Piano playing variations for dramatic songs or scores.
Music is so deeply embedded in the motion picture narrative that it’s uncanny to imagine it without. In a captivating movie scene, it adds just as much as impeccably delivered dialogue, beautiful cinematography or forceful acting. Sometimes it’s so perfectly transparent that we don’t even pay attention to it, we just get absorbed and submerged… This is what takes place when all storytelling elements come together and what we generally refer to as ‘magic’ happening.
This collection of EZkeys MIDI focuses on dramatic scenes that call for equally dramatic scores. Imagine a crime scene, a love lost, a love gained, a time-lapse of spring turning into summer and fall to winter. Or imagine yourself writing to the scenes that play out on your own screen or in your head. There are no two ways about it: on the silver screen, music is much more than chords, harmony and melody – it’s a storyteller. Close your eyes and start writing.
Here’s our very own Rikk Currence with three top reasons as to why your songs will thank you for using EZkeys and our collection of EZkeys MIDI.
Strings is likely the general association we all make when referring to music in films. However, the more you listen and think about it, piano is very common.
Well, I think fundamentally it comes down to the incredible dynamics of the piano. From the mellow, dreamy, softly played parts to the dramatic and haunting style of a low staccato sequence.
In films, images and words are not the only storytellers, music is too. It has a tremendous impact on the narrative. Why, do you think?
You can’t close your ears! I think music in general hits people on a subconscious level. You completely set the tone of a scene with the choice of music, add emotions that are not there and emphasize what is seen on-screen. You´re able to stir up emotions that that the viewer simple can not dodge from.
How did you approach making this pack? How did you capture the different “scenes” you were trying to recreate?
For me, it’s all about watching scenes from movies. Over and over again. Really listen to the music. What is the composer aiming for here? What choices does he/she make? What could be done differently? And then I just hit record… I have, in genera,l a pretty hands-on approach. I try not to be the producer/critic in this stage, something I feel is very important since it messes up the inspiration. I usually wait with picking and choosing stuff I like or dislike to a later stage.
This collection focuses solely on the “drama” genre. What is special about this style when it comes to scoring and music, you think?
The drama genre is one I find very broad. And perhaps one that works more with undertones and subtle stuff than other genres. And you really get to play with melancholy, longing and other broad, smooth emotions. A bit hard to describe. More color than rhythm!
Name a few composers that you personally think have a great way of adding music that creates a lot of dramatic effect in films.
Howard Shore, Morricone, Hans Zimmer and John Williams, of course (to name a few great ones). Also love Jon Brion (more of an indie drama composer)
What do you hope the end user will take away from this collection?
Inspiration. That´s the one! I hope it will inspire everyone to write melodies, chord changes.and beautiful dramatic, soulful music – perhaps learning something you didn’t know before!
Name: Martin Hall
Location: Gothenburg
Martin has collaborated on several EZkeys MIDI packs over the years, spanning all kinds of styles. Below is a selection!
Check out the earlier releases in our ongoing Movie Scores series!
Looking for some new and unique sounds for anything from ambient
soundscapes to modern pop? We’ve got you covered!
A playlist of various videos showcasing how to work with EZkeys.
A playlist of various videos showcasing how to work with EZkeys.
This video series demonstrates the workflow of writing music with EZkeys. Learn how to add a piano to match your guitar track, how to find new song parts how to work with several instances of EZkeys.
A working installation of an EZkeys sound library.
