I own the "Eye Spy" 2-CD set of Drew Neumann's music for "Aeon Flux." It's a bit of a hobby of mine to consistently compare the music on the CD to its placement in the shorts and the show. From what I gather, a whole hour of music was cut so it could b reduced to a 2-CD set, including music from "Chronophasia," "Tide," the full version of "Heroes" (from "War"), and a few more CD-Rom tracks. I have to say I like the CD-Rom tracks a lot, probably because they show Drew's ability not just to write music but to work with others (co-written by some Italian guy whose name I can't recall since I don't have the CD in front of me). Listening to this CD, it's hard to imagine what the sound of Aeon Flux might be without him. With this ongoing debate on whether or not there will be a movie, my question is: if Drew Neumann were not involved, who do you think should be the score composer, and what bands (if any...using the "Heavy Metal" mentality) would you include (i.e.: MDFMK, NIN, Celldweller, etc...)?

-- Ilker Yucel (yucel81x@hotmail.com), January 03, 2001

Answers

I'm partial to Depeche Mode, personally. They're one of my favorites in any case, but I think they'd be well-suited to Aeon Flux. Not only do the electronic instrumentals seem reminiscient of Drew's work at times, but many of their songs seem to be about psycho-sexual manipulation and similar themes that are certainly up Aeon's alley.

-- Matthew Rebholz (matrebholz@yahoo.com), January 03, 2001.

First of all let me say that I'm not partial to soundtracks (of any movies) that are not "original"...that is, they have songs from bands that have already been released. Secondly, I am not partial to songs on soundtracks that have lyrics, especially when they have nothing to do with what's happening on screen (a recent example of both of these is Titan AE...which I enjoyed all parts of except for the soundtrack). I like the kind of soundtrack that is composed especially for the film...i.e, Fight Club (by the dust brothers), Pi and Requiem For a Dream (by Clint Mansell). Either of these composers would, I think, be a good choice for Aeon. That is, if Drew isn't available, of course.

-- Agent 1137 (nsa656@aol.com), January 03, 2001.

Matthew! I totally agree. I love Depeche Mode, I own all the albums and a good majority of the singles. I'd agree that their music would be well-suited. Agent 1137...I wouldn't have it any other way. Clint Mansell's music was great for "Pi," though I'm disappointed only his opening and closing theme was included on the soundtrack CD. All the music on that album was great, but...I loved that theme they played when he was translating the Hebrew into numbers after he restarted his computer. But back to the point, some soundtracks do have songs written for the particular movie. Case in point: "Until the End of the World" (Talking Heads, U2, Nick Cave, Lou Reed, and Depeche Mode wrote songs specifically for that film), and "Cool World" (David Bowie and The Cult). I agree that a lot of soundtracks use material that just isn't related at all, like "The Matrix." I have to say I hated a good majority of that suondtrack. Meat Beat Manifesto, Lunatic Calm, Propellorheads...the electronic tracks worked. But where did Rob Zombie, Deftones, and Monster Magnet fit in? I do love those bands, but what'd they have to do with it? So...yes, I'll agree if Drew couldn't do it, Clint Mansell would be a good choice, though I don't agree with The Dust Brothers. I liked their score, but it wasn't ambient enough for my tastes. I also think Vangelis would be good since Drew's music sometimes reminds me of "Blade Runner," and possibly Recoil (Alan Wilder, formerly of Depeche Mode). If you haven't heard of Recoil, check him out. Recoil's music is very well suited to Aeon Flux. This was great! I really appreciate both your answers!

-- Ilker Yucel (yucel81x@hotmail.com), January 04, 2001.

Curve and Dissonance would also be good...

-- Ilker Yucel (yucel81x@hotmail.com), January 04, 2001.

Excuse me, but, I was just surfing around and came across this message board and (being a huge Aeon fan myself) found to my horror the above suggestions that pop groups should score the soundtrack to something far more beautiful, original, and inspirational than earth- bound rock and roll. Drew's alien soundscapes have always been a major contribution to my love of the series.

-- selfishgiant (selfishgiant@hotmail.com), January 05, 2001.

