Neil S. Bulk Interview.
Running Time: 56 minutes 43 seconds
Download / RSS / Send us a message / Discuss the show / Support Trek.fm
La-La Land Records has become synonymous with Star Trek soundtracks. And not just any soundtracks, but the kind that bring history to life by delving more deeply into the rich tapestry of sounds that is a cornerstone of Gene Roddenberry's creation. One of the men behind this success is Neil S. Bulk. No stranger to film music, he is the producer of many film soundtrack releases including Batman, Batman Returns, Total Recall, Days of Heaven, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Police Academy, Dances with Wolves, and the massive 15-disc Star Trek: The Original Series Soundtrack Collection.
In this episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Neil to find out what it means to be a producer of film soundtrack releases, what sort of difficulties come up during production, and the process of transferring tape to digital. Neil also talks about his dream projects and the current status of music from Star Trek: The Animated Series.
Chapters
"The Force Field (Alternate)" (excerpt) (Composed by J. Goldsmith) (00:02:39)
Meeting Neil (00:04:47)
What Does a Producer Do? (00:06:18)
How Long Does It Take? (00:07:39)
Sorting out the Star Trek Box Set (00:08:58)
Transferring the Tapes (00:10:30)
Other Star Trek Duties (00:18:38)
Editing The Undiscovered Country Soundtrack (00:19:53)
Star Trek: The Motion Picture 3-disc Release (00:23:52)
Where's the Soundtrack for TAS? (00:30:41)
Which Is the Proper Take? (00:32:22)
Other Awesome Releases (00:34:08)
Days of Heaven for Film Score Monthly (00:36:36)
A Dream Project… or 10 (00:39:02)
"Main Theme (Pop Version)" (excerpt) (Performed by Bob James) (00:42:10)
News (00:49:12)
Host
Brandon-Shea Mutala
Guest
Neil S. Bulk
Production
Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
Singing in Star Trek. We examine some instances in episodes and movies when our characters have broken out into song, determining if they work for the story and the portrayal of the character.
Ten tracks from fifty years of fan favorites. We talk with the fans at the convention in Las Vegas and find out what music from Star trek holds a special place in their hearts.
Star Trek VI and Cliff Eidelman. Brandon-Shea Mutala and Matthew Rushing discuss the career of singer/songwriter/composer Cliff Eidelman and the score of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the film's release.
Jay Chattaway Interview. Brandon-Shea Mutala and Andy Farber are joined by the famed Star Trek composer to talk about his audition for TNG's "Tin Man," his work throughout Star Trek, Emmy Awards, other film scores, and more.
Jerry Goldsmith vs. John Williams. Both of these composers are outstanding, but when the fan debate turns to these two men, the question often asked is which is better? In game shows style, we debate who best captured the emotions called for in their scores.
Discovering Fil Eisler. We take a look at the career of the newest person to score music for Star Trek: Fil Eisler. Could his music for the Star Trek: Discovery trailer win him the job of scoring the new series?
Star Trek Las Vegas 2016 Interviews. We bring you four interviews from the floor of the official 50th anniversary Star Trek celebrations: J.G Hertzler and Robert O'Reilly; Jay Chattaway; Andy Farber; James Darren; and Nichelle Nichols.
Imagining "Caretaker." Join us for a dive into the imaginative mind of young Trekker Aubrey Mutala as she listens to the score for a Star Trek episode that she has never seen—and conjures up images of princesses, dragons, and BBQ.
The Music of The Man Trap. In this special 50th episode of Melodic Treks, host Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Neil S. Bulk to discuss the score to "The Man Trap" and the use of the electric violin in the score of the first episode of Star Trek to air.
In Memorial of Jerry Goldsmith. On July 21, 2004, cancer took one of the most talented and prolific film composers at the age of 75. We reflect on his contributions to Star Trek and the wider world of cinema.
A Musical Journey to the Sadder Side of Trek. In a universe filled with hope and optimism—in which humanity can achieve anything—every once in a while a hero is called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. We look at the music that honors them.
In Memoriam of James Horner. He was one of the most successful film composers of the past half century, and earned a special place in the hearts of Star Trek fans. Sadly, his melodic vision was taken from us too soon. Join us for a musical tribute.
Lukas Kendell Interview. Public perception of soundtracks has come a long way over the years, thanks in part to the efforts of Lukas Kendell. We talk to the Film Score Monthly founder about the challenges of CD production, The Ron Jones Project, and more.
A Musical AMA. Inspired by Reddit's popular "Ask Me Anything," Brandon-Shea opens the floodgates and out pours favorite composer, his favorite summer tunes, the music that changed his life, his three favorite albums of all time, and more.
Star Trek Generations and Dennis McCarthy. In part 2 of a 13-part series on the Star Trek films, we take a look at the career of Dennis McCarthy, his contributions to Star Trek Generations and the franchise, as well as television and film at large.
Goldsmith vs. Jones. Looking at one great composer's influence on another, we analyze Ron Jones's score for ”Datalore” by comparing it to that of Alien, by Jerry Goldsmith.
Melodic Connections: Avery Brooks and Kevin Conroy. Have you ever played Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? We cast galactic distances aside to put a Star Trek twist on Six Degrees, all while keeping it musical.
Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage. Comprising over 100 minutes of music from the television series and films, this series of concerts will visiting 100 cities across North American in 2016. We share our experiences at the event.
Five Film Favorites with John Tenuto. One of Star Trek's most knowledgable film historians takes you behind the scenes of the music—from The Motion Picture through Nemesis—and shares his five favorite melodic moments.
Star Trek IV and Leonard Rosenman. In part 1 of a 13-part series on the Star Trek films, we take a look at the career of Leonard Rosenman and his contribution to The Voyage Home and the franchise.
Mark Banning Interview. There's a lot more than just the music that makes a soundtrack great. The design and content of the accompanying booklet completes the package. We take a behind-the-scenes look at soundtrack art direction with a 30-year veteran.
The Enterprise Theme. When Enterprise rolled around, many fans were outraged when they heard "Where My Heart Will Take Me." The theme for the new series was a rock ballad? Sacrilege! We look at the song and its variations.
Ford A. Thaxton Interview. With a hand in producing soundtracks going back to GNP Crescendo's first-ever Star Trek release, Thaxton has worked on more albums than he can count. He joins us to talk about some of his most memorable projects.
Andy Farber Interview. Star Trek Continues is an independent production that's essentially a fourth season of TOS. We talk to the Juilliard teacher and renowned saxophonist/composer about crafting the sound of that lost period of the 23rd century.
Imagining "When the Bough Breaks." A good score should conjure up images when listened to without the episode. Join us as one young Trekker tells you what she hears when she listens to music from an episode she hasn't seen yet.
Connecting William Shatner and John Lithgow Musically. Have you ever played Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? We head into the Star Trek universe to play the classic campfire game… but with a musical twist.
Jeff Bond Interview and Five Favorites. One of the foremost authors on the topic of film and television scoring joins us to discuss his early interest in scores and how it led to a career writing about them.
The Music of Star Trek Horizon. The Enterprise-era fan film is more than just a treat for the eyes, it's a treat for the ears, too. The man behind it all—including the music—joins us to talk about how he composed it all.
The (Musical) Mirror Universe. Alternate melodies? Alternate keys? You never know what you'll find on the soundscape of the Mirror Universe. We dive into the alternate realities and timelines of Star Trek's music.
Neil S. Bulk Interview. La-La Land Records has become synonymous with Star Trek soundtracks. We're joined by one of the producers behind this success to learn about the production of a film score and the process that leads to its release.