Scored To Death: The Podcast

Originally recorded as a virtual panel for 2020's Salem Horror Fest, this very special episode finds Scored to Death author & host, J. Blake Fichera, discussing the craft of making music for horror films, with an all-star lineup of amazing film music talent—including composers Richard Band, Joseph Bishara, Holly Amber Church, Charlie Clouser, and Harry Manfredini. 

This dream-team of composers were responsible for the music for such horror classics as Saw, Re-Animator, Friday the 13th, Insidious, The Conjuring, Annabelle, House, From Beyond, Castle Freak, The House on Sorority Row, Dead Silence, Puppet Master, Dark Light, Open 24 Hours, and much much more,

On this episode, composer Jim Lang sits in for a detailed interview and discusses his life in music, and his collaborative relationship with director/composer John Carpenter on the scores for Body Bags (1993), and In the Mouth of madness (1994).

Killer Knowns From Outer Space composer, John Massari sits in for part 1 of this fascinating and educational installment of Scored to Death: The Podcast. He reveals personal insights into his craft, as well as trade-secrets, and lessons learned from his esteemed mentors--the great Jerry Fielding and David Rose. He also relays a story about how advice from his mother led to a job working with one of the 20th century's greatest literary minds, on The Ray Bradbury Theater.

For Part 2 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

This week's episode is part 1 of a detailed discussion with the French composer who professionally goes by the name Rob. He burst on to the horror film music scene, with a fantastic early example of retro-synthwave scoring, the 2012 Franck Khalfoun & Alexandre Aja remake of Maniac and he has since scored Horns, Planetarium, Amityville: The Awakening, Revenge and Alexandre Aja’s Virtual Reality horror experience Campfire Creepers.

For Part 2 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

This week, Blake's detailed interview with writer/director/composer John Harrison continues, as the two explore Harrison's career as a screenwriter and director. He provides valuable tips for all filmmakers and writer, reveals useful lessons learned from his years with George A. Romero and much much more. Film Scores Discussed: Book of Blood (2009) Frank Herbert's Dune (2000) Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003) Tales from the Crypt: The Movie (1990)

For Part 1 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

This week Blake chats with composer Craig Safan--a man that has scored some of the films he holds near & dear to his heart--about his musical background, being mentored by Elmer Bernstein, his process, Bernard Herrmann, working with director Michael Mann & much much more. Film Scores Discussed: Fade to Black (1980) The Last Starfighter (1984) Cheers (1982-1993) Stand and Deliver (1988) Thief (1981).

For Part 2 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

In this episode, the in-depth interview with composer Joseph LoDuca continues, with a deeper dive into his film scoring career, as well as discussions about Ash vs. Evil Dead, the differences and similarities between scoring horror and comedy, film scoring and jazz and much much more! Film Scores Discussed: Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015) Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) Burying the Ex (2014) Curse of Chucky (2013) Cult of Chucky (2017) Patagonia (2010)

For Part 1 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

For this debut episode, Blake chats with composer Richard Band about his musical background, artistic process & work. Film Scores Discussed: Laserblast (1978) Troll (1986) Prison (1988) The House on Sorority Row (1983) Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn 3D (1983) Ghostwarrior (1986)

For Part 2 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS