Star Wars Music Minute
Celebrating the music and sound of Star Wars 5 cinematic minutes at a time!
Listen on:
Episodes
Friday Jun 03, 2022
Friday Jun 03, 2022
Composer Christina Ward joins Xanthe for a detailed listen and analysis of minutes 71-75 of Solo: A Star Wars Story, which starts with the crew landing on Kessel and ends with L3 liberating a droid.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
05:39 - All roads lead back to the Empire.
11:15 - Where the music abruptly changes, Baroque vibes, Enigma Variations, Britten, large interval leaps, unified instrument sections
22:02 - Qi'ra and the gang walk out to greet the Pykes. Music leaves space for dialogue.
24:53 - Jaws-esque half steps.
27:49 - Sparkly Main Theme for chance cubes shot.
29:30 - Rooting (but not rooting) for Han and Qi'ra.
33:48 - Buildup before they break their disguises. Contrary motion.
42:38 - The droid that steals the show!
47:35 - Composers conveying instructions to performers. How would we notate this droid sound?
55:02 - Humor, Qi'ra, "murder complete."
1:00:35 - The beginning of "Mine Mission" is curious, hopeful.
1:07:48 - Listeners with good droid ears, what do you think the droid is saying?
1:08:40 - Liberation, liberation, liberation, liberation!
1:10:45 - Final thoughts about minutes 71-75 of Solo.
1:14:49 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Benjamin Britten - The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra | Saraste | WDR Symphony Orchestra - https://youtu.be/4vbvhU22uAM
Elgar: Enigma Variations / Boian Videnoff - Mannheimer Philharmoniker - https://youtu.be/6bkCEKD_Hhg
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Musical Themes:
5. The Gang
9. Fakery
1a. Main Theme (A Section)
1. Young Han Solo (Heroic, comp. JW)
8. L3-37
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Oksana Floren, yadda yadda yadda (4M30A)" - pretty much the whole track
"Mine Mission" - first 40 seconds
"Extra Deluxe Mine Mission (4M30B-5M30C-31)"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Heartfelt. Direct. Dramatic.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
What are the thematic relationships that tie the dark side with Imperialism, musically speaking? Similarly, what musical relationships tie the light side with rebellion and goodness?
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Dune (music composed by Hans Zimmer, sound team led by Mark Mangini and Theo Green)
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Guest: Christina Ward
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtnaaastina/
Kyvi the Water Nymph: https://www.instagram.com/kyvi_waternymph/
------------------
Consider becoming a patron to join the Discord server! 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:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Friday May 27, 2022
Friday May 27, 2022
"Lando's Closet" is the horniest cue on the Solo soundtrack, Y/N? Crystal Beth joins me today for a discussion about minutes 66-70 of Solo: A Star Wars Story!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
02:32 - Cue naming conventions.
10:02 - Secrets theme 6x buildup.
12:43 - Horniness of this cue. Roller coaster.
14:38 - Narrating the roller coaster of the full cue.
17:16 - Buzzkill version in the film.
22:25 - Wanting to be sold on Han + Qi'ra's passion. Why this scene perhaps doesn't feel "true."
25:34 - Why it's harder to talk about music than other aspects of film.
32:02 - Xanthe's mic goes AWOL... back at 32:18.
39:07 - Thoughts about musical fan service, appreciating the Easter eggs
42:54 - Too soon for a Han movie? Desensitization.
50:08 - Fav Star Wars books?
53:30 - Comedian's perspective on L3-37 vs. K2SO vs. Peli Motto vs. Poe. Dryness, grounded-ness, casualness, improvisation.
59:15 - Crew of Solos?
1:02:01 - The "business" of a scene (in relation to L3 and Qi'ra's private chat).
1:12:15 - Rundown of musical themes and soundtrack titles from these minutes.
