added sound/music; ideally just what was captured on set)
Alex: Does John Williams rewatch the old movies?
ESB answer: Ugnaught noises.
SOLO answer: Why don't the musicians get listed in the credits (sometimes)?
ANH answer: Alex wants a documentary featurette explaining what the process of scoring a film is.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Pete: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983 TV series) and The Transformers (1984 TV series), both composed by Johnny Douglas and Robert J. Walsh. The Addams Family (1964 TV series) composed by Vic Mizzy.
ESB answer: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
SOLO answer: Fight Club
ANH answer: The Black Hole (composed by John Barry)
Alex: Magnolia (soundtrack largely features Aimee Mann)
ESB answer: The Royal Tenenbaums
SOLO answer: Magnolia (soundtrack largely features Aimee Mann)
ANH answer: Superman (composed by John Williams)
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Guests: Pete the Retailer and Alex Robinson (Star Wars Minute)
Star Wars Minute: https://linktr.ee/starwarsminute
Revenge of the Sith live reading: https://mustafarla.com
The Phantom Menace live reading: https://naboomovie.com
Attack of the Clones live reading: https://kaminokaper.com
Pete the Retailer:
Website: https://petetheretailer.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeteTheRetailer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterbonavita/
ABCD:TOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abcd-tos/id1531020539
Alex Robinson:
Website: https://alexrobinson.fun
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arobtwit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARobTwit
Godfather Minute: https://godfatherminute.tumblr.com/
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 17: Little Mechanical Doll (Minutes 81-85 with Dan Golding)

In minutes 81-85 of The Rise of Skywalker, we witness a major turning point in the narrative: Rey stabs Kylo, Leia dies, and Rey heals Kylo's wound. I'm happy to have Dan Golding back on the show to discuss bummer remixes, botched Force themes, John Williams's post-Jurassic Park action music, and more! 
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
5:44 - Where this movie is really successful.
11:26 - Dan is a Star Wars pragmatist.
14:51 - Adam Driver.
22:29 - John Williams's post-Jurassic Park action music.
31:04 - Fight choreography & perceiving the soundtrack as the battle itself.
39:15 - Is this an example of "meanwhile" music?
44:23 - Stylistic addition of the slow-mo in the sequels.
52:55 - The Bummer Remix.
1:04:42 - On supposedly new Force powers.
1:10:51 - Brief rant about the use of the Force theme in Rebels.
1:18:13 - The meter and tempo are so flexible that it sounds like John Williams extemporizing.
1:20:20 - If there's a spotting mistake in this sequence, it's this.
1:30:08 - Dan reflects on the unique time in the fandom during which he wrote his book (Star Wars After Lucas).
1:40:11 - Nostalgia works in a weird way when it comes to series and franchises.
1:50:29 - Spurts of dreamy plunks.
1:52:06 - When you heard "Hey kid" in the theater, who did you think it was?
1:55:25 - Han & Leia concert arrangement that sounds more resolved.
2:07:27 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
"The Forest Battle" by John Williams (from Return of the Jedi) - https://youtu.be/ebCnaPzteZM?si=Rd8wBUL7AoPOmXDQ
"Adagietto" from Mahler's Symphony No. 5 - https://youtu.be/Les39aIKbzE?si=7RMeS8PuIGPwKzSD
Barber's "Adagio for Strings" : https://youtube.com/watch?v=WAoLJ8GbA4Y
Force theme as heard in Star Wars: Rebels - https://youtu.be/dYQZVR1f_Hg?si=WFRz--jLNluddyH3&t=95
Powers of Ten™ (1977) (Charles and Ray Eames) - https://youtu.be/0fKBhvDjuy0?si=Gqm9mFMGfXCvJM6h
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
Kylo Ren A (Aggressive)
Force
Leia
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 12. "The Final Saber Duel"
FYC 13. "Final Saber Duel"
FYC 14. "Healing Wounds"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Nostalgic orchestral vocabulary.
Previous answers: Nimble orchestral nostalgia. Mythic orchestral memory. Elegant musical storytelling.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: What will it take for Disney to release (more) complete editions of the sequel trilogy soundtracks?
Previous answers: What will Natalie Holt's soundtrack for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series sound like? Given all the new directions that various Star Wars scores have gone since John Williams was at the helm (ex. Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, etc), will we ever return to the original sort of orchestral sound? The unreleased music (and alternate cues, etc).
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: The Fabelmans (composed by John Williams)
Previous answers: Watership Down (composed by Angela Morley) and Vertigo (composed by Bernard Herrmann). Fleishman Is in Trouble (composed by Caroline Shaw).
---------------
Guest: Dan Golding
Website: https://dangolding.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dangolding
Art of the Score podcast: https://www.artofthescore.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanGoldingVideoEssays
Bandcamp: https://dangolding.bandcamp.com/
Mastadon: @dangolding@mastodon.social
Book: Star Wars After Lucas by Dan Golding: https://dangolding.com/star-wars-after-lucas/
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 16: World Class Whisperer (Minutes 76-80 with Steve Danielson)

