ROGER HOOPER MUSIC
composer | synthesist | pianist | music journalist
The Cosmonaut: a short film- My blog: Painting With Oscillators
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The Cosmonaut: a short film
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Posts
- Sep 16, 11
Here are reviews (from earlier this year) of 2 synths that will absolutely tear your head off (I mean that in a good way!), and if you’re doing soundtrack work, will give you the bottom, the grunge, the ambient goodness, to make your scores explode. These are reviews from sonicstate.com, a most excellent site for scoping out synths and all things electronic music-related.
First up is the Moog Slim Phatty monosynth module. Reviewer Nick Batt (love this guy’s reviews; entertaining and informative, and lots of great playing along the way) also talks about how to pronounce Moog! This thing has bottom for days; Bob Moog was a synth designer par-excellence. Here we go:
Next is the Novation Ultranova, a killer virtual analog synth, and descendent of the popular deep blue Supernova. I have a Supernova II Pro X, a beautiful machine. Nick again does a stellar job showing this new machine and it’s capabilities. With lots of wicked effects and crazy sounds, you’ll be able to go real deep programming this machine:
Enjoy, my oscillator and filter-loving friends!
- Sep 15, 11
You may have seen the trailer, now watch the full version (8 minutes) of “The Cosmonaut”, produced by Vinegar Hill Creative. I don’t always have the luxury of having live players in my scores; this score features the talents of Rachael Boer on violin and viola, and Josh Cooper on cello. It was a fun score to work on, we had a great time in the studio recording the strings. Check out the stellar audio post by Dallas Taylor and John Benitez of Defacto Sound!
THE COSMONAUT from Vinegar Hill on Vimeo.
- Sep 09, 11
I scored I short film by Vinegar Hill Creative, The Cosmonaut, which will be released on September 15. This was fun to write, because it involved both real instruments (violin and viola by Rachael Boer, and cello by Josh Cooper), plus ambient synth sounds that I got to mangle in a variety of ways. The VHC folks are always a blast to work with, and the audio post by Defacto Sound is simply epic. Check out the trailer:
THE COSMONAUT — Trailer from Vinegar Hill on Vimeo.
- Sep 02, 11
Novation is releasing the Impulse controller series. They’ve added red to the color scheme. I like red; love my Nord Electro 2, my red keytar…..
Back on topic: this keyboard looks like it’s built like a tank, I love it’s form (sleek and rugged), and am anxious to try one out. Novation claims the Impulse “has been designed to feel like an instrument rather than a computer peripheral.” That’s a good thing. I want to be able to wail on this thing! Some key features: Automap 4, a semi-weighted “precision” keyboard, knobs, faders, back-lit drum pads (you can launch clips in Ableton), free Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station soft synth, and a Loopmasters sample pack. Read all about it here. Check out the video; Novation does good demos. Enjoy!
- Aug 25, 11
I’ve been a Korg user since 1974; my first synth was Univox MiniKorg. It was a monosynth: no presets, a couple of waveforms, filter, envelope generator and VCA. Later on I acquired an M1, T3, S3, OW/1, OW/1Pro, X5DR, Trinity Pro, Triton Pro, ER-1, Z1, MS2000, Monotron…I think that might be it! With all the talk online about the new Kronos being a “game changer”, the demo videos posted, and having attended a local Kronos clinic, I was intrigued and anxious to get my hands on this instrument. Recently, I participated in a worship conference, Sovereign Grace Ministries Worship God 2011, teaching a synth class and performing in a live concert recording. The recording required two twelve-hour rehearsals, plus programming at home. I had the opportunity to use a Kronos 73 (thank you, Worship MD!) for the recording and class; it got quite a workout, and delivered big time.
My rig at #WG11: Kronos 73 & Nord Electro 2 73
The number one feature that made the live recording a breeze was the set list feature. Programs, combinations (Korg-speak for multi-program setups: splits and layers), and sequences can be assembled in the set list window. No more having to switch between those parts of the synth, and searching for program numbers, etc. Another feature that rocked in the performance was Korg’s “smooth sound transition”: sustaining a note while switching to another patch, without the first patch cutting off. Big thumbs up, Korg!
While these two features are really cool, the greatest thing about the Kronos is the sound. Simply amazing, it’s warm, lots of low end, sizzling highs; easily the best sounding synth in my arsenal. Analog emulations sound very analog, orchestral sounds, rich and sparkling, the EPs are dead ringers for old Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos. The acoustic piano sound will make you want to play for hours, and the RH3 weighted action will help in that regard. The action works well with Synthogy Ivory, also. My main gig is scoring film projects, and over the last 10 years I’ve gotten away from using ROMplers; let’s say I’ve become less enchanted with them. The Kronos is changing my thinking in that regard.
