DMF Episode 236 Film Composers Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn Complete Interview "You Need to Experience the Magic Behind Terminator Zero's Score!"

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to film composers: Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn. They just scored the new Netflix series' Terminator: Zero. This is the full episode. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy. I scored the Terminator Zero soundtrack, and it was an incredible journey! From the moment I learned about the project, I was captivated by the idea of blending the iconic Terminator universe with anime. My guests, Kevin Henthorn and Michelle Burski, are the talented duo behind the score, and they shared their experiences growing up in Connecticut and Maine, respectively, and how their passion for music and film led them to this unique opportunity. Kevin's obsession with film began in film school, while Michelle's journey started with songwriting and indie films. Together, they created a sound that is both haunting and beautiful, using unconventional instruments and found sounds to evoke the emotions of the story. They recorded much of the score in their home studio during the pandemic, showcasing their resourcefulness and creativity. The process was a labor of love, and they learned a lot about confidence and collaboration along the way. The score features themes that reflect the characters' journeys, with a focus on emotional depth and storytelling. From the moody tones to the uplifting melodies, every note was carefully crafted to enhance the narrative. The duo also discussed their inspirations, including the works of Johan Johansson and Trent Reznor, and how they aimed to create something fresh and innovative. As they look forward to future projects, they hope to continue exploring new sounds and themes that resonate with audiences. Don't miss out on the chance to listen to the full score of Terminator Zero on Spotify and experience the magic for yourself! 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background 00:00:43 - Early Interest in Film and Music 00:01:56 - Musical Beginnings and Instruments 00:03:44 - Scoring Mother Android 00:05:00 - Influence of Mother Android on Other Work 00:07:48 - Working on Terminator Zero 00:09:36 - Creating the Mood for Terminator Zero 00:13:11 - Musical Inspirations 00:16:27 - Incorporating T2 Score Elements 00:18:27 - Scoring Process and Character Themes 00:20:17 - Spoiler Discussion: Aiko's and Malcolm's Themes 00:22:51 - Creation of the Show's Defining Theme 00:26:05 - The 'Run' Theme and Terminator's Sound Cue 00:28:34 - The Time Travel Theme 00:32:20 - Creation and Use of 'Choose' Theme 00:32:20 - Reich's Choice Theme and Character Development 00:32:20 - Misaki Toy Store Theme and Character Arc 00:33:44 - Creation of the Police Station Scene Score 00:37:49 - Memories Together Theme and Emotional Impact 00:46:13 - Deciding When to Use Familiar Themes 00:46:49 - Use of Recurring Themes 00:47:56 - Working with Animatics 00:48:36 - Long-term Project Experience and Creativity 00:51:18 - Favorite Compositions from the Show 00:53:01 - Expectations for Future Seasons 00:53:55 - Favorite Film Scores 00:56:33 - Daily Routines and Meditation 00:58:37 - Current Reading and Listening Habits 01:00:49 - Current Watchlist 01:03:45 - Contact Information