Music for a Space Opera

Thu, 02/14/2008 - 15:48 — Alan

After spending part of today composing some music for a sci-fi related theme, it's apt that I came across software for envisaging journeys through the cosmos. My thoughts started to get more interesting when I came across the add-on pages, specifically the ships and planets. Add to that the fact that I've just seen Firefly and Serenity and wondered about the future, or lack of it for that series. It made me contemplate the possibility of trying to create cinematic space scenes using software that's easily accessible rather than the preserve of Hollywood-affiliated studios.

The Sound of The 80s

It's funny how the music has changed over the years. In the 80s, the electronic sounds of the FM synths were all the rage. I can remember hearing the soundtrack to many of the sci-fi movies at that time, some more budget than others. My thoughts were that I could create something just as good. Just because it was budget didn't mean it had to sound "budget". Listen to Bladerunner, the main theme from Escape from New York and The Running Man. There were many more, generally moody, dark, atmospheric, slow and full of space rather than cluttered. This was in contrast to the bombastic, in-your-face sounds of the Star Wars main theme. But remember, there were many more themes in Star Wars, not just the driving Main Theme. The death scenes had some of the most moving music in movie history.

Opportunity
Now that I have the chance to do something like that, the music's moved on but I still feel some nostalgia towards those movie soundtracks. Now, if there's any emotive content called for at all, it requires an orchestra or at the other end of the scale a single piano. Movies such as 300, Sin City have broken the mould somewhat, featuring distorted electric guitars in the mix with choirs, orchestras and full-on drums. Even Escape from LA had a rockier soundtrack than the original, complete with a Rob Zombie track over the end credits.

I'd like to do something that mixes all 3; has the dark synth atmospheres from the 80s, the guitars from today and orchestra for the pomp. Add some video of a space journey and it'll be complete.

The software applications I came across and started me off on this trail of thought were Celestia and Stellarium.

But the video

And therein lies my problem, I want a decent video. If I can't find a partner, then I'd have to understand how to create space opera scenes myself. Would have to be computer-generated, I just don't have the time to take on actors, set-building, etc. Haven't even got to the script yet. But to be honest, if I keep it under 5 minutes, then script may not be as important as mood. I'll get to the movie in the next article.