Scored To Death: The Podcast

Originally recorded as a virtual panel for 2020's Salem Horror Fest, this very special episode finds Scored to Death author & host, J. Blake Fichera, discussing the craft of making music for horror films, with an all-star lineup of amazing film music talent—including composers Richard Band, Joseph Bishara, Holly Amber Church, Charlie Clouser, and Harry Manfredini.  This dream-team of composers were responsible for the music for such horror classics as Saw, Re-Animator, Friday the 13th, Insidious, The Conjuring, Annabelle, House, From Beyond, Castle Freak, The House on Sorority Row, Dead Silence, Puppet Master, Dark Light, Open 24 Hours, and much much more,

On this episode, composer Jim Lang sits in for a detailed interview and discusses his life in music, and his collaborative relationship with director/composer John Carpenter on the scores for Body Bags (1993), and In the Mouth of madness (1994).

This week the Motor City Madman, Ted Nugent, sits down for an in-depth discussion about his creative process and his experience working with film-music-great Bill Conti, on John McTiernan's 1986 horror debut Nomads.

This week the great Bill Conti sits in for a detailed interview and discusses his life in music and his amazing scores for Rocky, The Karate Kid, Nomads, The Thomas Crown Affair, Masters of the Universe and much much more!

Killer Knowns From Outer Space composer, John Massari sits in for part 1 of this fascinating and educational installment of Scored to Death: The Podcast. He reveals personal insights into his craft, as well as trade-secrets, and lessons learned from his esteemed mentors--the great Jerry Fielding and David Rose. He also relays a story about how advice from his mother led to a job working with one of the 20th century's greatest literary minds, on The Ray Bradbury Theater. For Part 2 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

This week is part 2 of an in-depth conversation with a talented songwriter, music producer & composer, whose amazing career dates back to the 1950s. In this episode, the great Barry De Vorzon discusses his work on such cult classics as The Warriors, Night of the Creeps, The Exorcist III and much much more!

Alan Howarth returns for part 2 of our 40th Anniversary celebration of the Halloween film series. Alan and Blake continue their conversation about Alan and John Carpenter's collaborative relationship, with a discussion about the score for Big Trouble in Little China and the Coupe de Ville's recording sessions. Then Alan dives deep into the creation of his scores for Halloween 4: The Return of Michale Myers, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

This week Blake continues his conversation with the fascinating composer, electronic orchestrator and synth innovator Christopher L. Stone. They talk more about the Phantasm series and the differences between visceral and methodical composers. They also chat about Chris' work on Disney's TaleSpin, his work with John Landis, composing for horror and much much more!!!

This week Blake talks with composer, electronic orchestrator and synth innovator Christopher L. Stone. They discuss Chris' collaborations with fellow composers Richard Band & Fred Myrow, on such beloved cult film scores as TerrorVision, From Beyond, Prison and the Phantasm series. They also chat about his electronic sound contributions to the films Big Wednesday and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, as well as the original Battlestar Galactica and Knightrider television series.

This week, Blake's detailed interview with writer/director/composer John Harrison continues, as the two explore Harrison's career as a screenwriter and director. He provides valuable tips for all filmmakers and writer, reveals useful lessons learned from his years with George A. Romero and much much more. Film Scores Discussed: Book of Blood (2009) Frank Herbert's Dune (2000) Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003) Tales from the Crypt: The Movie (1990) For Part 1 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

This week Blake chats with composer Craig Safan--a man that has scored some of the films he holds near & dear to his heart--about his musical background, being mentored by Elmer Bernstein, his process, Bernard Herrmann, working with director Michael Mann & much much more. Film Scores Discussed: Fade to Black (1980) The Last Starfighter (1984) Cheers (1982-1993) Stand and Deliver (1988) Thief (1981). For Part 2 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

In this episode, Blake concludes his in-depth chat with composer Wojciech Golczewski. The two discuss Wojciech's film scoring career, his writing process, his non-soundtrack albums, the fear of unintentional plagiarism and much more. Film Scores & Albums Discussed: Dark Souls (2011) Beyond the Gates (2016) Tonight She Comes (2017) Reality Check (2016) The Signal (2017)

In this episode, Blake chats at length with composer Wojciech Golczewski about his musical beginnings in Europe's 'Demoscene,' his method of finding film work early in his career, collaborating with directors and much more. Film Scores Discussed: Late Phases (2014) We Are Still Here (2015) Mohawk (2017)

In this episode, the in-depth interview with composer Joseph LoDuca continues, with a deeper dive into his film scoring career, as well as discussions about Ash vs. Evil Dead, the differences and similarities between scoring horror and comedy, film scoring and jazz and much much more! Film Scores Discussed: Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015) Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) Burying the Ex (2014) Curse of Chucky (2013) Cult of Chucky (2017) Patagonia (2010) For Part 1 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS

For this debut episode, Blake chats with composer Richard Band about his musical background, artistic process & work. Film Scores Discussed: Laserblast (1978) Troll (1986) Prison (1988) The House on Sorority Row (1983) Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn 3D (1983) Ghostwarrior (1986) For Part 2 of this interview, check out the book SCORED TO DEATH 2: MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH SOME OF HORROR'S GREATEST COMPOSERS