Uh...Recoil is not a pop group, nor is Vangelis a pop musician. As for Curve & Dissonance...they are by no means pop. Electronica maybe, but certainly not rock enough to be considered earth bound. Depeche Mode's later material and instrumentals are atmospheric enough to contribute. And keep in mind, this is considering if a film were made by hollywood, they'd HAVE to put a soundtrack in by bands to get sales. And...who said pop groups would score it? There's a difference between a soundtrack (overall music, usualyl referring to bands that contribute random songs) and a score (instrumental music written specifically for the film). Nobody could replace Drew's music, but knowing the hollywood mentality, they probably wouldn't know any better and who probably not use him. The question was meant to ask if hollywood was in charge, what music would they do? I would love it if only Drew Neumann did the music...but alas, hollywood is too stupid to relaize his genius.

-- Ilker Yucel (yucel81x@hotmail.com), January 05, 2001.

If I had a choice I would definitely go with a soundtrack that was composed. An original score seems like the better choice since movies with songs seem to get typecast as being "HIP" as Barb would say it. I believe that James Horner would do an excellent job for the soundtrack. His works include numerous Sci-Fi thrillers including the soundtrack for "Aliens" which was nominated for best original score at the oscars.I recommend listening to the popular track "bishops countdown" as an example of his excellent work. As for bands on the soundtrack I would much rather have a score than something similar to the Matrix or Spawn soundtrack.

-- Richard N. (Seraftrev3000@aol.com), January 05, 2001.

Hitchcock and his beautiful musical scores, Vertigo comes to mind.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), January 05, 2001.

Let me just state for the record that I'd hate for anyone but Drew to do the music for Aeon Flux, especially a pop band. I only mention Depeche Mode because it reminds me of the show.

-- Matthew Rebholz (matrebholz@yahoo.com), January 06, 2001.

didn't Vangelis break up a while ago? I agree that Blade Runner's soundtrack ("score," I guess) was quite good. Another group that could do a good score for Aeon would be the Freight Elevator Quartet...they're an electronica outfit who also use acoustic instruments like cellos, didjeridoos (probably spelled that wrong) and such in their music. They did an album with DJ Spooky called "File Under Futurism"...check it out.

-- Agent 1137 (nsa656@aol.com), January 08, 2001.

No, Vangelis did not break up, because Vangelis is the guy's name. It is one guy, and his name is Vangelis.

-- Ilker Yucel (yucel81x@hotmail.com), January 09, 2001.

break up - or dreak down

maybe Agent 1137 was asking about his psychological state of mind? perhaps Vangelis is depressed after listening to his own music for too long.

-- William (stateofflux@yahoo.com), January 09, 2001.

He just released a new album a couple of months ago, and I've followed him and his career ever since I first got into his music. He must be thinking of somebody else, because nothing like that has happened to Vangelis.

-- Ilker Yucel (yucel81x@hotmail.com), January 10, 2001.

Drew Neumann, BLECK! I want to see Randy Newman. He is the all time, greatest soundtrack composer, of all time! I mean don't just look at his movie work this is the guy who wrote and performed short people! Am I the only one who wants a "Toy Story" type soundtrack for Aeon Flux? The answer is no.

-- NAdar R. (nadar@BigPoppaPump.zzn.com), January 12, 2001.

I think if it is animated Drew would be good, but if it were live action I think another option might be better.

-- William (stateofflux@yahoo.com), January 12, 2001.

No John Lee, no Denise Poirier, no Eric Canete, no cels, no Chung artistic rendering, and now no Drew Neumann? Are you sure it's Aeon Flux? Beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here.

-- Isis (Isisonriverstyxx@aol.com), January 12, 2001.

I think I could have been replaced by a combination of Montovani and Charlie Clouser. :-)

Thanks for the kind words and support!

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 05, 2001.

Flux in the absence of Newmann? Never!

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 05, 2001.

Wow! We got one another one!

-- (nadar@BigPoppaPump.zzn.com), March 05, 2001.