In minutes 76-80 of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey meets Dark Rey and duels Kylo Ren on the Death Star wreckage. Composer and choral conductor Steve Danielson joins me today to talk about Williams-y action scoring, tritone stability, shame spirals, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
8:58 - Stress underscore.
11:49 - What is the movie trying to say with Dark Rey?
17:50 - The stability of tritones in harmony vs. melody.
21:04 - Kylo trying to drag Rey down into his shame spiral.
26:31 - Psalm of the Sith/Rey's theme fakeout.
28:37 - A very John Williams-y action moment.
31:07 - Downward minor brass arpeggio emphasizing 6th scale degree.
37:21 - Shift to mournful music and Leia's theme.
46:27 - Maz love.
50:50 - The absence of music.
52:11 - Rey acting on impulse vs. considering her actions.
1:06:32 - Final thoughts on these minutes and the movie.
1:12:05 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
The Great Kamino Kaper (AOTC live staged reading): https://kaminokaper.com
Vocal Spectrum - Cruella De Vil - https://youtu.be/YU9rUXf11zQ?si=FPCVcC8GkfXmFXWv
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
10a. Imperial March (Theme)
59a. Psalm of the Sith (A Section)
100) Resignation (I think)
4. Leia
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
nowhere...
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Epicness. Imagination. Thoroughness.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
I'd love to sit down with John Williams and talk about how he comes up with his themes. What sort of connections are you trying to make to previous themes? What characterization of this particular character are you looking to represent?
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Cocktail (1988) soundtrack
Amadeus (1984) soundtrack featuring an extensive selection of Mozart pieces
---------------
Guest: Steve Danielson
Moveable Do podcast - https://moveabledo.com
Compositions: https://sdcompose.weebly.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@choirsteve
Twitter/X: https://x.com/SDCompose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choirsteve
I Want to Know - from Rogue One: A Star Wars Musical - https://youtu.be/I5zvVd9lBwg?si=_hDq0PpOjmPYklok
Save the Dream - from Rogue One: The Musical - https://youtu.be/5PAABa8xUUc?si=Q6qoCajCD8ihknUU
Before Long (from Solo: A Star Wars Musical) - https://youtu.be/TRfG7zdxRg0?si=fe4Pn-YtxGfqHQiG
------------------
⭐️ Join my Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
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Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 15: Midichlorian Mutiny (Minutes 71-75 with StarWarsLawyer)

In minutes 71-75 of The Rise of Skywalker, Finn and Jannah connect about their stormtrooper pasts and Rey sets out for the Death Star wreckage by herself. Kris AKA StarWarsLawyer joins me for a discussion about stormtrooper Force sensitivity, the foreboding tendencies of "water adventure" music, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
4:29 - Stormtroopers and the Force.
10:39 - "Neutral Conversation Music."
14:18 - The "I have to tell you something" trope.
19:50 - Droids as sonic palate cleansers.
20:59 - Pirate-y, adventure-y music for Rey in the skimmer.
24:13 - "Water" music vs. "flying" music.
26:27 - Listener request for flying and/or water-related music.
29:25 - Kris's theory about Force empathy.
35:29 - Was J.J. Abrams planning a Finn backstory?
39:00 - Rey's unfamiliarity with greenery, rain, and the sea.
45:14 - Does this musical echo hint at Finn's Force sensitivity?
54:57 - Imperial March a la Return of the Jedi.
59:00 - Artificial harmonics explanation/demonstration.
1:08:37 - Other examples in Star Wars that use artificial harmonics (with or without the Imperial March) in a similar way.
1:16:15 - Thoughts on Rey Kenobi, Rey Nobody, Rey Skywalker, Rey Palpatine.
1:20:38 - Kris presents evidence to support Jannah's Force sensitivity.
1:25:38 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Hans Zimmer - Flight (Man of Steel) - https://youtu.be/w4OdIOGBW2Q?si=stshxbTs0i5IfXw7
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
50) Neutral Conversation Music
3. Force
111) Across the Seas
10a. Imperial March (Theme)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 4. "The Old Death Star"
FYC 12. "Off the Waterfront"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Ethereal. Panoptic. Permeating.
Previously: A galactic symphony
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: Kris would like to ask any of the Star Wars composers to walk him through their process of creating music, from the initial ideas to the finished and recorded product.
Solo season answer: Deep dive into John Williams's mindset when he wrote his love themes: "Across the Stars," "Han Solo and the Princess," and "Princess Leia's Theme."
ANH season answer: A deeper dive into the Star Wars themes (motifs, etc)
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (composed by Michael Giacchino), especially the track "World's Worst Bedtime Storyteller."
Solo season answer: The Prince of Egypt score and soundtrack (by Hans Zimmer and Stephen Schwartz), How to Train Your Dragon (composed by John Powell)
ANH season answer: Interstellar (composed by Hans Zimmer), Tron: Legacy (composed by Daft Punk), Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (composed by Michael Giacchino)
---------------
Guest: Kris (Star Wars Lawyer)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsLawyer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarslawyer
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarWarsLawyer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starwarslawyer/
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 14: Pay Attention to Poe (Minutes 66-70 with Marianne)