1:13:26 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
A Brief History of Cue Numbering: http://musicbehindthescreen.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-brief-history-of-cue-numbering.html
"Lando's Closet" from Solo: A Star Wars Story (John Powell): https://youtu.be/wummwZCt5s0
Angels in the Outfield - Ranch Wilder fired: https://youtu.be/tsiAhizVOKs
Chrysanthe on Star Wars Minute mentioning that they are NOT a fan of the L3 stuff: https://youtu.be/ybX1EzzP7S4
Crystal Beth on Star Wars Minute mentioning that she IS a fan of the L3 stuff: https://youtu.be/hiSYhmUetU0
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Themes:
4. Han & Q'ira
3. Secrets
2. Rebel Fanfare
1. Young Han Solo (Heroic, comp. JW)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Lando's Closet" or "Lando's Closet (4M28)"
"Trust No One (4M29)"
This also shows up in the Shazam test: "Super Extra Deluxe End Credits Suite (7MEC)"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Home. Excited. Adventure.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
All of it. Everything.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Contact (composed by Alan Silvestri)
---------------
Guest: Crystal Beth
Website: https://thecrystalbeth.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCrystalBeth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrystalbeth/
The Fifth Eleminute podcast: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/pn3tj-4aa52/The-Fifth-Eleminute-Podcast
------------------
Want to support the show and join our Discord server? Consider becoming a patron! 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:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
Dan Golding is back, and ahhh OKAY, we need to talk about the fact that Luke's theme plays like a pop anthem when Han lays eyes on the Millennium Falcon (!!!) In this episode, we examine the musical devices that contribute to that epic reveal, discuss John Powell's internal logic, evaluate Powell's underscore, talk about nostalgia in the Star Wars franchise, and more. Turns out there are lots of great conversation starters in minutes 61-65 of Solo: A Star Wars Story!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
03:56 - Listening to the beginning of the minutes.
09:43 - Do various Solo themes all kinda sound the same?
17:36 - Harry Potter + Nightmare Before Christmas vibes when they're walking up to the Millennium Falcon.
24:43 - Listening to the Millennium Falcon reveal moment.
25:38 - Luke's theme (the Star Wars Main Theme), John Powell's internal logic in using it, reminiscence therapy.
31:50 - Pop chords, The Rise of Skywalker trailer.
38:12 - The Solo trailer.
41:26 - Anthemic Main Theme. Augmented melody, metrical shift that emphasizes strong beats, simple harmony, suspensions, violin tremolo upper pedal point, choir "ahhh"... it's full bore!
45:16 - Dan's out-of-the-box personal choir, ongoing debate in film music re: mixing real instruments in a way that purposely makes them sound like digital instruments.
55:45 - Effortless weaving of themes.
57:47 - Enfys Nest briefly shows up, percussive 3-note pattern, hear me out: Shostakovich String Quartet No.8 Mvt. 4?
1:09:55 - Thumbs up to John Powell's underscoring.
1:15:07 - Donald Glover's vocal performance.
1:21:43 - Does the Millennium Falcon deserve its own theme? Discussion about leitmotif-based film scoring, how it's not always necessary.
1:35:40 - How media can cheat death, memorializing characters, nostalgia, Kodak's (unpublished) Death Campaign of 1932.
1:42:10 - SWMM Questionnaire
1:44:48 - Laying down the gauntlet for Frank Lehman :)
Things Mentioned + Things to Check Out:
fugue (music term): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugue
Dan Golding's previous SWMM appearance was for ANH 18: The Swashbucklers - https://youtu.be/5xFFLXruO0Y
"What's This" from The Nightmare Before Christmas (by Danny Elfman) - https://youtu.be/yd8t1f1U2xs
4 Chords | Music Videos | The Axis Of Awesome - https://youtu.be/oOlDewpCfZQ
Twenty Thousand Hertz episode that talks about the "four chords" - https://www.20k.org/episodes/progressionobsession
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | Final Trailer - https://youtu.be/8Qn_spdM5Zg
Lady Gaga - Alejandro - https://youtu.be/06MV87zoZaY
"Test Drive" from How To Train Your Dragon (by John Powell) - https://youtu.be/IpPIK4T068s
Solo: A Star Wars Story Official Trailer - https://youtu.be/jPEYpryMp2s
Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: IV. Largo (St. Lawrence String Quartet) - https://youtu.be/QN6YUEawmJo
How the music score for the 1978 feature film Watership Down came together - http://www.angelamorley.com/site/watercues.htm
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Musical Themes:
1a. Main Theme (A Section)
5. The Gang
7a. Enfys Nest 1
2b. Young Han Solo (Searching Variant, comp. JW)
1. Young Han Solo (Heroic, comp. JW)
8. L3-37
2a. Young Han Solo (Searching, comp. JW)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"L3 & Millennium Falcon" or "L3 & Millennium Falcon (3M26)" - whole thing
"Family Stories (4M27)" - whole thing
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Nimble orchestral nostalgia.