Shouldn't we be talking about the absence of Flux, instead? Spam MTV and demand more episodes! 10 isn't enough. BTW The Italian guy (Gilles Sivilotto) is actually French. I met him in 1987 in Nice when I was there to present some of my earlier (and even more insane) work, "Buzz Boxx." He flew here to La la land in 1996 to work with me on those tracks. We had a great time, though he wound up with a terrible sunburn from the non-studio part of the trip. Good thing my wife keeps lots of Aloe Vera around!

PS, I'm not related, but I'm a Randy Newman fan too, even if he doesn't know how to spell his last name right.

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 06, 2001.

Hum i would have to agree with barb, flux would not be the same without neumann. Neumann just has a way of putting thought, emmotion, suspence...everything into a single strand of notes. i find myself listening to the music and knowing exactly what is happening in the ep and knowing exactly how each person feels, this gift is rare. Yes, but i do think that the Alien sound track is great!! i love them all i have all of the movies it's wonderful, i like the theme song from "Dune" aswell, brings such imagination to the mind. Then again i think David bowie would have some potential, some of his music blows me away. just to sit and realize how much is said in a song when there are no words.

-- Lady Morgan (AeonFluxFan1@aol.com), March 06, 2001.

And I just got the soundtrack in the mail (coincidence?) It is just my opinion but I think some of the tracks would have benefited with the exclusion of the sequence/sample from the opening titles (you know the bit). It seemed to be in every second track.

-- William (stateofflux@yahoo.com), March 06, 2001.

Ewwwww!!! Can you believe I spelled Neumann wrong...sorry! I particularly love that little piece that is Aeon's theme, its 'her' if you know what I mean. Going over to MTV now, 10 episodes are definitely waaaay 'not enough'!

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 06, 2001.

Ya know its nice to see a Randy Newman fan really exists. Drew I was watching Ahhh! Real Monsters, once(long ago) and listening to the sound and thought how easy it must be to make great soundtracks if even kiddie cartoons get, amazing ambient sound. Imagine my "sitaki" when the credits flashed your name. It then occured to me that this kind of quality was the exception not the rule.

P.S. Sorry about the capital letters bleck comment.

-- (nadar@BigPoppaPump.zzn.com), March 06, 2001.

Monsters was a pretty difficult job. Very tightly cued, sometimes as many as 100 tempo changes in a minute. It was wonderul to work on, but much more difficult than my current series ("Wild Thornberrys") I'd guess I averaged about 15 seconds of music per hour on Monsters.

Ah well, sleep is for sissies.

As for Randy Newman--"Let's Drop The Big One" was my favorite. :-)

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 06, 2001.

Well now I have to watch that show. 15 seconds per hour, 22 minute program, thats no slouch!

-- (nadar@BigPoppaPump.zzn.com), March 06, 2001.

Pretty soon this board will have a cast as big as Aeon Flux itself. ;)

Drew, as someone who uses electronics quite a bit, what are your favorite electronic artists (techno/dance, ambient, whatever)? Do you have any tips for aspiring producers? And finally, I know this is a long shot, but have you ever listened to any psytrance?

-- Paul (nadisrec@worldnet.att.net), March 06, 2001.

Let's see..some favorite electronic artists--well, I actually like hybrid music best (like North African Rai music, which combines traditonal music with vintage synths) but I'll rattle off a few: Peter Gabriel (Passion Sources, Security), Wendy Carlos (but only specifically Clockwork Orange and Beauty in the Beast), Jean Michel Jarre(Zoolook and Oxygene), Nine Inch Nails, Beck, Moby (but in limited amounts), Tomita (except where he gets cheesey), Gershon/Kingsley, some of the early Tangerine Dream, Eno, Pink Floyd, Devo, Frank Zappa (Jazz From Hell), Larry Fast (Sequencer), Vangelis (especially his collaboration with Jon Anderson on Olias Of Sunhillow), and early Kraftwerk. That barely scratches the surface (and is mostly older stuff), and there is a lot of excellent work floating around out there- -some of the best work I've heard isn't available on any record label. (There's probably a good/sad reason for that...) There is also an endless sea of really lazy work out there--I've always been a maximilist, and I prefer listening to works that sound like somebody REALLY put a lot of effort into it. If it was worth their time to do it, it is probably worth mine to listen. To throw out an example--there are "composers" doing entire works in Acid Pro just from stock library samples. I think Acid is a valid tool as PART of the mix (great for drums and meeting absurd deadlines), but it's too easy to do, and it sounds like everyone else out there. There is excellent Trance, Jungle, techno, electronica out there--I try to keep an open mind. I often make random buys at B&N or Borders. Anything you would recommend?