In minutes 66-70 of The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo asks Rey to join him, General Pryde shoots Hux, and we wind up on Kef Bir. Marianne joins me today to discuss thematic reappropriation, Poe vs. Heroics themes, a demure Palpatine moment, complicated nostalgia, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
5:37 - Psalm of the Sith, a misshapen clone of the Emperor's theme.
15:00 - Poe's theme vs. Heroics theme.
17:24 - Reappropriation of the Main Theme, morphing symbolism.
22:24 - Poe vs. Heroics (continued).
28:01 - Rey's theme with an octave leap.
35:42 - Demure Palpatine theme.
46:42 - Two independently snaking musical lines, chord progression moving through circle of fifths.
56:42 - Twisted Bass Line from Attack of the Clones.
1:03:39 - "Shing" of the blade kicking off the next bit of music.
1:04:14 - Palpatine's Scheming motif from Return of the Jedi.
1:09:02 - Drawing out the connection between the blade and the Death Star wreckage, climaxing with the Imperial March.
1:14:24 - Would it make more sense for this to be the Heroics theme rather than Poe's theme?
1:21:01 - Great viola texture.
1:26:38 - Sequels are heavy on original trilogy nostalgia. Complicated feelings.
1:33:00 - Appreciation for The Phantom Menace soundtrack.
1:38:16 - TROS is Marianne's favorite sequel trilogy soundtrack.
1:47:40 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Thematic Transformation and the Limits of Leitmotivic Analysis (Frank Lehman) - https://youtu.be/4ZBCNK0PYrk?si=Sjh80kM-i7EBx0ST
Why the Music in The Rise of Skywalker Felt Misleading (Sideways) - https://youtu.be/L_8-dWSLDWI?si=qNUFXOc_izzZptlY
The Chord That SAVED Star Wars (Charles Cornell) - https://youtu.be/X3fvljQYhGE?si=UkBCJnVWiGMxlVzF
TROS 1: Intro to the Music of The Rise of Skywalker - https://youtu.be/otAOKW5zR70?si=ltgtAWcN73MDdDt6
TROS 3: Independent Jedi Study (with Riley Silverman) - https://youtu.be/IzD34Azbrfw?si=3aMNUkjN48zF72pG
Musical Themes:
59a. Psalm of the Sith (A Section)
1a. Main Theme (A Section)
45a. Rey A (Theme A-Phrase)
17. Emperor
41a. Kylo Ren A (Aggressive)
65) Twisted Bass Line
36) Palpatine's Scheming
10a. Imperial March (Theme)
49. Poe
47a. March of the Resistance (A Section)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 10. "Join Me"
FYC 10. "Join Me"
OST 4. "The Old Death Star"
FYC 11. "The Old Death Star"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Epic. Adventure. Emotion.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
The recording sessions sessions. How do the composers prepare to write? Who picks the orchestra? When do the musicians get the music? Etc.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Howard Shore), How to Train Your Dragon (John Powell), and anything by Hans Zimmer.
---------------
Guest: Marianne
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mari_mawi
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 13: Oddly Romantic (Minutes 61-65 with Darth Choco and Element7)