Previous answer: Mythic orchestral memory
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
What will Natalie Holt's soundtrack for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series sound like? (this episode was recorded prior to the Kenobi premiere)
Previous answer: 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? If so, how will we get there? It takes a specific set of talents to make this kind of music. Trying new things is great, but will Star Wars ever be able to return to the sound in that same way?
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Watership Down (composed by Angela Morley)
Previous answer: Vertigo (composed by Bernard Herrmann)
---------------
Guest: Dan Golding
Book: Star Wars After Lucas by Dan Golding: https://dangolding.com/star-wars-after-lucas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dangolding
Website: https://dangolding.com/
Art of the Score podcast: https://www.artofthescore.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanGoldingVideoEssays
Bandcamp: https://dangolding.bandcamp.com/
Screen Sounds on ABC: https://www.abc.net.au/classic/programs/screen-sounds/
------------------
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show extra appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee and shout out the guest! https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
If you want to support the show, consider becoming a patron! 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:
Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Friday May 13, 2022
Friday May 13, 2022
Why does the music in the sabacc scene sound like a romantic comedy? What does a cortical homunculus have to do with Solo? How does The Lodge compare to the other watering holes of Star Wars? Tony Thaxton returns to the show to talk about all of this and more in minutes 56-60 of Solo: A Star Wars Story!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
03:27 - Musical playfulness of a romantic comedy.
10:36 - Do you remember watching Solo for the first time?
18:07 - Music with room for interludes and flourishes.
23:52 - Lapti Nek's many versions.
27:28 - As a person that nerds out on score...
34:40 - Argus “Six Eyes” Panox, tangent about biomechanics awareness, drawing details, homunculus, vivid filmmaking...
45:15 - ...iPhone ringtone debate, thinking vs. feeling rhythms and notes, dance choreographers, Ringo Starr, making vs. theorizing music.
57:36 - The "chomper" alien Crocin, who eats his cards.
1:01:55 - Reading from the Solo novelization.
1:10:14 - Tell me about Therm Scissorpunch, giant lobster.
1:16:11 - What's your favorite Star Wars cantina/hangout spot? Jabba's Palace.
1:26:23 - Questions for Tony.
1:33:32 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
"Fun with Cigarettes" from Orange is the New Black (by Gwendolyn Sanford, Brandon Jay, Scott Doherty) - https://youtu.be/fhxYrHKpjQ0
Alien Compendium: Solo - https://alienanthology.wordpress.com/2018/09/22/alien-compendium-solo/
cortical homunculus - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortical_homunculus
Bizarre Albums - Bizarre Singles "Lapti Nek" episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1CEByMXYTIbWuDceiTJf7w?si=8ylsnwZ0TiGb8mR9gHR-GA
Star Wars: A New Hope sound design explained by Ben Burtt (INDEPTH Sound Design) - https://youtu.be/So0nmciiFJg
Musical Themes:
2. Rebel Fanfare
7a. Enfys Nest 1
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Sabacc Game (3M25)" or "Is This Seat Taken?"
