Scoring a show about a zombie apocalypse isn’t always the easiest task, especially when trying to present a different edge to classic zombie themes while dealing with limited budgets, quick turnaround times and uncertain future schedules. In setting out to score the Karl Schaefer and Craig Engler- created post-apocalyptic horror/drama, Jason Gallagher used his past experiences as a member of the band Leroy Justice and as a producer of songs for shows such as Criminal Minds and Universal Soldier: Regeneration to create the perfect tone for the story. For Gallagher, the icing on the cake was not only composing the show, but also lending his vocals at times. His song ‘Have Mercy’ was featured on the first episode’s closing sequence (listen here: https://youtu.be/UA8iieu3tjY). In honor of Z Nation’s second season renewal, we decided to pick the composer’s brain.
How would you describe your score for Z Nation?
Series creator Karl Schaefer, first described Z Nation as a classic road story that spans America. He wanted the score to reflect that- drawing on all types of American music- so I created a score that was a combination of vintage guitars and modern synthesizer sounds, at times layered over driving rhythm tracks.
How did you get involved with Z Nation?
I knew the show’s director/producer John Hayms because we had worked together on a few movies, and he actually directed the first Leroy Justice (the band I am in)’s music video for our song ‘Belt Buckle’ a few years back. He introduced me to the show runner (Karl Shaefer) and they gave me a chance to audition some music cues, and it went really well. The rest is history.
What is your favorite episode this season and why?
I love the ‘Welcome to the FU-Bar’ episode because it had some Morrison style cues along with some western ones. I also incorporated a trumpet which was cool. And my own whistle, which is infamous in my circles. Another big reason- I’m in it! I played a guitar player in a bar who resembles Keith Richards. A close second is the ‘Cosmonaut’ episode. Having Citizen Z go insane was fun as was the Russian folk music.
Did you use any out of the ordinary techniques when creating sounds for the show?
I tried to use as many organic sounds as possible. Guitars, percussion, real drums. I ran traditional instruments through amps to keep them within palette. Lo-fi show equals Lo-fi music. Rusty. Gritty. Grinding. Vintage guitar with slide and volume swells gave a human/zombie feel to some of soundtrack. Animal sound, whale sound kind of.
Do you have a favorite character on the show you score for and why?
Murphy has to be the best because he is such a sarcastic prick. He always adds some humor and the music gets as light as it gets, which isn’t very light, but still fun to score.
You can find more information on Jason here: https://www.jasongallagher.net/znation/
——————————————-
Post Submitted by: Jordan
Submit Your Own:
https://horrorsocietycom.stage.site/submit/