My advice to any electronic producer/composer is this: 1. Develop your own sound/ sounds. It's easy/fun to do, and nothing will make your work more unique. 2. Use the gear you love, or love the gear you have. Life's too short to waste time on something that has a bad user interface or crappy sounds. Life's also too short to worry about mortgaging the house to buy a minimoog on ebay for $5000. Whatever you use,(hardware, softsynths, flutes from Cost Plus, etc.) get to know it inside out, if possible. Don't be afraid to use last year's gear (or older)--if you find a machine or program you like, keep it! 3. Don't be afraid to try odd new things, even if they get ugly. I just turned in some pieces to iFilm for an upcoming show--they liked my weirdest stuff most. Sometimes people can surprise you. 4. Be honest to yourself. Do music you would want to hear, even if you are being asked in a professional situation to imitate something else. There's always a way to personalize it and make it honest. 5. If music is what you want to do for a living, find a way to do it. Be patient, cause it takes a long time to get established unless you are lucky or well connected. I had to work some fairly stupid day jobs for years to build my studio up and pay the rent, but I found that all of those experiences were very useful later.

How does psytrance differ from trance?

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 07, 2001.

Hello, Drew! Its nice to have the chance to talk to you. I'm very impressed with the surreal, strange, and abstract music you created for the Aeon Flux series. I remember hearing some of the stuff in real monsters and wondering if that was you. Being a musician I bet you like all different types of music but in the electronic genre I'm sure we're all fond of I'll list some cds you might be interested in if you haven't heard of them already. Recoil is very unique and artistic, they've become one of my favorites so I'd reccomend they're latest album "Liquid". Juno Reactor is a very different techno type group with some ethnic type themes I think at least in thier latest album "Shango" I think it was called. Roni Size and Squarepusher are both awesome drum and bass acts and Meat Beat Manifesto is pretty classic in my mind, I think its called industrial dance music if thats the right term. I'm a big Nine Inch Nails fan so its cool to see your into them. Thanks for your music reccomendations I'll probably take a look for some of them. PS: I'm new here so hello everyone else!

-- Jack (eashtonusa@netscape.net), March 07, 2001.

Drew, You don't have to answer this but if you want here goes; what did you think of Napster's soon to be re-invented business? According to the floating idea out there, this robbed musicians of the profits, and I guess the bigger lion on the block would be the record companies, but then again, what a perfect way for a musician to be exposed to a good sample of work. Also, had to laugh when I saw Frank Zappa's name on that list, used to be a fav of mine.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 07, 2001.

Welcome to the board, Josh! Good to see another Juno fan out there; Beyond The Infinite is one of my all time faves.

Thanks for the tips, Drew. A lot of that stuff goes back further than I do but I appreciate it. Some of my own favorites: FSOL, Autechre, Ken Ishii, Underworld, Ozric Tentacles, 2 Lone Swordsmen and Spacetime Continuum. For hybrid, anything by Transglobal Underground/Natacha Atlas is gold.

Psytrance (also known as Goa) is very different from regular trance. The tempo is about the same, but otherwise it sounds completely different. Names to look for are Juno Reactor, Hallucinogen, Total Eclipse, Astral Projection, Space Tribe, and Shakta... http://goatrance.free.fr is also a good source of information on this music. Email me if you want more details, I'll be happy to give them.

I remember Aah! Real Monsters, that was a fun show. I'll have to check the new one out sometime. Thanks Drew.

-- Paul (nadisrec@worldnet.att.net), March 08, 2001.

Whoops, I meant Jack, not Josh. Sorry about that.