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Star Wars Music Minute Questionnaire:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Excitement. Celebration. Fun.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Ben Burtt and how all those sounds were made.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Pee-wee's Big Adventure (composed by Danny Elfman)
-----------
Guest: Tony Thaxton
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonythaxton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonythaxton/
Bizarre Albums (podcast): https://www.bizarrealbums.com/
Bizarre Albums Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bizarrealbums
Motion City Soundtrack Tour (June-July 2022): https://motioncitysoundtrack.com/tour
------------------
If you want to support the show and join my Discord server with other Star Wars music nerds, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show extra appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee and shout out the guest! https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Friday May 06, 2022
Friday May 06, 2022
Triad of the Force (Gus, Nani, Moe) join Xanthe in a discussion about the music and sound in minutes 51-55 of Solo: A Star Wars Story, which starts with Han convincing Dryden to give them a chance and ends with Han challenging Lando to a game of sabacc. We talk about musical pivot points, toxic professors, dialogue mixing, peacocks, the cue that sounds like David Bowie, and more!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
11:46 - Toxic professors.
25:19 - Love themes in Star Wars.
30:51 - A slinky line with "Orientalist" flavors.
36:55 - Confusing spatial sound, disembodied conversation.
42:12 - James Bond reference?
44:01 - Donald Glover's voice and Billy Dee Williams.
55:13 - Han Solo, last minute hero.
59:28 - Thrawn namedrop.
1:03:22 - Lando, king of the scene.
1:12:00 - National Geographic peacocks.
1:18:13 - Discussing the "Sabacc Game (3M25)" cue. Is it diegetic? Where would the sounds be coming from? Why does it sound like David Bowie's "Under Pressure"?
1:36:43 - Final thoughts about these Solo minutes.
1:41:43 - SWMM Questionnaire
1:50:28 - Where to find Triad of the Force (they'll be on the podcast stage at Star Wars Celebration 2022!)
Things to Check Out:
Rimsky-Korsakov - Scheherazade Op. 35 (with score) - https://youtu.be/MpZ7jLpA5yg
"The City in the Clouds" from The Empire Strikes Back (by John Williams) - https://youtu.be/T_0tSXNpl_8
Opening of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - https://youtu.be/N4xV2RIlMi4
The Jazz of Physics | Stephon Alexander | TEDxSanDiego - https://youtu.be/v9_ZzY99-6U
Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure - https://youtu.be/NukVyrhQ9cA
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Triad of the Force's last appearance on SWMM: ANH 13: Fantasy Pet (with Triad of the Force): https://youtu.be/tksBD_cQtXw
Xanthe's guest appearance on Triad of the Force: Meaning & Music in Star Wars || Galactic Melodies • S2|E24 - https://youtu.be/fLvG7-s6K64
Musical Themes:
3. Secrets
5. The Gang
1. Young Han Solo (Heroic, comp. JW)
Where are we in the soundtrack?
"Dryden's Patience Is Tested (3M21-22-23)" starting around 3:10
"Card Room (3M24)"
"Is This Seat Taken?"
beginning of "Sabacc Game (3M25)"
---------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Nani: James Earl Jones (same answer as ANH season)
Moe: Analog but magical (same answer as ANH season)
Gus: Beepbeep! Kshh-Paaa. Grrrrrwwwwwrr! (same answer as ANH season)
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Nani: The thought process, methods, and approaches to scoring new Star Wars media in the post-John Williams era. (same answer as ANH season)
Moe: How the beeps and boops were made. (ANH season: Max Rebo's Band).
Gus: The director-composer relationship and how they create a symbiont circle. (ANH season answer: How all the sounds, especially from the original trilogy, were created.)
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Nani: Atonement (composed Dario Marianelli) and Batman (1989, composed by Danny Elfman)
Moe: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (composed by Yugo Kanno)
Gus: Interstellar (composed by Hans Zimmer). ANH season answers: Hook (composed by John Williams) and Fellowship of the Rings (composed by Howard Shore)
-------
Guest: Triad of the Force
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriadoftheForce
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TriadOfTheForce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triadoftheforce/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/triad-of-the-force/id1529625603
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/triadoftheforce
------------------
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show extra appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee and shout out the guest! https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
If you want to support the show, consider becoming a patron! 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:
Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Friday Apr 29, 2022
Friday Apr 29, 2022
Minutes 46-50 of Solo: A Star Wars Story with James Hewlett from Live Action Star Wars! Today, we're talking about musical pivot points, the operatic nature of Solo, the romantic Han and Qi'ra theme, and some new stormtrooper karaoke headcanon.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
08:35 - Is the music for Han and Qi'ra too romantic and sentimental?
