Music that Inspires David Mack to Write.

***Please note that this podcast contains spoilers for the entire Star Trek: Vanguard series of novels.***   Writing novels can be challenging, considering the amount of details needed to flush out a entertaining story. Each author has their own method for keeping track of the details, but sometimes detailed plan for plot and character developments aren't enough, and writers can find themselves stuck with where to go, or they may have difficulty in conveying the proper emotional tone on the page. So where can an author turn when they need to find just the right inspiration for the key moments in their book? 

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by New York Times Best-Selling author David Mack to discuss the music that inspired Mack in writing certain elements of the Star Trek: Vanguard series of novels. In addition to an in depth, spoiler filled discussion of the Vanguard novels, we also discuss how the series came to be, how David started to write for Star Trek, and what David is doing for Star Trek on television right now.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:00:58)  A Bit About David Mack (00:02:57)  What is Star Trek: Vanguard? (00:16:22)  Jazz and T'Prynn (00:22:52)  "Summertime" performed by Gene Harris (00:30:47)  T'Prynn's New Relationship (00:35:43)  "Together We Will Live Forever" composed by Clint Mansell (00:38:45)  Defining the Tempestuous Relationship (00:43:11)  "What Am I to You?" performed by Norah Jones (00:47:34)  Does the Song Spark the Idea or the Emotion? (00:49:36)  "Number One Crush" performed by Garbage (00:55:09) Always on the Lookout (00:57:18)  "Mars, the Bringer of War" composed by Gustov Holst, conducted by John Williams (01:04:31)  Monster of a Score (01:11:17)  "Beauty Killed the Beast, Parts I-V" composed by James Newton Howard (01:19:59)  Our First Star Trek Family Member (01:35:17)  "My Favorite Plague" composed by Jerry Goldsmith (01:37:36)  That's the Whole Universe (01:41:26)  "A Dream Within a Dream" composed by Hans Zimmer (01:44:38)  Inspired the Ending of the Novella (01:49:38)  "Waiting for a Train" composed by Hans Zimmer (01:51:56)  Declassified (02:01:07)  "Beowolf Slays the Beast" composed by Alan Silvestri (02:11:46)  Why Rush (02:17:37)  "Bravado" preformed by Rush (02:22:18)  Finding David (02:26:35)  Closing (02:34:57)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest David Mack   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture's 40th Anniversary.    After its cancellation in 1969, Star Trek fans didn't have many options for new adventures of Captain Kirk and the Enterprise aside from a few comics and novels, and a short lived Saturday morning animated series. Even with very limited new material, television reruns fanned the flames of fandom. Star Trek conventions began to pop up, and one burning question that every fan asked was whether or not their show would return to television. Attributed by many to the success of Star Wars, Paramount shelved the plans of a new series in favor of a big screen voyage. Over the years, the first movie of the franchise has been very divisive among fans. While there are many people who pan the film, there are just as many loyal lovers who continue to champion the originality of the movie. Now, with the 40th anniversary upon us, Star Trek: The Motion Picture is having a renaissance with many people giving it a new look with a fresh perspective.

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Neil Shurley to discuss the score to the first Star Trek film. In addition to the main bookend hosts, we have 14 additional guests comment on the music and the film itself. We discuss our impressions on the film and how our opinions have changed, our thoughts on Goldsmith, and the place of The Motion Picture in the current Star Trek landscape.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  "Overture (Long Version)" (00:00:02)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:02:46)  "Leaving Drydock" (00:07:44)  "Total Logic" (00:11:11)  Fandom (00:14:50)  "Malfunction" (00:18:47)  The Cult of Jerry (00:20:02)  "The Enterprise" (00:31:29)  Re-Appreciation (00:37:18)  "A Good Start" (00:39:47)  Its Own (00:42:12)  "TV Theme/Warp Point Nine" (00:44:50)  The Klingon Theme (00:46:29)  "Klingon Battle" (00:50:11)  The Blaster Beam (00:55:32)  "The Meld" (00:59:21)  Composer Michael Stearns on the Blaster Beam (01:02:22)  "The Force Field" (01:07:01)  "Ilia's Theme" (01:12:00)  Revisiting (01:14:57)  "The Cloud" (01:17:45)  "Games" (01:22:26)  "End Title" (01:26:14)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest Neil Shurley