I’m currently working on a news show open. I needed to beef up the sound created with my orchestral sample library; it wasn’t happening with my current sound choices. The show has a serious “breaking news tonight” kind of tone, and orchestral sounds are the main focus. I added some Kronos arco string parts, as well a couple of bass parts (the basses are detailed and rich), and the track improved noticeably. The new version got approved. I also used the Kronos on a promo for another client; I needed a horn band sound, and I only have a classical orchestral library for brass at the moment. Kronos delivered again. I recorded through the Kronos USB port into Apple Logic Pro. The recording was clean, and since it meant not using a VI, the CPU load was lessened; win/win!
More to come on the Kronos.
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Watch
- Produced by Citygate Films.
The Road We Know Trailer from Citygate Films on Vimeo.
THE COSMONAUT — Trailer from Vinegar Hill on Vimeo.
The Cosmonaut is the story of a young man who left earth once upon a time and has now returned to find that everything has changed...
"Love Costs Every Thing" Trailer from CIY Move on Vimeo.
Please check www.ciy.com/lovecostseverything for the latest information about the film, including screening dates.
Christ In Youth presents, in association with The Voice of the Martyrs, "Love Costs Every Thing".
Persecution is a reality for nearly two hundred million Christians around the world. Daily, they risk their lives simply because they believe in Jesus. They could surrender, or convert, or quit but the love of Jesus is worth the sacrifice. For many of them, this road leads to death.
This summer, MOVE invites you on a journey around the world. From the jungles of Colombia to the war-torn streets of Baghdad, LOVE COSTS EVERY THING tells the real-life stories of Christians standing firm in the face of death.
Though persecution is severe, the faithful continue to rise. The church is advancing. God’s people are risking it all in the name of love. And it is worth it, because love costs every thing.
From VS the Brain
A short documentary produced by Citygate Films.
This is a work-in-progress selection of scenes from the forthcoming documentary film, A NOTE OF HOPE.
A NOTE OF HOPE is a documentary in the final stage of production about a group of five African-American jazz musicians who are reinterpreting both the musical tradition of the American Negro spiritual and its legacy of social justice. As they continue the tradition of using music to uplift fellow human beings and create social change, they find themselves changing in the process.
The film introduces the history of the spirituals, the unique musical contribution made by African-American slaves to our nation’s culture, and then follows these musicians as they decide to build on that legacy today. Just as those who first performed spirituals in concert settings gave their proceeds to the victims of the great Chicago fire of 1871, these musicians also connected music to humanitarian causes by raising funds for African AIDS orphans at U.S.-based benefit concerts. But the band wasn’t content to promote social change from afar. They longed for the human connection.
So in September, 2009, these five friends (John Blake, Jr., Sumi Tonooka, Gerald Veasley, Rosella Washington, and Harry “Butch” Reed) made their first visit to Africa (Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana) to perform their arrangements there and meet the children for whom they have been raising funds. Along the way, they met and performed with other African musicians who are also using music to highlight humanitarian causes. Their journey deepened their understanding of African-American history, the current AIDS orphans crisis, their personal family experiences and childhood backgrounds, and their commitment to continue using spirituals to promote today’s social justice issue of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
Part music appreciation, part humanitarian documentary, A NOTE OF HOPE offers audiences an understanding of the legacy of African-American music—not just in the form of spirituals and jazz, but in the context of how African-Americans used music to build their faith and reaffirm their human dignity. For this reason, it is a topic that transcends racial barriers, appealing to music fans and global citizens alike.
Arrangements by John Blake, Jr.
Executive Producers: Fred & Alice Barber. Producer/Director: Carolyn McCulley. Assistant Director: David Altrogge. Director of Photography (Africa unit): Drew Painter. Cameras: Michael Hartnett, Andrew Gallo, Carissa Gallo, David Altrogge. Live Audio Engineering: Lucien Dowdell. Location Sound: Lucien Dowdell, David Altrogge. Editors: Daniel McNeill, Drew Painter. Colorist: Michael Hartnett. Animations: Andrew Gallo. Sound Design/Editing: Dallas Taylor. Score: Roger Hooper. Band performances: John Blake, Jr., Harry "Butch" Reed, Sumi Tonooka, Gerald Veasley, Rosella Washington.
Special thanks to Doug Hayes, executive director of Covenant Mercies, for the editorial access.
Travel sponsorship through Ethiopian Airlines and British Airways.
www.anoteofhope.com
Copyright 2010 A Note of Hope LLCThis is a teaser trailer for the forthcoming documentary film, MACH ONE MAC, which is still in production. It introduces the Korean War jet fighter pilot who is the main character of the film and his ongoing passion for flying.
CREDITS
- Carolyn McCulley (Producer/Director/Writer)
- Michael Hartnett (Director of Photography, Colorist)
- Suzanne Taylor (Editor)
- Roger Hooper (Composer)
- Dallas Taylor, CAS (Sound Mix and Design)
www.citygatefilms.com
Copyright 2010 Citygate Films LLC
A 30 second spot about the dangers of hunger...