11:20 - Han Solo as an opera or musical. The music flexibly goes with the drama.
17:57 - Dialogue mixing.
22:05 - Fuzzy diegetic/non-diegetic boundary.
25:38 - Stormtrooper karaoke + flute headcanon.
30:12 - Ominous music paired with polite dialogue.
34:00 - Dies Irae when Dryden gets angry and says "Trust me?" (Paging Alex Ludwig.)
49:00 - Beckett says "we will simply steal it from somewhere else" lmao
52:15 - Listen for the way the music flatlines when Han mentions unrefined coaxium.
55:56 - Pattern recognition and why musical themes slip under the radar sometimes.
59:30 - Final thoughts about the music and sound of Solo minutes 46-50.
1:03:15 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Star Wars the High Republic: Mission to Disaster (by Justina Ireland)
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Musical Themes:
4. Han & Q'ira
3. Secrets
possible Dies Irae
1. Young Han Solo (Heroic, comp. JW)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Han & Qi'Ra Reunite (3M19)"
"Stormtrooper JP-054 Karaoke (3M20S)"
"Dryden's Patience Is Tested (3M21-22-23)"
---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Triumph. Thrill. Happiness.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
The music that Chass na Chadic (B-wing pilot from Alphabet Squadron) listens to.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Dope (2015)
The Social Network (composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) (2010)
Dazed and Confused (1993)
---------------
Guest: James Hewlett
Live Action Star Wars: https://liveactionstarwars.com
Tiny Letter: https://tinyletter.com/jameshewlett/archive
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jhewlett
------------------
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show extra appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee and shout out the guest! https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
If you want to support the show, consider becoming a patron! 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:
Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Friday Apr 22, 2022
Friday Apr 22, 2022
An analysis of "Chicken in the Pot" with Ender Smith from AurekFonts. We cover lyrics and language, talk about pronunciation, notation, genre, string samples, harmony, tuning, and quite a bit more. Finally, we field listener submitted questions about "Chicken in the Pot" and discuss the rest of minutes 41-45 of Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
11:03 - How did "Chicken in the Pot" get its name?
15:39 - Luleo Primoc and the legendary musician Louis Prima
28:30 - Why do the Huttese lyrics sound French?
42:20 - What are the lyrics and translation to "Chicken in the Pot"?
45:45 - Is the chorus about hunger or is it a thing?
52:45 - Boss Baby meme, points of contact with certain musical genres, categories, the varying efficacy of tropes.
59:12 - What genre or style would you consider "Chicken in the Pot"?
1:14:28 - Strings sound sampled from the 60s or 70s.
1:27:33 - Are the strings diegetic or part of the score? Where are the strings coming from?
1:37:19 - Microtonality, tuning systems, and musical notation. Strap in!
2:17:45 - Why does this song absolutely slap?
2:28:24 - Hot take: Max Rebo is not canonically famous.
2:38:18 - Do you prefer the version with the high voice or the low voice (like on the film)?
2:45:57 - Other music and sound observations in Solo minutes 41-45.
3:32:50 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Underscore podcast: Goofy Baby Songs with Isaac Schankler (Xanthe's old music podcast where they recommended Chicken in the Pot in 2018): https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/underscore/goofy-baby-songs-with-isaac-ZwpuRo16rEa/
Louis Prima - King of the Swingers (2006 Documentary) - https://youtu.be/PpimuXlMMP8
How Sheet Music Lies To You (12tone video; highly recommend!): https://youtu.be/quOLtE0wfAo
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Musical Themes:
5. The Gang
1. Young Han Solo (Heroic, comp. JW)
3. Secrets
4. Han & Q'ira
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Walk to Dreyden's (3M17)"
"Chicken in the Pot (3M18S)", NOT "Chicken in the Pot"
"Han & Qi'Ra Reunite (3M19)"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Actually close enough. (to John Williams)
(Previous answer: California radio voiceovers)
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
How musical notation works in Star Wars. What does Bith notation look like for the Cantina Band? How about Max Rebo's charts? Does he read sheet music or play by ear?