Featuring Mike Schindler, Laurie Ulster, Tristan Ridell, Chrissie De Cleck-Szilagyi, John Mills, Clara Cook, Tony Robinson, Charles-Henri Avelange, Neil Bulk, Rosie Varela, Justin Oser, Colin Higgins, Kevin Dilmore, and Amy Nelson.   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art)

James Horner's score for Aliens.   Hot off the success of works such as Cocoon, Krull, Brainstorm, 48 HRS., and his two Star Trek sequels, James Horner was hired to score Aliens. Unfortunately, Horner’s experience on Aliens was one of the worst of his career. Thinking he had six weeks to write and record the score, Horner arrived on set to find Cameron still in the middle of editing, and pre-occupied with the film’s sound effects. The relationship between the two men deteriorated to such an extent that the two men would not reconcile for almost a decade, until they eventually came together to work on Titanic in 1997. 

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Carl Wonders to discuss James Horner's Academy Award nominated score to the 1986 film Aliens. We talk about working with director James Cameron, self plagiarism, chopping up the score, and Die Hard.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:01:00)  Trouble on the Set (00:09:00)  Chopping it Up (00:13:00)  "Combat Drop" (00:21:07)  James Cameron's Thoughts (00:25:55)  "Bishop's Countdown" (00:30:14)  Self Referencing (00:35:25)  "Going After Newt" (00:39:51)  Aram Khachaturian's "Gayane Ballet Suite (Adagio)" (00:45:01)  "Main Title" (00:50:39)  "Combat Drop (percussion only)" (00:56:52)  "Resolution And Hyperspace" (01:04:56)  Final Thoughts and Finding Carl (01:10:11)  Closing (01:19:26)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest Carl Wonders   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Star Trek: Dark Remnant with Matthew Carl Earl.    Star Trek: Dark Remnant puts you in control of the U.S.S. Galileo, Starfleet’s latest and most advanced stellar research vessel, accompanying the U.S.S. Enterprise on a routine mission to evacuate a stellar observatory located in the middle of the Klingon Neutral Zone and learn more about the decaying neutron star it orbits. When the neutron star collapses prematurely it leaves the Enterprise incapacitated. It’s now up to YOU to protect her from stellar debris – and the unwelcome arrival of a Klingon ship out for vengeance.

With several completely different endings combined with other elements of variability, including subtle differences in gameplay, randomized player characters, and dialogue that responds real-time to your performance, Star Trek: Dark Remnant is never the same experience twice. You might even observe the fate of a poor redshirt ensign!

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Matthew Carl Earl, composer for Star Trek: Dark Remnant to discuss the new VR experience. We also discuss working in the video game world, Giacchino's inspiring music, the sound design, and some of Matthew's other composing works.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:01:00)  Matthew, Dave, and Buster (00:01:48)  Dave and Buster's Commercial (00:04:56)  Finding Matthew (00:17:13)  "Summer 2018 Login" from Kingdom Craft (00:19:35)  "Flip the World" Arena of Valor (00:21:18)  Closing (00:26:43)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest Matthew Carl Earl   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

"Desert Crossing" With Jim Moorhouse.     Once a podcaster has chosen a format for their show, one eseential element that is vital to help set the tone of their show is the main theme. Some shows will have a new theme created and others will choose apiece of Royalty free music. However, every once in a while, there exists a song that perfectly encapsulates exactly what the host  is looking for.

