February 23, 2023
Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece
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February 23, 2023
HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.
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February 21, 2023
Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe
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February 21, 2023
Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...
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February 20, 2023
Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im
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February 23, 2023
Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s
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February 18, 2023
Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has
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February 17, 2023
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the
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February 14, 2023
The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close
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February 14, 2023
What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
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February 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
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February 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
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The Maestro Behind the Music
Ramin Djawadi, a German composer of Iranian descent, has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential composers in Hollywood, particularly through his work on the HBO series "Game of Thrones." Born in 1974 in Duisburg, he moved to the United States in 1998 to attend Berklee College of Music. Djawadi's talent quickly caught the attention of Hans Zimmer, with whom he collaborated on several projects, setting the stage for his future successes.
Breakthrough with "Game of Thrones"
Djawadi's work on "Game of Thrones" began in 2011, after the show's creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, approached him following a recommendation from David Goyer, with whom Djawadi had worked on "Blade: Trinity." His compositions for the series are celebrated for their complex character themes and the rich, atmospheric layers that deeply enhance the visual storytelling. The main title theme, known for its powerful cello lead, is particularly iconic, immediately evoking the expansive world of Westeros and its intricate political and emotional landscapes.
Artistic Style and Influence
Djawadi's approach to the "Game of Thrones" score is notable for its minimalistic yet profoundly resonant style. He often employs unconventional instruments and techniques, such as the use of the hammered dulcimer and the creation of specific themes for different characters and houses, which evolve over time. This thematic development mirrors the arcs of the characters and the unfolding drama, deepening the audience's emotional and narrative engagement.
His music not only underscores scenes but often propels the storytelling forward, a technique seen in pivotal sequences such as "The Light of the Seven," which plays during the explosive finale of the show's sixth season. This track exemplifies Djawadi's skill in building tension and delivering dramatic payoffs through his compositions, using a haunting piano motif that was uncharacteristic for the show until that point, reflecting the scene's shocking developments.
Legacy and Impact
Ramin Djawadi's contributions to "Game of Thrones" have earned him critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy nominations, and his music has become integral to the series' identity. The soundtrack's success has also led to the "Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience," a touring concert featuring music from the series, which Djawadi himself has conducted, bringing the show's musical elements to life for audiences worldwide.
His work extends beyond "Game of Thrones," with scores for other films and series like "Westworld," "Iron Man," and "Pacific Rim," but it is his work on the fantasy series that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Djawadi's ability to evoke such a strong sense of place and mood has made him a pivotal figure in modern cinematic music, setting a high bar for television scoring and establishing a new standard for how music can enhance and elevate storytelling.
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