(Previous answer: the making of one musical cue from start to finish)
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
The Village (composed by James Newton Howard)
(Previous answer: Knives Out - composed by Nathan Johnson)
Bonus question: What would you encourage listeners pay closer attention to on their next watch of Solo?
Hyperfocus on the Huttese word for hamburger
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Guest: Ender Smith (AurekFonts)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AurekFonts
Fonts: https://aurekfonts.github.io/
Previous SWMM episode: ANH 3: Droid Musicality - https://youtu.be/qtY3zAA-A8A
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If you enjoyed this episode and want to show extra appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee and shout out the guest! https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
If you want to support the show, consider becoming a patron! 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:
Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Minutes 36-40 of Solo: A Star Wars Story with Klaudia Amenábar from RuPalp's Podrace! In addition to Powell's train heist scoring, we talk about the Dolby Atmos sound mix, stories from the production of Solo, and the purpose of Star Wars moviemaking in general.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
06:03 - The fridging of Val.
12:11 - Comparing Solo to The High Republic.
17:23 - Rupalp's Podrace lore (all hail adult He).
22:04 - Enfys Nest supposed to be Val and Beckett's kid? Production stories.
28:53 - "Lando's Closet" is beautiful but uncharacteristically sentimental?
34:16 - We'd love a score-only version of Solo.
36:49 - Watching movies on so many different devices.
45:41 - Is this a Dies Irae when Rio dies? (paging Alex Ludwig)
56:50 - Thrawn tangent.
1:01:42 - Pointy violin arpeggios and Young Han (reminiscent of beginning of the movie)
1:09:03 - Val and Beckett, Han and Chewie, parallels with Boba and Fennec.
1:24:49 - This should've been the Lando Calrission story or a buddy comedy about Han and Chewie.
1:30:20 - Making movies to build fandom.
1:54:10 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
Post Magazine article about the audio in Solo: A Star Wars Story https://www.postmagazine.com/Publications/Post-Magazine/2018/June-1-2018/Audio-I-Solo-A-Star-Wars-Story-I-.aspx
Here's Why Movie Dialogue Has Gotten More Difficult To Understand (And Three Ways To Fix It) - https://www.slashfilm.com/673162/heres-why-movie-dialogue-has-gotten-more-difficult-to-understand-and-three-ways-to-fix-it/
SoloWatch: A RuPalp's Podrace Story - https://rupalps-podrace-a--star-wars-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/solowatch
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Kevin Kiner Reddit AMA (2021) - https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/n4u57k/im_kevin_kiner_ive_been_writing_star_wars_music/?
Nausicaa: The Force Awakens Mashup/Side by Side: https://youtu.be/AvDrQtMIAxU
Themes:
5. The Gang
1. Young Han Solo (Heroic, comp. JW)
7b. Enfys Nest 2
7a. Enfys Nest 1
13) Dies Irae
2a. Young Han Solo (Searching, comp. JW)
2b. Young Han Solo (Searching Variant, comp. JW)
Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Deluxe Train Heist (2M15-16A-B-C)"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Poetic. Epic. Inspiring.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
The stories behind how various bits of music ended up in the films/shows. "How did that get there?"