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Jim Moorhouse of the Trek Ranks podcast to discuss the score to the episode "Desert Crossing" from the first season of Enterprise. We talk about composer Velton Ray Bunch, how the music fits the episode, the tone of the score, and choosing this score as the theme for Moorehouse's podcast.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:01:01)  Velton Ray Bunch and the TrekRanks Theme? (00:02:37)  "Warm Welcome" (00:09:06)  "Geskana Match" (00:012:52)  "Trip's Menu" (00:16:37)  "The Rescue" (00:19:24)  "Not Why We're Here" (00:24:36)  Finding Jim (00:28:30)  Closing (00:32:06)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest Jim Moorhouse   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Five Favorites with C Bryan Jones.     Podcasting is a medium that provides an outlet for fans to discuss elements of their fandom in an inexpensive and easily accessible way. However, many podcasts don't last to make their milestone of a 100th episode. Beginning in December of 2013 with host Colin Higgins, Brandon-Shea Mutala would take the reigns with episode 25 in 2016. The show would have many tangents with non-Trek related scores by Trek composers, as well as many interviews with composers and producers of soundtrack releases. After all that, it seemed an easy choice for who to have on as a special guest for the 100th episode of the show.

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by the founder of the TrekFM network, C Bryan Jones (for his first appearance on the show) to discuss his five favorite Star Trek score tracks in this special milestone episode. We also discuss Chris's history with music, Wil Wheaton's new polka album, and peak Star Trek.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:01:01)  Christopher's Musical Background (00:03:00)  "Main Title (from Star Trek: First Contact)" composed by J. Goldsmith (00:14:54)  "The Mountain" composed by J. Goldsmith (00:25:58)  "A Busy Man" composed by J. Goldsmith (00:33:00)  "London Calling" composed by M. Giacchino (00:41:07)  "One Last Visit" composed by D. McCarthy (00:52:28)  "War Adagio" composed by P. Baillargeon (00:59:24)  Closing (01:09:45)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest C Bryan Jones   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Five Favorites with Zach Moore.   Star Trek III: The Search For Spock continued the story of the Genesis planet and revealed the ultimate fate of Spock, who nobly sacrificed himself to save his crew mates at the end of the last film. One great success from the previous film was its score, composed by James Horner. When Leonard Nimoy came on board to helm the film, he wanted to go a different direction, utilizing his friend Leonard Rosenman, but the studio won the day, and Honorer returned, and, according to some, surpassed his previous Trek accomplishment.

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Zach Moore of Standard Orbit to talk about his five favorite tracks from the score to Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, composed by James Horner. We also discuss why this is his favorite Trek film, and, as always, we have a few tangents along the way.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:00:57)  Whys is This Your Favorite Star Trek Movie? (00:02:27)  Zach Moore's Top 5 Tracks From the Film  (00:07:29)  "The Mind Meld" (00:11:51)  "A Fighting Chance to Live" (00:18:09)  "End Titles" (00:24:58)  "Bird of Prey Decloaks" (00:34:24)  "Stealing the Enterprise" (00:41:47)  Closing (00:57:41)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest Zach Moore   Production  Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Charles-Henri Avelange Interview.   Composer Charles-Henri Avelange grew up in France, inspired by the sounds of John Williams in the Star Wars films. Williams' music would inspire Avelange to compose themes in his head while playing out fantasy=tical stories in the corridors of the  12th century Knight Templar castle in Southwest France that he lived in for seven years as a youth. With these amazing pillars holding up the imagination of a young boy, what possible journey could lead him to compose a synth version of the theme song to Star Trek: Voyager?