-- Paul (nadisrec@worldnet.att.net), March 08, 2001.

Thanks for the info--I've heard many of the bands/artists listed, particularly Juno Reactor (there was a good write up on them in the UK edition of Future Music around 1996 or so)--the others I will look for on my next visit to the CD store. Napster--hmmm, difficult call that one. I tend to buy CDs out of respect to the artists, but also because MP3 sounds awful to me. It surprises me that when CDs came out, people complained bitterly about how lousy they sounded--yet the next thing that came along sounded worse and people are happy with it. Go figure. I'm looking forward to DVDA (24 bit 96k). It sounds fantastic. Anyway--I don't have a big problem with Napster personally. I don't make a dime off of "Eye Spy" (for reasons too frustrating and complicated to get into here) so I REALLY only care about people getting to hear the music. Napster may be helping me there. People may hear a cut or two on Napster and go buy the album to hear all of it. Music does no good if nobody ever gets to hear it. Fuck record companies (all of them, every greedy monopolistic last one). They don't have any sympathy from me at all. I've heard enough horror stories for a lifetime about how artists are treated. I'd make a better living off of a CD doing a private release and selling it on the web. TC gets a lot of slack from me for securing the rights to release the Flux soundtrack--which MTV was dead set against. I also consider Gabor Csupo to be a good friend. I also have to give them credit for taking chances releasing music that wouldn't get released otherwise. I can't afford to do another CD for them though, unless it's a release of old stuff or something from one of their TV shows (a possibility). I can't even cover California electricity on what they pay, not to mention saving up for college for the kids....

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 08, 2001.

Some MP3s are CD quality. Some are not. So at times, they are crap. But the all important point is that they are FREE crap.

-- ChaosKnight (chaosknight@charterr.net), March 08, 2001.

Nice to hear from you guys, I'll definately be checking some of these cds out. I use Napster the same way, download the music to check it out and then go buy the cd. Cds are too damned exensive to experiment with at 20 bucks each. I discovered Juno Reactor, Recoil, Roni Size and plenty others on MP3 before I bought thier music. If Napster gets shut down we have other alternitives, email if you'd like and I can direct you too a few sites if you don't know about them. Talk to you later!

-- Jack (eashtonusa@netscape.net), March 08, 2001.

I understand that Napster's laywer; David Boies and the representative from the record company's; Joel Klein; worked together for the goverment to sue Microsoft. Now they oppose each other and they are both working out a deal where they get a lot of money, but it might not be the best thing for Napster or the record companies. Wall Street Journal suggests the record companies buy Napster, and that would be the best deal for everyone. But noooooooh, as usual, the lawyers get rich and the rest of us get screwed. Thoughts?

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 09, 2001.

become a lawyer? :-P

-- William (stateofflux@yahoo.com), March 10, 2001.

How many lawyers does it take to roof a house? One, if you slice him very very thin.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 10, 2001.

Well, by this point, there's nothing left to the original question--so here's a poser: MTV Celebrity Death Match --MTV's Aeon Flux VS. Fox's Dark Angel.

Who'd you think would win?

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 10, 2001.

Oooh, Dark Angel looks tough....Hmm, Aeon might have a formidable competitor here. However, I still place my money on Aeon, besides, she's got the cool music behind all her fight scenes. Also, was wondering, did you actually watch the Flux series? Which leads to the next question; did you actually understand the episodes?

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 10, 2001.

It depends, Aeon has bad days and tends to, well, die a lot.

-- William (stateofflux@yahoo.com), March 11, 2001.

answer to question 1: Yes, I watched the episodes while working on them, of course. I was also at the mix for every episode (and I mixed all of the shorts, since I did all of the sound and music for them). On air was harder--MTV had a hit and run programming technique that made it hard to figure out when it was on. 2. Yes, I understood the episodes, but sometimes only after talking with Peter or the episode director (after all, my understanding of the episode was critical in knowing how to score it, to focus attention on key plot points.) Don't ask me to explain any of the episodes. Peter would not want me to do that, and it takes some of the fun and mystery out of it. Watch them at face value, enjoy them and think about them for yourselves. I have to admit I keep seeing new details every once in a while, particularly in areas I didn't score.