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (composed by Joe Hisaishi)
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Guest: Klaudia Amenábar
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaludiasays
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kaludiasays
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kaludiasays
RuPalp's Podrace: https://rupalps-podrace-a--star-wars-podcast.simplecast.com/
The Mystery Spotcast: A Supernatural Rewatch: https://the-mystery-spotcast-a-supernatural-rewatch.simplecast.com/
------------------
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show extra appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee and shout out the guest! https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! 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:
Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Xanthe dissects the End Credits of A New Hope, calls 1-800-PHONE-THX, reviews the thematic census, covers trending topics from the season, and answers some epic listener questions about the music of Star Wars. Discussion Guide: 00:00 - Hello there! 01:57 - The final five minutes of the film. 14:55 - Calling 1-800-PHONE-THX. 18:24 - Structure of the End Credits music. 22:48 - Throne Room/End Credits vs. Concert Arrangement. 32:00 - A New Hope season stats, thematic census, trending topics, recurring conversation points, highlights. 49:20 - Listener Questions/Comments 51:02 - Besides the opening crawl, does the Main Theme (B Section) show up anywhere in A New Hope? (Asked by multiple people) 55:52 - Is the oboe a heavy instrument? (Question from Jay Cooper) 59:30 - Why do "The Battle of Yavin" (Star Wars) and "Desert Chase" (Raiders of the Lost Ark) sound kind of similar? (Question from Phillip Liebold) 1:23:37 - How does transposition work? (Question from Joshua Scheide) 1:35:38 - Was there a deliberate decision not to talk much about Holst throughout the season? (Comment from Alex Cunningham that I turned into a question) 1:40:00 - Comment from Alex Cunningham about hypothetically diegetic "Throne Room" and Tolkien. 1:42:04 - Question from Tim Bobrowski about the "music of leveling up." 1:56:58 - What does Star Wars sound like? (according to all the guests from this season) 2:01:15 - Answering the SWMM Questionnaire What Does Star Wars Sound Like? (according to all guests this season) Majestic French horns. (Alex Robinson) Aunt Beru's kitchen. (Pete the Retailer) Beyond the horizon. (Element7) California radio voiceovers. (Ender from AurekFonts) Action, danger, romance. (Mat from Blue Bantha Milk Co.) Expansive. Dramatic. Romantic. (Aiden Feltkamp) Dissonant pedal notes. (Frank Lehman) Minor planing triads. (Frank Lehman) Pwsh vrrrrum shhpt. (Justin Leo Kennedy) John Williams. (Elizabeth Lain) Triumphant brass fanfares. (Alex Ludwig) Ominous contrapuntal warblings. (Alex Ludwig) A galactic symphony. (Star Wars Lawyer) Galactic thematic masterpiece. (Justin Mitnik) Sweeping expressive proclamations. (Ralph Attanasia) Analog but magical. (Moe from Triad of the Force) Beepbeep! Kshh-Paaa. Grrrrrwwwwwrr! (Gus from Triad of the Force) James Earl Jones. (Nani from Triad of the Force) Ben. John. James. (Brandon from Talking Bay 94) Epic space magic. (Riley Silverman) Opera without words (Jeremy Sawruk) The heroes win. (Steele Saunders) Mythic orchestral memory. (Dan Golding) Raw triumphant heroism. (Father David Mowry) Timeless space adventure. (Trevor Mowry) Original space opera. (Nick Norton) John. Ben. James. (Alex Cunningham) Hope, bravery, curiosity. (Mollie Damon from Star Wars Explained) Bwaaap tscheww pew! (Alex Damon from Star Wars Explained) Powerful, evocative, grandiose. (Samantha Tripp) Pew pew pew. (Justin Scheid) The Band Batch. (James Waterman) The Cosmic Force (Chrysanthe Tan) Things Mentioned: Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (Dr. Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/ A Guide to the Musical Themes of Indiana Jones (Dr. Frank Lehman) https://franklehman.com/indiana-jones-themes/ "Desert Chase" from Raiders of the Lost Ark (John Williams) - https://youtu.be/0XUKgbOXXdc "The Battle of Yavin" from Star Wars (John Williams) - https://youtu.be/aHQrcyerVQQ "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky) performed by the Portland Youth Philharmonic - https://youtu.be/Xbsla8G_kV4 Set theory (music): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_theory_(music) My John Williams concert review from September 2021: https://youtu.be/X66-gW7cujo ---------- Star Wars Music Minute Questionnaire (Xanthe's answers): 1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like? The Cosmic Force. 2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about? I'm curious about how other people experience and engage with the music of Star Wars, on both a macro and micro level. I want to know how other people are making sense of it or analyzing it with frameworks different than mine. Basically, I'm interested in doing what this podcast already gives me the excuse to do -- talk to people about Star Wars music. 3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars? There Will Be Blood (composed by Jonny Greenwood) ---------- Ways to Support the Show: Become a patron (this is how you join my Discord server): https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin Apple Podcast reviews and other forms of non-monetary support are much appreciated as well! Socials Etc: Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute? Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Friday Apr 08, 2022
Friday Apr 08, 2022
Let's get into that "Train Heist" cue with Dr. Frank Lehman! In this episode, we discuss the sheer density of the Solo score, modulation as an effective tool to generate intensity (Frank counted 21 key changes in 5 minutes), Powell's dramatic usage of driving percussion, and the orchestration details that feel like "Williams's unique fingerprints but with a Powell filter." Then, we dig into what is arguably the most surprising part of this entire score: the music for Enfys Nest, which features Bulgarian singing. Needless to say, there are tons of musical happenings in minutes 31-35 of Solo: A Star Story!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Hello there!