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala interviews composer Charles-Henri Avelange. We discuss growing up in a castle, writing a score in five hours, composing theme songs, the status of film scoring, his passion project of creating the Star trek: Voyager theme song on the now discontinued minimoog voyager synthesizer. We also play for you Avelange's submission to become a compser for Star Trek: Discovery.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:01:00)  Welcome, Charles-Henri (00:01:17)  12th Century Knight Templar Castle (00:03:33)  Making Music (00:09:28)  The Seatle International Film Festival (00:13:44)  "The Seatle International Film Festival Opening Theme (synth mock up)" (00:17:07)  5 Hours to Score a % Minute Film (00:20:21)  "Main Theme from G-32851" (00:23:41)  Current State of Composing (00:25:20)  Minimoog (00:34:38)  "Main Theme From Star Trek: Voyager" (Minimoog Version) (00:39:28)  Discovering Star Trek (00:41:44)  Applying for the New Show (00:48:35)  "Star Trek: Discovery Main Title Submission" (00:51:50)  Finding Charles-Henri (00:53:58)  "Commandment of Valor" (00:56:05)  Closing (01:01:54)   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest Charles-Henri Avelange   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

The Musical Era of "Far Beyond the Stars."    According to the novelization of the episode "Far Beyond the Stars" by Steve Barnes, the episode takes place in 1953. A time of societal unrest, racism was affecting people all over the world. This episode tackles the issue head on, showing us the struggles of Benny Russel, a science-fiction writer whose race is kept hidden from the readers of the pulp magazine that publishes his stories. During this era, several important musical artists including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Ralph Ellison, as well th epoet Langston Hughes were mentioned as inspirations for Benny.  

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Andy Farber to discuss the music of the early 1950's. We talk about different styles of music, artists that Benny Russel name drops in the episode, the charts, source music, and the score.

Chapters  Intro (00:00:00)   Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:01:01)   Keeping up with Andy (00:01:30)   The Musical Era of "Far Beyond the Stars" (00:04:50)   R&B, Charts, and the Era (00:10:10)   "Django" performed by the Modern Jazz Quartet (00:15:25)   Dizzy Gillespy and Be Bop and More (00:18:33)   "In a Sentimental Mood" performed by Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet  (00:23:02)   Benny Russell Name Drops (00:25:00)   "Miles Ahead" performed by Miles Davis (00:26:38)   Racial Issues (00:28:47)   "Potato Chips" performed by Slim Gaillard (00:34:29)     The Score and Source Cues (00:38:00)  "Back to the Future" composed by Dennis McCarthy (00:41:32)   The Episode (00:43:43)   Finding Andy (00:49:30)   Closing (00:56:26)      Hosts Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guest Andy Farber   Production Tony Robinson (Editor) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

When the Train Stops.    Clive Emerson (Darren Jacobs) is a young fugitive with a troubled past and bleak future. When the law catches up with him, he's taken into custody by U.S. Marshal Preston Booth (Michael Forest) and begins a long train trip across the American southwest back to prison. Though Booth takes a personal interest in the case when Clive insists upon his innocence, the young man ultimately resigns himself to his sad fate. But little does Clive know that the future waiting for him when the train stops isn't at all what he expects - and neither, for that matter, is Marshal Booth...

In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by James Kerwin, Mike Avenaim, and Rekha Sharma to discuss the score to the short film When the Train Stops. They talk about the sarangi, what they feel this instrument represents, recording sessions, teachers and father figures, and some of the challenges in  distribution of a short film. 

Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Welcome to Melodic Treks (00:00:58)  Not What I Was Expecting (00:04:05)  Sarangi (00:06:30)  Incorporating the Sarangi (00:13:00)  A Drummer (00:17:34)  What Does the Sarangi Represent? (00:24:14)  "Don't Call Me Ma'am" (00:26:31)  "Quite a Story" (00:31:50)  Finding Rekha (00:33:53)  Short vs Feature (00:35:32)  Finding Mike and James (00:40:34)  "You Got No Rights" (00:43:41)  Closing (00:47:23)

all music composed by Mike Avenaim except the opening and closing which is composed by Cliff Eidelman and taken from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.   Host Brandon-Shea Mutala   Guests James Kerwin, Mike Avenaim, and Rekha Sharma   Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Bobby Tucker (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)