"Go English", produced by Voice of America's Persian News Network.
A commercial promoting an online initiative from Chuck Colson
prisonfellowship.org
claritymediacoaching.com
Creative: Vinegar Hill
Director: David Altrogge
Producer: Jen Thompson
Director of Photography: Michael Hartnett
Editor: Andrew Gallo
Sound Design: Dallas Taylor
Music: Roger Hooper
Cast: Jason Frederick, Ashwin Rai, Makeda Duncan, Elizabeth Brinkley, and Jack Goodstein
Battlefield 2142, Northern Strike - www.RELIANTFILMS.net from Joe Falcione on Vimeo.
Battlefield 2142 - Reliant Films, EA Games from Joe Falcione on Vimeo.
Gameplay video for EA Games Battlefield 2142, produced by Reliant Films. Nominated for best score at the 2006 Machinima Festival in NYC.
Battlefield 2 - Amored Fury from Joe Falcione on Vimeo.
Machinima film, The Objective, produced by Reliant Films in 2005.
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Listen
"Planting in Ethiopia" ©2008 Roger Hooper; produced by Citygate Films
"Kingdom Planting: Bahamas" ©2009 by Roger Hooper; produced by Citygate Films
Assorted Soundtrack Cues 1 ©2009 Roger Hooper Music
Voice of America's Persian News Network program scores
Assorted Soundtrack Cues 2 ©2010 Roger Hooper Music
From a series of short films by Vinegar Hill Creative: "The Psalms: Real Help for Real People"
Assorted Soundtrack Cues 3 spanning 2000 to 2006
Roger Hooper Piano Performance Demo
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Tweets
- Apollo: UA Adds Low-Latency Effects in Audio Interface, Proves FireWire, Thunderbolt are Cool http://t.co/ahOE9MM1 via @cdmblogs
- Casio has released a "groove & performance synthesizer"; sounds good, cool video: http://t.co/XUWNye6I
- Arturia releases an analog synthesizer, the Minibrute. Love the "Brute Factor" control. http://t.co/mU2cFFu8
- Installing @EastWestSounds The Dark Side; looking forward to colorful inspiration!
- @thispeterlewis Oh yeah! And the way it breathes naturally. Did you check out "Oz No More"?
- @thispeterlewis Listening to Shipwrecked now; beautiful piece. Now to write like that....
- @ListenStudio I believe it!
- @thispeterlewis HS uses a lot of memory and CPU power; still, so far, so good!
- @thispeterlewis HS is gorgeous sounding; redid 3 cues for a current job. Amazing difference, more clarity & fullness.
- Composing with @EastWestSounds Hollywood Strings library today; highly recommended, amazing sounds!Jan 17, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- @igr_a This will be epic!
- East West Quantum Leap Hollywood Strings has arrived. Let the fun begin! http://t.co/c7HUmSZG
- Working on a news show project, awaiting the arrival of the Hollywood Strings library. Excited!Jan 11, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- New Moog synthesizer, the Minitaur, coming at Winter NAMM! Watch your subwoofers... http://t.co/nG6BoED2 via @youtube
- A new blog post from Painting With Oscillators! Arturia Oberheim SEM V: First Impressions: http://t.co/o4hS1jbp
- @thispeterlewis Like score rewrites; always better in the end!
- @ArturiaOfficial Oberheim SEM V is gorgeous; can't wait to use it on a score.
- @ArturiaOfficial Your Oberheim SEM V rocks!
- Logic Pro comes to the Apple Store for $200. Still no version 10. http://t.co/W38MOyjvDec 10, 11 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- @PaigePelot Thank you, Paige!
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Info
- SummaryI am a composer, performer, producer and recording artist, comfortable with a broad range of styles. I recently scored "The Road We Know", a full-length documentary directed by Suzanne Taylor, that is an Official Selection at the DocMiami International Film Festival. I have been nominated for best score for an EA Games Battlefield 2 gameplay trailer (Battlefield 2142), entered into the 2006 Machinima Film Festival in NYC, and my work for TV has appeared on NBC, FOX News, CNN, and HGTV. I also write music for Voice of America's Persian News Network on a regular basis. Clients include Citygate Films, Vinegar Hill Creative, Greengrass Studios in Dallas, TX, Reliant Films (gameplay trailers for EA Games and short films), HZDG, Edward Mitchell Communications, Third Story Films, Issue and Image, Bonnemaison Inc., Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm, among others.
I also work as a part-time software reviewer for audioMIDI.com (from 2004 until the present), and perform as a jazz pianist for functions in the Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore areas.Education-
1979 - 1983University of Maryland College ParkBM in Music Theory
Additional Information-
Websites:
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Roger Hooper at IMDB
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