01:21 - What stands out to you, on a big picture level, in these minutes?
03:22 - 21 key changes
07:34 - Listening to the beginning of the train heist scene
14:58 - Is "Train Heist" a set piece theme?
19:00 - Talking "Corellia Chase", Zimmerisms, percussion obbligato, piano arrangement, etc
29:19 - Lush, planing, chromatic string part foreshadowing Chicken in the Pot?
39:16 - Beckett's Gang theme in diminution.
44:26 - Imperials motif in parallel 6ths with dissonant bass chords
51:26 - Symbolism, meaning, controversy of certain themes (Imperials, Main Theme) showing up in later movies
1:02:21 - Making sense of the Enfys Nest themes.
1:12:40 - Bulgarian folk music deep dive, where it fits into a Western entertainment context
1:52:13 - Did any Solo themes show up in The Book of Boba Fett? (Crimson Dawn, etc), theme speculation, etc
2:01:04 - SWMM Questionnaire
Things to Check Out:
"Ergen deda, cherven deda" - performed by the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir - https://youtu.be/kuTbM0R0ADQ
Xena Warrior Princess theme song - https://youtu.be/SVsrX3LiXNY
"M01 謡I - Making Of Cyborg" from Ghost In the Shell (by Kenji Kawai) - https://youtu.be/62wTjLi0-lo
"SIgn of deaTH" from Star Wars: Visions - The Duel (by Keiji Inai) - https://youtu.be/CXBDm6JjSTc
Star Wars Music Minute: ANH 6: Binary Sunset Breakdown (Minutes 26-30 with Frank Lehman) - https://youtu.be/JrCg4KLk054
Star Wars Music Minute: TLJ 30: Musical DNA of The Last Jedi (Minutes 146-150 with Frank Lehman) https://youtu.be/NZwIpV3igBo
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Musical Themes:
The Gang
Young Han (Heroic)
Imperials (motif)
Enfys Nest 1
Enfys Nest 2
possibly the Droids motif from ESB
Where Are We in the Soundtrack?
"Train Heist"
"Marauders Arrive"
"Deluxe Train Heist (2M15-16A-B-C)"
---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Previous answers:
Dissonant pedal notes.
Minor planing triads.
New answer: vaguely remembered music
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Previous answers:
What we're musically in store for as Star Wars moves onto the next chapters of its development.
Also: What was the actual score to Episode IX supposed to be (before changes)?
New answer: Who will be main composer for the Kenobi series?
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Previous answer: Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) (composed by Jerry Goldsmith)
New answer: Severance (series) (composed by Theodore Shapiro)
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Guest: Frank Lehman
Website: https://franklehman.com/
Book: Hollywood Harmony: Musical Wonder and the Sound of Cinema - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Harmony-Musical-Wonder-Cinema/dp/0190606401
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fmlehman
------------------
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show extra appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee and shout out the guest! https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
If you want to support the show, consider becoming a patron! 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:
Spotify: https://smarturl.it/swmm-spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://smarturl.it/swmm-apple
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com