Music

Sounds of a darkened world...

Welcome to the music page for The Blackest Dawn Chronicles! Here at Ghost Town Productions, we want to give you the unique experience of following every step of Joel Pishano's adventures right along with the filmmakers. As we keep you updated on storylines, characters, and other behind the scenes sweetness, the music is no exception. I'm going to give you an inside look at the themes, sounds, and rhythms that pump life, emotion, and attitude into The Chronicles. You will get a chance to hear new themes as they are conceived, and keep a watchful eye on old themes as they grow along with the characters. You will be front row to hear all the fresh music that comes out of Silent Sauna Studios. That's right. You will be hearing new music at the same time the director hears it! So put on your headphones, turn up the bass, and descend into the darkened world of The Blackest Dawn...

                                                                                                                                   -Kevin Holdiness
                                                                                                                                    (The Composer)

Themes

Themes are very important in depicting a character's/film's development. In a film, characters, ideas, places...anything can have a theme. Themes come in the form of objects, memories, people, emotions, and, of course, music! Think of a musical theme as a simple melody of notes. The chords and sounds played with the melody provide the 'setting' in which that melody exists. Let's put it this way...Joel Pishano is always Joel Pishano. He is his own melody. But Joel can be in a variety of situations and places that cause him to act in accordance, but still true to himself. Therefore, Joel is always a certain melody, but his adventures are the backing chords/sounds, and this affects how his melody is played and supported. Got it?

Assigning a musical theme to a character, event, or place can really explain the story "between the lines". Depending on the specific instance...different instrumentation, pitch, tempo, and 'coloring' of a simple melody can show the dynamics of a character, city, or idea.... even as it changes, grows, and struggles to find itself! Below is a list of the "raw" themes/melodies developed thus far in The Blackest Dawn Chronicles...

"Walk Out The Bronx"- This is the classic Joel Pishano theme. It is typically thunderous, macho, and headstrong. It is usually blared when Joel is slaughtering zombies, saving victims, and generally being a hero.

"Let's Ride"- This is the adventure theme. It does not belong to any specific character, but rather explains the excitement of reaching for the stars....or momentary relief when a character touches them.

"Lost Orphans"- The New York City theme. Cold. Dark. Distant. The past is haunting and the future is uncertain. Expect Joel to dread or be tortured by everything this theme represents...

"Cold Animal"- An offshoot/abbreviation of "The Blackest Dawn" theme. Cold Animal usually foreshadows events in the dark post-nuclear world Pishano finds himself in....and the new creatures he faces.

"The Blackest Dawn"- As of Dust To Dust, this theme has yet to be played in its entirety. This is because it encompasses and respresents the whole world of The Blackest Dawn. It's a world in which Joel Pishano has yet to fully understand it's existence...and his role in it.
Try to pick out these themes as you watch the movies!

New themes will always be popping up! In preparation for future installments, I will meditating on and rehearsing different musical ideas, themes, sounds, structures and instrumentation. The exciting part for you is that you'll be able to hear it...fresh off the mixing board! I will be posting tracks, raw themes, and soundscapes that explore the dark world of The Blackest Dawn. I would be honored if you would explore this war torn landscape with me! So...check back often!