Composer Bill Conti: Synergy & collaboration w/ percussionists (2023) [Extra #2]

Film and TV composer Bill Conti came to visit and we spent two hours banging on stuff and chatting. It isn't rare that composers may not know what they want, but when the percussionist they're collaborating with gives them options, it becomes apparent. Bill Conti is a prolific composer, having written all the the Rocky movie music, The Karate Kid, the theme to American Gladiator, and so much more. Here’s an extra (not in the main video) from Bill Conti’s visit with me at the warehouse. He speaks to the creative interplay between percussionist and film composer - how percussionists are aware of the nuances in instruments and how composers can help direct their vision towards a final product.

MORE ABOUT BILL CONTI
Bill Conti is an American composer and conductor known for his remarkable film and television music. He gained widespread recognition for composing the iconic "Rocky" film series' memorable theme, including its famous "Gonna Fly Now" piece. Conti's versatile compositions span various genres, encompassing dramas, comedies, and action films. He has received accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Original Score for "The Right Stuff" (1983). Apart from his film work, Conti has also composed music for TV shows, notably the long-running series "Dynasty." His ability to infuse emotion and energy into his compositions has solidified his status as a respected figure in the realm of film and television music.

MORE ABOUT EMIL RICHARDS
Emil Richards was a versatile American percussionist and composer known for his contributions to the music industry. He played a wide array of percussion instruments and was highly regarded for wide spectrum of skills in percussion - from world, to orchestral, to experimental. Richards collaborated with numerous prominent artists and bands, including Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa, George Harrison, and The Beach Boys. His diverse talents led him to play in approximately 2,000 film and television soundtracks. Beyond his performance career, Richards was also an educator and published instructional materials for percussionists. His innovation, vision, and proficiency in multiple musical styles left a lasting impact on music.

[allthepercs]

My extra take in light of things I’m seeing: I feel like this is something getting lost now. We spend our lifetimes learning percussion, and even with that we don’t get close to knowing it all. How do composers think they can even get close to diving into percussion while also spending their lives composing?

Respect each other and reach out to an experienced percussionist. Creatively, and humanistically, it’s way more fun that way. Pragmatically, it actually saves time and you’ll sound better.