This weekend I wrote and submitted a theme song for the new Amy Poehler series “Parks and Recreation.” It’s from the producers of “The Office.” I think the end result is a mix between the theme from “The Kids in the Hall” and “King of the Hill” and The Office.” So maybe it should be named “The Kids in the Hill Office.” Anyway…
We’ll see what happens, but until then you can check out my theme here:
http://johnvelghe.com/2009/music/Evans_DrumsHeSaid.mp3
“One good minute could last me a whole year.”
– Mac McCaughan
When Mac McCaughan, one of my favorite song writers, wrote those lyrics, I don’t think he realized he was describing the plight of a film composer.
Fifteen minutes into scoring The Next American Dream and one thing is certain, one good minute really can last me the whole year. Without getting too much into the minutia of the process, it’s amazing how far many different directions one minute of music composition can carry you. A few well-chosen chords, and the right melody can lead you in so many different directions.
The key to the whole thing is finding that one good minute. Finding the minute in the film, and hearing what it sounds like. What song it’s singing. Then, you let that one good minute lead you through the film musically.
I’m not trying to make this sound like it’s rocket science, because it’s not. It’s not “easy” per se, it’s just that you have to listen.
John sits down with the Proust Questionnaire, something everyone is supposed to do periodically. Translated; one more thing he’s got to do today.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Understanding my place in the world at this very moment and resisting the urge to take it upon myself to change it.
2. What is your greatest fear?
Understanding my place in the world at this moment.
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
The urge to focus too much on rhetoric.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Getting in their own way or prideful ignorance. I can’t decide which.
5. Which living person do you most admire?
Today, probably Bruce Springsteen.
6. What is your greatest extravagance?
My studio equipment or my jeans. I can’t decide which.
7. What is your current state of mind?
Contemplative
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Intelligence.
9. On what occasion do you lie?
When I’m writing a song or when someone might get hurt. But those are pretty much the same thing.
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The sanctimony.
11. Which living person do you most despise?
Right now, its tied between Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage. I have no use for hate and insecurity masquerading as entertainment.
12. What is the quality you most like in a man?
Simplicity.
13. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Grace.
14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“All I’m saying is…”
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Who = Juj
What = music.
16. When and where were you happiest?
Memphis Tennessee, around 1998.
17. Which talent would you most like to have?
It’s almost impossible for me to distinguish between talent and aptitude. But I guess the aptitude or talent to be able to teach.
18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My inability to teach.
19. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Getting this far.
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Hopefully I’ve earned the right to come back as a family pet, a dog perhapse.
21. Where would you most like to live?
Europe, the warm part.
22. What is your most treasured possession?
I would be lost without my 1964 Hofner acoustic guitar.
23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Not having someone to share everything with
24. What is your favorite occupation?
Janitor
25. What is your most marked characteristic?
Impatience
26. What do you most value in your friends?
Patience
27. Who are your favorite writers?
Richard Powers, Robert Pirsig
28. Who is your hero of fiction?
Chris Pirsig (is that actually fiction?)
29. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Bob Stinson (is he historical?)
30. Who are your heroes in real life?
My mother. Alejandro Escovedo. Juj.
31. What are your favorite names?
Aeshel. Clara. Napoleon.
32. What is it that you most dislike?
I most dislike lack of empathy.
33. What is your greatest regret?
Taking too much time away from doing what I’m supposed to be doing.
34. How would you like to die?
AFTER everyone else, in my sleep.
35. What is your motto?
always be compelling
