Someone interviewed John Loeffler, who handles/composes the dub Pokemon music or something like that. (I believe both PUSA music and 4Kids. If this is wrong someone please let me know.) I'm surprised no one has posted this here...
... "'Hipper' and more modern"? Hmm...
poke07 of another forum said:Hello! Here are John Loeffler's answers to the interview I posted about a couple weeks ago.
A couple things to remember:
I DO compliment the dub BGM A LOT in my questions to him (I wanted to be as polite as possible). Please do not criticize me for doing this. Obviously I was not going to tell him that certain people didn't like his music.
Please do not get into arguments, or else the admins probably won't let us talk about these sort of things in the future.
The answer to question 6 is VERY interesting to me...along the same lines as the voice actor switch.
Thanks!
Ok, here it is:
Please note that whenever I refer to "background music" I am only
referring to what you (and/or any of your assistants) composed for the dub. I am not referring to the Japanese background music.
Here are my "top [8]" questions for you:
1) In working on background music for the show what is the process for
composing the music and then adding it to the video?
We either compose music directly to the picture, or we compose a "library of music" often several hours in length convering a variety of styles.
This music is then edited by a music editor to the picture. I meet with the producers of the show months in advance to discuss the style and mood of the music based on many factors and then compose various demos or examples until we all collectively agree upon a dominant overall style for the series or film.
2) As for the theme songs, which theme song was your favorite to work
on? What were your inspirations for composing these great tunes? Are
you still working with David Rolfe? [I think he misinterpreted this question...I was talking about Pokemon]
All popular themes become my favorite - like "Kate and Ali", the original "Pokemon", and the recent instrumental theme for "Poker After Dark". My inspiriation comes from understanding what the show needs - in other words, something warm, something funny, something provocative, etc. That is often a place to start. As for David Rolfe, after he moved from New York, I have not seen him or worked with him much.
3) A number have fans noticed that during end of Battle
Frontier/Diamond and Pearl Season, the background music alternated
every other episode between older dub music (used while 4Kids was handling the show) and newer dub music. What was the meaning behind this pattern?
This is simply because my two music ediotrs have favorites. We are
trying to slowly add more of the newer music to keep the show fresh
and current.
Why was a whole new set of background music composed, instead of
using the older dub background music? Also, the style of the music,
while just as good, is quite different. Was there a reason for this
change?
Yes, I was asked by the Pokemon people to make the music a
little "hipper" and more modern. Of course, then everyone began to appreciate how timeless the original music is - so we are trying to combine styles a little going forward.
5) Of the background music you composed, which is your favorite? I am
familiar with the episodes of Season 1 (very first season), Diamond
and Pearl 1, and Battle Dimension.if you choose to describe it in the
context of an episode.
i cannpt answer that question easily - as I have
composed hundreds of tracks. But usually the latest things I write I
like the best. ( Until I write something new)
6) Which song did you have the most fun working on for the 2BA Master
CD? Do you ever plan to include one of these songs in the TV show
again? We, older Pokemon fans, would love it!
This was my favorite project by far. I loved writing those songs and I am very proud of them. It is sad because Icould be doing that every season but Pokemon does not want to spend the money on original songs beyond the theme. It is a lot of work for them to re-edit the shows around new songs and I guess they are not that interested. Stiull, musically, it was
a blast to write those songs and have them used after every show on
Pikachu's Jukebox.
7) Finally, as I am such a huge fan of the background music, I was
wondering if there is any way to pay and obtain copies of your great
background music tracks?
Unofrtunately this music is not available to the public. If it ever ir, or we make a CD of it, I will be sure to let you know.
8) Pokemon is now being handled by DuArt instead of TAJ. For some reason the new company seems to lower the volume of the background music. You should ask them to raise it!
i will mention to DuArt about "raising" the levels. Thanks for being such an informed fan.
... "'Hipper' and more modern"? Hmm...