3. Yes, Aeon seems to die a lot and come back--so she probably would whup Dark Angel's sorry ass. :-)

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 11, 2001.

Or, perhaps an even more interesting fight: Peter Chung vs. James Cameron?

-- Matthew Rebholz (matrebholz@yahoo.com), March 11, 2001.

Hi Drew!

I sent you an email some time ago, and you indicated you were working on some solo stuff. I fully understand that you can't release any such project on TC - that's just a commercial reality. So apart from any (fingers crossed) release of soundtracks for the Wild Thornberrys or Real Monsters, do you have any plans to release solo material in the future? Or have you already, and we just haven't looked in obscure enough corners for it?

Hell, you know we'd all purchase any work of yours!

buy buy.

-- Angers Fotheringham (fothers@zip.com.au), March 11, 2001.

How did you come up with the music that became Aeon's theme song? I always have loved it. Surely rock musicians everywhere must know your name as the creator of that theme.

-- cynthia (Hyacinththia99@aol.com), March 12, 2001.

I have a question also if you don't mind Drew. How long does it take you on average to score a half hour episode and do you ever have a hard time meeting deadlines? Also, if these isn't too broad a question, how did you develop your very surreal and alien style or atmosphere in your music?

Oh, and back on the subject of electronic music, I got ther new Sister Machine Gun album [R]volution. Very cool stuff.

Thats all for now, thanks everyone!

-- Jack Murphy (eashtonusa@netscape.net), March 12, 2001.

Oh Drew, I wasn't going to ask you to EXPLAIN the episodes. Why..uhm, it was the farthest thing from my mind (..)

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 12, 2001.

Well I insist you explain the episodes, Please? don't make me beg. Due to your approval I will download Mp3's of music that you made. I don't get MP3s other than to sample music with the hope of buying on disk from a reputable retail store. With this blessing a though a stealing we will go. Would napster have your work from your other work? Do you know?

-- (hammerofthehorse@BigPoppaPump.zzn.com), March 13, 2001.

Just for the record, I have never downloaded any music from Napster, I do happen to believe it is taking away from the musicians; and the record companies are more like the pigs on the block than the lion, (in case that gave them any sort of majestic airs, ) but I do think it could've been used to everyones advantage. BTW I do think your music is incredibly well done, very original; 'tight' is how a musician friend of mine would describe it, meaning well produced and not sloppy. I don't know how you ever came up with your style but it is unique.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 13, 2001.

I was fantasizing earlier that someone would come up with this fantastic song that has the theme song of Aeon Flux in it, and it would be a great hit, and aeon contributors would finally get the attention that so very much deserve! i'm going to have to check out some new music! exdpand my horizen so to speak, has anyone ever heard of apoptygma bezerk? or project pitchfork? It's sort of dance music with some electronica in there i can't really explain it they are great though. Bezerk has this one song called "love never dies" and when ever i listen to it these pictures of Aeon Flux eps start appearing in my head almost like a lil music video, that would be a great project, to make a video that corresponds with the eps.

-- Lady Morgan (AeonFluxFan1@aol.com), March 13, 2001.

Lots of posts. Okay. Here goes: 1. James Cameron vs Peter Chung--I'd have to say Peter. He's a martial arts expert, and a lot younger than Cameron. Though Cameron's taller with a longer reach, Peter is very fast. 2. Angers--yes, I remember your email. My response got a mailer daemon undeliverable thing. You're in Australia, right? I'd love to release Thornberrys on TC. It's up to them. 3. Theme for Aeon--vaguely inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark theme, only shorter, weirder and in 7/4. (Cartoon themes are almost always shorter.) Lack of sleep helps in theme development too. 4. Scoring a half hour episode--a week, usually. I did Thanatophobia in 3 days, with very little sleep. Sleep is for sissies. :-) 5. Explaining the episodes. Hahah ha ha a erp. Okay, I'll try. Aeon is basically a *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+**+*+*+*+*+*zzzt! (static burst)*Um, wind's going the wrong direction. Can't do it. Er...sorry, we have a fuzzy connection here.... 6. Napster/MP3--just BUY the album if you like it, and DON'T ever rip off samples from it to use in anything else, like remix work. I DO care about that. Also--I'm sure that Viacom (the publisher of Flux) and their lawyers aren't quite as pleasant as I am when it comes to intellectual property, so be careful.... If enough people actually BUY the CD, I might eventually get paid something for all the work I did on it. Possibly. Maybe. Okay, probably not. But it sounds better off of the CD. There's a good reason. AND..if you decide later you don't like it, you get two HANDY DANDY drink coasters! (Or ornaments for the Christmas Tree, or targets to shoot at....)

