A long time ago…
In this edition:
Fresh music: a Mancini-inspired cello “big band”.
A single recommendation
(That’s all. I hope you like it too.)
[John Williams conducting Star Wars]
Big time podcast recommend:
I just fell in love with this thing, so I’m dedicating this week’s email to it. It’s a blockbuster.
Actually, it’s THE blockbuster podcast: It’s immersive, imaginative, a bit campy and fun in all the right ways (for me). An innovative use of the podcast medium as well, I can’t wait to hear the rest.
From the website:
“This series has been painstakingly researched, compiled and referenced from thousands of sources, and many of the events that led to the creation of JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, and STAR WARS, which launched the very idea of "the blockbuster" film.
It's a story that took place a half century ago — recreated by voice actors, exquisitely designed by award-winning designers, and scored with original music in the spirit of John Williams. It follows two scruffy 20-something filmmakers who become friends, and in some ways, rivals. It's a story of following dreams, frustration, and failing ... hard. Even flopping.”
It’s immersive, imaginative, a bit campy and fun in all the right ways (for me). An innovative use of the podcast medium as well, I can’t wait to hear the rest.
“BLOCKBUSTER” has done something ambitious, a great idea that was hiding in plain sight. Listen to it and you will see things, something which has always been true of the best audio content but is often lost in the marketing mix.
Music and visual art are marketed in such different ways, and the target fans often have wildly different personality types. Are you a ‘visual’ person? I don’t consider myself one. But the reality in advertising/marketing is sadly (IMO) “eyes first, ears second”.
So it’s especially gratifying to come across an audio product that embraces the visual medium and professes plenty of love for it without also trying to become it.
This thing wouldn’t work the same magic if it were paired with visuals on a screen.
At first I was turned off by the VO/narration. Admittedly it’s bit bro-y, lacking proper hollywood/NPR fidelity and slickness. But therein actually lies the appeal: it’s as if your nerdy cousin loves this story, and the idea of sharing it with you so much that he’s gonna tell it all to you personally. Just to kill time over thanksgiving.
There’s huge heart in it. Enjoy!
[George and Steven]
Thank you for reading and subscribing.
I appreciate you. Enjoy spring!
Love your ears,
Trevor
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If you appreciate my work, it’s in these other places too. Totally ok to share:
Listen to the “Trevor Exter Playlist” on Spotify
Hear 18 episodes of: "Play It Like It's Music"
You can hire me to score your piece.
Or I can produce your podcast.
Direct support @ Patreon
Blockbuster