I guess the first obstacle was getting hired! Kevin and I wrote about 12 pieces of music back in 2021, while the creator Mattson was still writing the show. Originally, Production IG in Japan had no intention of hiring an American composer, but they had started using our music as temp and animating to it, so in early 2023 (almost 2 years later) they decided to give us a shot. We were technically auditioning for the first episode, but once we found the sound during episode 1, we were brought in board officially.

Another obstacle was creating our version of the Terminator theme. It was scary to take on a project with such iconic, familiar theme music! We were inspired by Brad Fiedel’s T1 and T2 scores, but we wanted to take things in a more modern, darker direction. Our director wanted us to use Brad’s famous drum line, so we had to work that into our theme while still creating something new, unique, and true to the show. We tried about 5-6 grand, epic ideas that just weren’t hitting right. Eventually we decided to go in a moodier, more “existential dread” direction, using a melody line from one of our favorite cues in the show, It Will Never Be The Same. This melody was from our original demos and ended up being the backbone for the show.

We wanted to create a new sound for a new generation of Terminator, while also paying homage to the original Terminator films, specifically T1 and T2. We were inspired by the arpeggiated synths and metal hits of the original Terminator and used those elements to make the sound fit within the Terminator world. Other than that, we leaned towards a much more modern direction, and focused on the emotional drama of the series. To capture the feeling of existential dread that exists within the series, we started listening to a lot of Radiohead at the beginning of the writing process, which became a big influence for us. Additionally, we were also inspired by the dark and foreboding work of Johann Johannson (Sicario, Arrival) and Ben Frost (Dark), as well as anime films like Akira and Ghost in the Shell.

Working with my partner Kevin is always a very collaborative and fluid process. We usually start by jamming on ideas together, away from the computer if possible, to start to create the initial melodies and palettes. Once we really get into scoring to picture, we tend to trade on and off. We don’t split up cues, instead we trade on and off, editing each other until the cue reaches its best form. At this point we really don’t know who wrote what, which is actually extremely freeing and really takes the ego out of scoring.

I started working with friends who were making films and sought out every opportunity possible to work on indies! I also applied and was accepted into the SCL Mentorship program, which was an incredible learning experience. 

I also reached out to a couple of composers that I admired and asked if they’d be willing to have a quick call to talk about their careers. I’ll never forget, I reached out to Amanda Jones during peak of the pandemic in early 2020 and we ended up having an hour-long phone call that truly set me on the path. She shared with me about groups I should join (the AWFC being one of them), and just gave me some incredible insight into what it’s like to be a film composer. While everyone’s experience is different, it’s so helpful to hear about other people’s paths to success. I’ll always be grateful to her for her generosity of time and knowledge.

I believe that life influences art. In order for me to be truly creative, it’s important for me to fill my creative cup by getting out in the world and living life. It can be hard to step away from the computer during busy times, but when I do take breaks, I always come back fresher. I have ADHD and know that I work best in quick bursts, so during busy scoring periods I make sure that I am prioritizing exercise and hangs with friends. 

Co-composing with my husband Kevin also has an effect on work-life balance. In some ways it helps because we can trade on and off, so when I’m at the gym I know he’s home writing. But it’s also really easy for our work to take over our lives. When work starts becoming the only thing we talk about, I know it’s time to plan a date night or go for a hike together.