8 Questions with KPM Composer Richard Myhill

Since starting to compose production music, Richard has completed more than 30 albums for KPM, with styles ranging from big band jazz and large orchestral pieces to contemporary rock and pop.

Q.   What inspired the creation of the Chic Surreal (KPM 791) Album?

A.   The title 'Chic Surreal' popped into my head. It suggested style, gloss, and sex with a smile, with a little mystery and madness thrown in. I thought that the use of real instruments that you don't often hear together, marimba, balalaika, Accordion, surf guitar, glockenspiel, organ, 40s style reeds and brass, would all add to the rather bizarre mix. I also wanted to keep the sound quite small and intimate especially the drums. I thought it was a good idea for a production album, so I wrote and produced two or three tracks and presented them to the guys at EMI Production Music and thankfully they agreed.

Q.   What project or projects are you working on at the moment?

A.   The History Of Rock and Pop 1975-1985 for KPM at EMI production Music. What a wonderful job to have been given.

To compose 14 original songs with lyrics, and the production brief to make them sound as if recorded at that time. Lots of musicians and singers - fantastic!
 

Q.   What piece of gear do you never want to go into a session without?

A.   My Brain with a big smile attached
 

Q.   What is one of your favorite movie soundtracks or tv show themes and why?

A.   I've just seen The Artiste. What a great film and a wonderful score. Superb big band arrangements together with very interesting, detailed, and imaginative incidental music.
 

Q.    What is the silliest interview question you have ever been asked?

A.   Not quite an interview question but, many years ago I was in the studio recording a TV jingle I’d composed with a script that revolved around talking vegetables. Myself and a small group of actors were doing the comic voice overs doing our professional best to sound like avocados, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, etc. As the session progressed, my rather frustrated client who was obviously not getting quite what he wanted, finally came on the talkback and asked me if I could sound MORE like an avocado.

Q.    Bagel or Donut?

A.    That's a Bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon please waiter!
 

Q.    What sound or noise do you love?

A.   The sound of an F1 race start  

Q.    What sound or noise do you hate?

A.   Background music in restaurants. Like many musicians I can't ignore it however good or bad it is!
 

>Listen to music from Richard Myhill in MyAPM