Regarding Composing for Film and Theater...

Music for film often proves hard to compose, especially so in the case of film projects that are about authentic and raw human experiences. I have found working with film director Gaia Farnam and composer / sound scaper DJ Pennington, that less is more. Film music should always play a supporting role relation to script..., cinematography and performance and must never be obtrusive unless so intended. At it's best, it fuctions as a supporting actor or narator with it's highest intention being just that. In illustration, here is a clip of Gaia Farnam's "The Soul Remains"; music composed and produced by DJ Pennington and myself. http://www.vimeo.com/5613424

Gerschweyn Matthews and DJ Pennington Scores Gaia Farnam's The Soul Remains - a Truimph for Fusion Theater and Metaphysical Thought!

Gaia Farnam’s The Soul Remains Premieres - Blue Theater Austin Texas. Playwright, director and visual artist extraordinaire Gaia Farnam’s long awaited new work, The Soul Remains opened on the 7th of August 2009 at the Blue Theater in Austin Texas, USA. The piece is a fusion of film, dance, spoken word and music and seeks to explore the human experience of loss , love and eastern philosophy. Gaia and her team very intelligently yet movingly explores the reality of the lead characters as they try to figure out the meaning behind human loss and with the innovative use of the space, the small team indeed succeeds in pulling off a potentially very influential piece in modern fusion theater. The cast of relative new comers to the genre are indeed in a league of there own, acting blindly along side a beautifully shot 40 minute film regarding the subject matter… without having the film interrupt or detract from their poised, brave and commanding performances. The fact that the audience somewhat ignores the eye candy which is film, through most of the production is a testament to the skill and craft of the cast and Gaia formidable skill as a director. Gerschweyn Matthews and composer partner DJ Pennington scored the music for the production which is a triumph on to it self. Never over bearing or interfering with the work of the actors and dancers on stage it rather moves the pace and mood along and accentuates the delicate nature of the subject matter. In short the piece is a gorgeous ode to the human experiences and should be seen by all individuals interested in the subject matter. For more info on “The Soul Remains, “ visit the productions official web page at; http://www.deeplyrootedart.com/