Spoiler warning Another week, another disastrous celebration for the Pfeffermans. This time at Josh and Raquels pool party as Tammy causes drunken chaos and Maura and Shelleys new relationship is revealed. (more…)
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Amazon Music Q&A: ‘Transparent’ Composer on Emmy Noms, Inspiration & More
Earlier this year, Amazon’s original series Transparent won the Golden Globe for best TV series and star Jeffrey Tambor won for best actor.
It was Amazon’s first-ever Golden Globe award—and Transparent became the first online series to ever win a best series award!
And now Transparent is up to repeat its success with a series of Emmy noms. Actually, 11 of ‘em. Among the many nods is composer Dustin O’Halloran’s nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music; his tender piano piece is in good company too, appearing on the series’ soundtrack alongside music from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Jim Croce, and others.
We caught up with O’Halloran at his home in Berlin to discuss his Transparent theme song, musical inspirations, reaction to the Emmy noms, and what’s next for Transparent.
STREAM THE TRANSPARENT SOUNDTRACK IN PRIME WHILE YOU READ
Where were you when you heard your Transparent theme was nominated for an Emmy and how did you react? Who was the first person you called?
I was in a grocery store in Berlin when I got the call. It was a big surprise; I honestly didn't expect it. I called my manager Tim Husom to share the news and then, of course, my mother.
What was your first impression of Transparent when director Jill Soloway showed you the pilot over breakfast in Berlin?
I thought it was really great, well written, and Jeffrey’s performance was so good. It had so many layers in it and it had a lot of empathy and subtle humor to it that I really appreciated. I could see from the pilot it would have a lot of potential, so I was not surprised it got picked up.
What about Transparent do you think lends itself to the sound of your album Piano Solos Volume 2, which formed the basis for your theme song?
It’s hard to say why things work sometimes, but I know Jill was listening to this record a lot while writing the scripts. I think it found its way into the DNA of the show. There is an intimacy to those pieces and each character is really on a personal journey, so I think it really helps bring that out.
You recorded the theme song on an old piano, which you also played on Piano Solos Vol. 2. What is special about the piano’s sound? Where did you buy the piano?
This is a really special piano for me. It’s an old Swiss Sabel that I bought in Italy and wrote my first two solo piano collections on. Every piano is so unique. Each one has its own music and I knew that I would only be able get capture this feeling with this instrument. It had this beautiful resonance to it, but it also has a fragility to it that I love.
How did you work with the show’s music supervisor, Bruce Gilbert?
Bruce and I have known each other for a long time, but we have never actually had the chance to work together. Bruce has a great ear and I think really understands the emotional content of music. He was a sounding board for me when I was working out the sound of the show and really also helped communicate with Jill. It could not have gone smoother without him!
How do you think your piano theme works alongside other songs included in the series, the bulk of which are ‘70s rock radio staples from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, JJ Cale, Jim Croce and more?
I think it all works mostly because there is an organicness to the music in the show. This era of music was all mostly recorded with no clicks, live to tape, and this is how I approached the score. I tried to get full takes, not a lot of editing, with no clicks and capture real performances.
What do you think the biggest challenge was with creating the theme song?
I think the biggest challenge was trying to create something memorable that hopefully you would not tire of hearing over and over. A piece of music that would get you in the mood for the show.
What’s next? How will the theme music evolve over coming seasons?
The next season is a really musical one. I have started already and without giving away too much, there is a lot of music already and it’s going to be a good one!
What do you think the theme and soundtrack convey about the Pfeffermans?
We always spoke of the music not as individual themes for the characters, but as something that binds them together. Despite all their flaws, the Pfeffermans have an unconditional love between them and the music is really there to create this feeling.
Do you have a favorite musical moment from Transparent, whether it’s one you’ve written or another song featured in the show?
My favorite music is from the last episode. It happens during the funeral scene and again at the end of the episode. It’s a big come down and it’s one of the more emotional pieces of music. I think it also showed how much the season evolved into something deeper with more layers.
What music do you listen to in your free time?
I don’t have much free time lately, and because I'm working on music all day I try to give my head some space. I did find time to listen to the new Sufjan Stevens album. It’s beautiful.
