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Six Strings with... Frederik Wiedmann


So with the cool changes I bring you the first in the new series and composer  Frederik Wiedmann who was gracious enough to take part in this. I feel the people behind the music is just as important and interesting as the music itself. Frederik Wiedmann has been the lead composer in many scores and added his skills too many others. I wanted to thank him for assisting me on this project and the special gift he sent along with the questions. I wish him a world of success and hope his journey continues as we will hear his work for many years.

Thank You!
Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]

Read the latest review and release of: Hostel Part III [2012]

How did you get started in the field of music and how did that lead you to composing?
Frederik Wiedmann: The moment I heard John Barry's score to Dances with Wolves when I was 12 years old, I fell in love with the film music genre. This was my first soundtrack and probably to this time the most played soundtrack I have. Later on, I got to know german composer Nik Reich, who resided in my hometown (Augsburg), and really got to know the profession of a film composer, and wanted to do nothing else from this point on. After my studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, I moved to Los Angeles right away and got started in the field while working for veteran composer John Frizzell (ALien Resurrection, Office Space).

What are you working on now currently and what have you completed?
Frederik Wiedmann: "Green Lantern: The Animated Series" is currently in the works. This show is a Warner Brothers animation TV series for the cartoon network, and just had its debut a few weeks ago. We are doing Season 1 at the moment. I also just completed Dave Parker's (The Hills Run Red (2009)) new film called "Coldwater". This one is an ultra scary thriller - keep your eyes open for this film. I am also currently working on another Sci-Fi Channel TV movie - currently titled "Vampyre Nation".


In your circle of composers who do work with and what is the best part of your contributions?
Frederik Wiedmann: I mostly work alone. I like solitude when composing and find I can be more creative that way. I have collaborated with certain composers in the past though, like for example with John Frizzell on the Paramount film "Beneath", and my german friend Wolfram DeMarco on a german film called "Visus". Both projects turned out great and were a lot of fun.

Who inspires you musically and who do you listen to?
Frederik Wiedmann: I am immensely inspired by film composers Christophe Beck and James Newton Howard. From a more classical point of view, I can say that I have always considered Prokofiev and Stravinsky 2 of my biggest inspirations, as well as Arvo Paert. I am also influenced by the rock/pop genre, bands like Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins have always been my favorites.

Out of all your released work, which gives you the best feeling of accomplishment?
Frederik Wiedmann: That is a tough question that i probably can't answer correctly. I always feel like my latest score is the best one yet, but then when listening to them years later again, I still feel proud of the work. I am sure I will feel a great sense of accomplishment when the Green Lantern Series Season 1 is completed, just because it is such a large volume of immensely complex orchestral animation music. But I have yet to get there.

Walk us throughout a typical day?

Frederik Wiedmann: My typical day is waking up at 5 or 6 am - work for 3 hours before breakfast, then work some more, recording sessions usually happen in the afternoon, and occasionally I spend my evenings composing more, or spending some time with my wife and my baby boy.

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