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 13, 2001.

Alright no napster, and its a little silly to think that I might not like it. I've heard it and its great. Fuzzy conection? How did you get those while typing? Shame that interference went over the best part of your post, ironic Eh? What episode has what you consider to be your best work on it?

-- (hammerofthehorse@BigPoppaPump.zzn.com), March 14, 2001.

I think the soundtrack is really for the purist devotee. If someone did'nt know the series they might think it too strange, some one who has just seen the series might think it is repetitive but fans would enjoy it. My only complaint is that the theme from 'War' is too short (I love that).

BTW as some one who has just finished an architectural degree (and at one stage had about 10 hours sleep in a week) I can say that sleep is for the lucky, not sissies.

Some must watch, while some must sleep, thus runs the world away.
-- William (stateofflux@yahoo.com), March 14, 2001.

Peter Chung is a martial arts expert? Wow! So, here's one for you Drew; how about Peter Chung vs Aeon Flux!!

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 15, 2001.

That's a silly question, Barb; according to cartoon logic, an animator always possesses the ability to erase his creation with the pink end of a pencil... :)

-- Matthew Rebholz (matrebholz@yahoo.com), March 16, 2001.

Hmm, it's a little late in the game to be working with realistic points of view around here, Mathew, or haven't you yet noticed the resemblance of this forum to the mad hatter's tea party?

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), March 16, 2001.

That's funny, I thought that that was a Mad Hatter's sort of response. :)

-- Matthew Rebholz (matrebholz@yahoo.com), March 16, 2001.

Juat today I watched(listened to) Wild Thornberries. It was pretty damn good, seemed to have alot of wind insturments and bongo type sounds to it. It sounded quite a bit different than I expected but it was quite good none the less.

-- (hammerofthehorse@BigPoppaPump.zzn.com), March 17, 2001.

I would like to suggest that Wendy Carlos (formerly Walter Carlos and codeveloper of the Moog synthesizer) might have produced some incredible music for Aeon Flux were he alive today (I think he's dead, anyway). Toward that end, remember "Timesteps" from A Clockwork Orange?

This though is my second choice...now here is one I might get reemed for. Now I agree about Vangelis though I think he's a bit too jazzy for science fiction at times, because I think sci-fi music should have no real connections to our world...

The Eurythmics created some incredible music for the film 1984...I think the music for the prostitute scene of that film was phenomenal, and indeed it may be the only song capable of supporting a beautiful piece of sci-fi like Aeon Flux.

Minimalists like Peter Greeneway, Phillip Glass or Brian Eno might be interesting, but really, when it comes down to it, Drew Neumann is a fantasticchoice, and his music creates the mood of Aeon Flux at least where I'm concerned. (Though Aeon Flux has the best dialogue I have EVER seen in science fiction film history).

-- Jose[f] O. (entroper@hotmail.com), March 22, 2001.

Wendy Carlos is not dead--unless that is new info. There's an interview with her at Sonicstate. She just released a bunch of her early work within the last few years. I'd recommend almost all of it, if you're a fan of electronica. Timesteps (the full 9 minute version on her own TEMPI release of "Clockwork Orange") is one of the greatest electronic pieces ever done, imo. A lot of the work on Walter Carlos by request is pretty incredible too.

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 22, 2001.

