Overwatch Animated Short Films

Now that awards season has graciously come to a close, I've been meaning to make a post about all the amazing films I worked on this last year as a staff audio engineer, and scoring stage manager for Seattle Music at the Bastyr Chapel Scoring Stage.  I promise that post will finally be coming soon as it is long overdue.

For now, check out the video above for this first episode in a series of animated promotional shorts by Blizzard for their upcoming franchise, Overwatch.  I've been lucky enough to record many orchestra sessions now for nearly all of Blizzard's catalog of games, and they've always been a total blast.  These films are no exception.

Blizzard's in-house composers are the absolute real deal.  Both, Neal Acree and Russell Brower were especially kind to toss me some notation tips during session downtime, and I couldn't have appreciated it more.  

Best job in the world!

-Dave

This Unruly Mess I've Made

As I've previously written, much of my last year was spent working with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on their follow up to 2012's massive, The Heist.  A large amount of the album was recorded at my home base, London Bridge Studio, and the credits list alone reads like an inventory of dear friends, epic late nights, and incredible memories.  I highly urge you all to pick up a copy, and give it a listen when you have some time.

This Unruly Mess I've Made is now available on iTunes and Spotify.

-Dave

Windowpane - Self Titled Album Release - January 16th

Over the summer I spent several weeks as the engineer at London Bridge Studio recording the newest album by Seattle rock band, Windowpane with legendary producer, Brett Eliason.  The guys were incredibly fun to work with, and Brett was a fount of knowledge the entire session.  Every day since I appreciate how open Brett was to teaching me how to be a better producer/engineer.  I can honestly say it was one of my fondest experiences as house engineer at the Studio.

Windowpane made news last year for financing their record through Kickstarter, and successfully crowd-funding over $23,000.  The video linked above is a short, "behind-the-scenes" of that whole process.  Be sure to check out the handsome pianist at 4:45.  Tonight the band also released a full length documentary, and I myself am settling in to give it a watch right now.  You can check that out on their official youtube channel here.

On January 16th, the band will host an album release party for the self-titled record, Windowpane, at Showbox Market downtown Seattle.  Here is a link to the facebook event where you can also buy tickets.  

-Dave

Beyond This Point - Civilization

Civilization is a Seattle-based design firm that, over the last several months, I have been working with closely creating a design-focused podcast series titled, Beyond This Point.  Hosted by Civilization's Creative Director, Gabriel Stromberg, the first several episodes feature many notable designers from around the world.  

While I engineered the episodes, the series has been produced by acclaimed Seattle Producer, and endlessly huggable buddy, Erik Blood (Shabazz Palaces, THEESatisfaction).

Although the first few episodes launched earlier this week, the Civilization crew and I just returned from Hong Kong's Business of Design Week (BODW), where we interviewed some pretty incredible people from all across the spectrum of design.  

BEYOND THIS POINT PODCAST

-Dave

Destiny: The Taken King

Several months ago I began working as a house engineer, and scoring stage manager for Seattle Music in their chapel studio at Bastyr University.  I will tell you that recording 70-piece orchestras in a cathedral for large budget films, and video games is as amazing as it is terrifying.  From where I sit I often fear that I might sneeze, and end up costing somebody $1,000.  Small price to pay for the best seat in the house, though, and kind of a dream come true.

My very first session at the chapel was for Bungie's new Destiny DLC, The Taken King.  Not a bad way to be broken in by any means.  The expansion gets released tonight at midnight, so if you have the means to play it, I urge you to do so.

Damien

About a year ago I had the chance to work with my dear friend, and amazing Seattle director and animator, Marcy Stone-Francois.  The project brought us to the incredible, Auburn Youth Resources, where we interviewed several homeless youth.  Marcy then animated this gorgeous video for one of those interviews.  Without a doubt, this was the most humbling session I've ever been a part of.  

Be sure to click the links to check out more of Marcy, and Auburn Youth Resources.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis "Downtown"

Had the honor of being assistant engineer on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' new record many times over the last several months.  The video for one of my favorites was released today.  Check it out!

Oh What A Difference A Year Makes

Hopefully I'll be a bit better about upkeep around this place in the future.  Over the last year I was hired on as an engineer at Seattle's London Bridge Studio, and in addition maintain a small studio on the premises where I continue to compose all of my projects.  

Over the last year I've been lucky enough to work with so many artists ranging from Hey Marseilles, to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Young Thug, The Shins, and even Queensryche!  There are so many great stories and talented people I've had the honor of working along side, and I apologize for not keeping a better log of it.  

Over the next few weeks I'll be trotting out some of the highlights, but for now, here is a performance from a very talented young artist, Otieno Terry, that I was very lucky to be a part of.  

-Dave

Drunk On Knowledge!

It's been a crazy month, and I'm very happy to report that the film I scored for the Seattle leg of the 48 Hour Film Project has won the audience award for our screening!  Check it out!  Then after you're done hobble on over to Film Vandals, and let them know how great you think they are for pulling such an amazing and hilarious film out of their collective asses in mere hours.

If you're in the Seattle area next week, and want to tell them all in person be sure to pick up some tickets to the Seattle 48HFP Awards Screening at SIFF Uptown Cinema!

 

Thomas Marriott

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thomasmarriott.net

Had the honor of producing a session today in the studio with trumpeter, Thomas Marriott.  Thomas has played with everyone from Maynard Ferguson, and Tito Puente to Charlie Hunter, and Deltron 3030 over the years, so it was a pretty spectacular experience to see him work.  If you happen to be in Seattle this Saturday he has a show coming up with Marc Seales Band at Tula's nightclub downtown.  I highly urge you to go check him out.  www.thomasmarriott.net