Are all people on the Dark side repressed theater kids? What's that weird "wee!" sound during the Kylo/Rey duel? Do the strings represent Rey and brass represent Kylo in this scene? We discuss all of this and more in today's episode about minutes 61-65 of The Rise of Skywalker, featuring Darth Choco and Element7!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
5:06 - Lore drop in the Force connect scene.
13:08 - What is this mysterious "weee!" sound?
19:37 - Oddly romantic music during Rey's traumatic childhood flashback (same music we hear before Ben and Rey kiss!)
26:34 - Beef with Ben's final line in the movie.
30:22 - "Weee!" speculation, part 2.
36:08 - Oboe teasing the Imperial March?
42:34 - Resonance pockets, anechoic chambers.
47:55 - John Williams string flourishes.
52:24 - Do the strings represent Rey and brass represent Kylo in this scene? Or is it the reverse?
1:05:42 - Breaking down Hux's (hammy) "I'm the spy" scene.
1:18:28 - Brief Main Theme when Poe looks at the Falcon.
1:25:47 - Tempo and rhythm of Kylo's footsteps.
1:28:24 - Comparing the creepy strings here (when Kylo is telling Rey about her lineage) to the creepy strings in ESB when the Emperor is telling Vader about Luke's lineage.
1:33:41 - How does Kylo know about the Dyad in the Force? Wanting more from Kylo's perspective in general.
1:41:50 - A very stately Anthem of Evil moment. Dystopian Sith royalty.
1:49:42 - Final thoughts about these minutes/the film.
1:56:30 - On ranking Star Wars films.
2:04:17 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Anakin in The Rise of Skywalker (Element7 video) - https://youtu.be/0YlpJyGFVKY?si=Cx7Figl8mNzs2e81
The Center of the Universe (Tulsa, Oklahoma) - https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-center-of-the-universe-tulsa-oklahoma
Super Mario Bros. 3 - Airship Theme: https://youtu.be/Uh0OKW5cwVo?si=hXO5imh8b5IkLjp9
Storytelling through Music in STAR WARS | Dyad in the Force 183: https://www.youtube.com/live/_IC6jJvSBdc?si=yITPb4h8IMo_OHCaon
The Great Kamino Kaper (AOTC live reading): https://kaminokaper.com
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
42. Kylo Ren B (Hesitant)
10a. Imperial March (Theme)
17. Emperor
43a. Kylo Ren C (Menacing)/First Order Bass Line
45a. Rey A (Theme A-Phrase)
1a. Main Theme (A Section)
41a. Kylo Ren A (Aggressive)
59a. Psalm of the Sith (A Section)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
FYC 9. "Hard to Get Rid Of"
OST 10. "Join Me"
FYC 10. "Join Me"
---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Darth Choco: Classical. Timeless. Storytelling. (Previously: Hope. Redemption. Spirituality.)
Element7: A major lift (Previously: Beyond the horizon)
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Darth Choco: The dance between emotion and utility when it comes to creating soundtracks. (Previously: The creation/engineering of new sounds.)
Element7: Foley work--what goes into finding the right sound for something as futuristic as Star Wars. (Previously: Lightsaber sounds)
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Darth Choco: Pirates of the Caribbean (composed by Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer) and 28 Days Later (composed by John Murphy). (Previously: Pirates of the Caribbean)
Element7: : Good Will Hunting (composed by Danny Elfman) and The Last Samurai (composed by Hans Zimmer). (Previously: The Last Samurai)
---------------
Guests: Darth Choco and Element7
Darth Choco on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@darthchoco
Darth Choco on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DarthChoco
Dyad in the Force podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DyadintheForce
Element7 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_element7_
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 12: Kylo's Gaming Rig (Minutes 56-60 with Tony Thaxton)