Whoa, I haven't been to this place for some time. Hi to everybody! :-)

Ok, so a scoring discussion, excellent. Anyway, what's with that Randy Newman guy? If you got to choose a Newman (not Neumann), take David Newman, for chrissakes. :) His "Anastasia" score was just gorgeous (can you tell I am a sucker for choir+violins?). He's also able to distuingish between a zebra and a synth, I gather.

As for whom, other than Drew, could do an interesting AF score... How about.. not anyone from Mediaventures for starters (too obviously married to synths). Instead, how about.. James Newton Howard perhaps? Or for a pure orchestral score, that still sounds fresh, Don Davis of Matrix fame. Or for a rather goofy choice, Vince DiCola (Transformers, Rocky), who'd probably totally screw up the AF feeling, but still produce some wildly entertaining music. :-)

-Marc Floessel

-- Marc Floessel (floessel@t-online.de), March 25, 2001.

Howdy Marc--haven't heard from you in a LONG time. I happen to be a fan of synths myself (though I can't really tell a zebra apart from one ;-)--the entire score for Flux was done electronically. I hope this does not make you think less of me.

Drooo

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), March 30, 2001.

Drew, if you like a good mix of acoustic and electronic, Stereolab is a great group. Try their later albums, particularly "Dots and Loops" and "The Last of the Microbe Hunters".

-- Mat Rebholz (matrebholz@earthlink.net), April 07, 2001.

Drew, if you ever venture back here I would love to hear what led up to your involvement on Aeon Flux, if you'd care to tell the story.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), April 11, 2001.

Long story short: Peter and I went to California Institute of the Arts together.

He was in Character Animation, and I was in experimental animation/ Film and Video Graphics. He didn't stay long--he was too talented to be in school and was hired away by Disney before even completing a degree there. I did as much in music as film (maybe even more) while I was there, and eventually decided on music for animation as a better career direction for me.

Years later, he called me to score Flux.

-- Drew Neumann (dneumann@socal.rr.com), April 16, 2001.

Drew, thanks for answering my question, this is so interesting. Because you both were familiar with each others styles did this help you to key into his work? Or did he pick you because he felt you had abilities with music he loved personally? I will go on and on with questions so I hope I don't drive you crazy, but its fascinating how this group came together, it's just so loaded with talent.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo@aol.com), April 17, 2001.

Drew Neumann would be no.1 on my list. Quite simply. What would Clint Eastwood in the Sergio Leone trilogy been without Ennio Morricone's suberb music? Jaws without John Williams? A clockwork orange without Wendy Carlos? Basic Instinct without Jerry Goldsmith? My point is the music of Neumann is a vital part of the series.However Wendy Carlos is also high on my list. No need to introduce her. Vangelis did the splendid Bladerunner soundtrack but he seems to have lost the plot lately. Yes, I am a Devo fan but I don't think they would make suitable music without completely leaving their typical sound (whatever that is). How about APHEX TWIN? He does everything from twisted electro-metal to avantgardic noise. He could be persuaded to score the series. Though I haven't heard his music in any film whatsoever.Depeche Mode? Fine. If Martin Gore can make good instrumental music like he used to in for instance "Music for the Masses". No Dave Gahan singing please. Nine Inch Nails? Why not. But surely one of Reznors great instrumentals then. He could create a surrealistic atmosphere. Whatever. The day the movie is shown on any theater will be a good one. I don't think I'll be that lucky.

-- (danijel_peek_a_boo242@hotmail.com), May 12, 2001.

Hello Drew, I'm David Agopian, humble fan of the Aeon Flux series. Me and my g/f really dig the neo-punk-gothic adult cartoon. The first series had no vocals which caused it to fall back onto the musical score to help convey the dialog. I always loved the music. So intricate and eerie. I am a hobby musician, hopefully to be semi-pro soon. I bought a 2nd hand K2000, and loaded up some patches. One called "NOO Rezzys" and "NOO Chimelike" sound so much like your wobbly, fm lead that I was wondering if you used a kurzweil for this sound. Did you?

David

PS: your socal.rr addy no longer works?!?

-- David (gearless2000@yahoo.com), November 04, 2001.