In minutes 56-60 of The Rise of Skywalker, our heroes rescue Chewbacca and Rey wanders into Kylo's creepily-sterile-looking private quarters. Tony Thaxton returns to the show to discuss "noticing vs. not noticing," deaths in Star Wars, the sound design of Kylo/Rey's Force chats, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
5:18 - Not noticing the music vs. being distracted by the music.
12:57 - Would you recognize Star Wars music out of context? Or would you get it mixed up with other John Williams stuff?
14:30 - How do you feel about the completely new styles of music in Star Wars shows?
19:21 - Variant on the Friendship theme.
23:11 - What is John Williams's writing process like?
26:30 - Xanthe's experience doing session work.
34:21 - Do you find yourself a little overwhelmed the first time you see a new Star Wars movie?
40:30 - Brief, jaunty action string riff.
43:26 - Deaths in Star Wars.
47:50 - E.T. moment?
52:04 - Tension theme, March of the Resistance.
57:34 - Weird Chewie vocalization.
59:19 - Kylo's pristine living quarters, Star Wars visual language (and a challenge).
1:01:43 - Imperial March with Sith Artifacts (Dagger) motif overlaid.
1:10:24 - Sound design of the Kylo/Rey Force chats.
1:13:47 - Tony's observation/perception of the droid sound effects in the sequels.
1:19:51 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Drumeo (YouTube channel): https://www.youtube.com/@DrumeoOfficial
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
41a. Kylo Ren A (Aggressive)
109) Friendship (Variant)
60b. Sith Artifacts (Dagger)
42. Kylo Ren B (Hesitant)
52d. Tension Extended/Sequential Variant (Resistance in Trouble)
52a. Tension (Basic Motif)
47a. March of the Resistance (A Section)
10a. Imperial March (Theme)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
FYC 7. "Fleeing from Kijimi"
FYC 8. "Hallway Shooting"
---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New: Ben Burtt rules.
Previous: Excitement. Celebration. Fun.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New: "I want a real Ben Burtt documentary." How Ben Burtt came up with the various languages. Seismic charge sound design.
Previous: Ben Burtt and how all those sounds were made.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New: Batman (1989) (composed by Danny Elfman)
Previous: Pee-wee's Big Adventure (composed by Danny Elfman)
---------------
Guest: Tony Thaxton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonythaxton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonythaxton
Motion City Soundtrack (band): https://motioncitysoundtrack.com/
Don't Stop or We'll Die (band): https://www.dontstoporwelldie.com/
Allison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend (podcast): https://www.alisonrosen.com/ariynbf/
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin

TROS 11: Where's Babu? (Minutes 51-55 with Brandon Wainerdi)

In minutes 51-55 of The Rise of Skywalker, Babu Frik does the procedure, C-3PO performs the Sith translation, and Rey senses that Chewie is still alive. Returning guest Brandon Wainerdi (Talking Bay 94) joins me to discuss the usage of the Main Theme, Shirley Henderson's voice work on Babu Frik, MacGuffin mechanics, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!
6:07 - Significance of droids dying.
11:04 - Steven Spielberg's concern over Babu Frik.
14:25 - How do you feel about this use of the Main Theme?
21:45 - Octatonic moment.
22:55 - Babu Frik's puppet work, voice work.
27:06 - Mystery music a la Attack of the Clones.
32:37 - J.J. Abrams as D-O; are you distracted by celebrity voice cameos?
36:37 - "I think Star Wars, as a property, excels when..."
42:28 - Sly use of the Emperor's theme mixed with Imperial March; Is John Williams an omniscient narrator?
47:59 - Figuring out the mechanism of the MacGuffin.
51:03 - Brandon's weird way of consuming Star Wars.
59:47 - Shirley Henderson recorded Babu's "droid is ready" line in multiple languages.
1:07:51 - Levity in Star Wars, high expections.
1:12:24 - Rhythmically/metrically interesting action transition.
1:18:52 - Keri Russell as Zorii Bliss.
1:22:58 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Palpatine=Sidious Force dot net discussion: https://boards.theforce.net/threads/palpatine-sidious-its-so-obvious.245896/
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Musical Themes:
1a. Main Theme (A Section)
59) Mystery (Form 2)
17. Emperor
41a. Kylo Ren A (Aggressive)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 8. "Fleeing from Kijimi"
FYC 7. "Fleeing from Kijimi"
---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New: Williams. Göransson. Giacchino.
Previous: Ben. John. James.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New: John Williams's relationship with Star Wars (both the media itself and the people who make it).
Previous: More behind the scenes stuff about the music and sound design in the Disney-era.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New: Lord of the Rings (composed by Howard Shore) and Rings of Power (composed by Bear McCreary) and the animated RotK
Previous: Halloween (composed by John Carpenter)
---------------
Guest: Brandon Wainerdi
Talking Bay 94 (one-on-one interviews with the cast and crew of Star Wars) - https://www.talkingbay94.com/
Brandon's StarWars.com contributor page: https://www.starwars.com/news/contributor/bwainerdi
Greg Grunberg: Playing Snap Wexley and Watching Star Wars for the First Time with Best Friend, JJ Abrams (Talking Bay 94) - https://www.talkingbay94.com/2020/07/17/greg-grunberg-star-wars-interview-podcast/
James Clyne: Designing Lando's Millennium Falcon, Kylo's TIE Silencer, and the Look of the Sequel Trilogy (Talking Bay 94) - https://www.talkingbay94.com/2021/05/26/james-clyne-designing-landos-millenium-falcon-kylos-tie-silencer-and-the-look-of-the-sequel-trilogy/
Jedi at 40 | Ben Burtt and Randy Thom on Crafting Ewokese, Jabba's Voice, and the Rancor's Roar - https://www.starwars.com/news/jedi-at-40-ben-burtt-randy-thom
 
------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show...   https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin