Syfy’s hit zombie show “Z Nation” kicks off its 3rd season September 16 at 8/7c with a two-hour premiere. In preparation for the premiere we decided to catch up with the show’s composer, Jason Gallagher, whom not only creates the music for the show but can also be heard on the show’s main title sequence singing “Have Mercy.” Read the full interview here:
-How is Season 3 going to be different musically then the first two seasons?
The music for season 3 is going to have a similar palette as the first two seasons, but I'm turning up the volume a bit. I have a few new analogue toys that will contribute to the sound, including a Critter & Guitari bass synth. I also had to tackle a few new genres, like opera. Definitely a first for me!
-What are you looking forward to most with Season 3?
Pushing the limits. I want the music to get weird this season. The three word phrase taped on my desk for inspiration is "thick, rich, and nasty," which would also be a good band name now that I think about it.
-What character have you enjoyed scoring the most?
Murphy is my perennial favorite. He always gives an equally creepy and hilarious performance so it's easy to find the hook with him. But Citizen Z is the most complex, he's always in a more desperate situation, and it's usually just D.J. on screen doing an amazing job of being this lonely guy, so musically that can be pretty rich.
-Before beginning this show were you a fan of zombie shows/films?
I wasn't a super fan by any means. I had never been to Comic Con before going for this show. But I was a big fan of movies like 28 Days Later and the remake of Dawn of the Dead. My buddy Michael Kelly is in that one, we used to play in a band together.
-What has been your favorite death on the series so far?
Musically, Garnett's death was my favorite score. It was the first major character's death in the series, so I really wanted to dig in and find the right piece of music and the right instrument for that one. A resonator guitar plays the main part in that, it just felt right.
-Is there a particular sound/instrument that you have found yourself using more of this season?
I do find myself using less and less guitar. I think that's making room for other sounds like a mangled Wurlitzer, and layered vocals.
-Cut to Season 6, where do you see the characters/story going?
First of all, we'd be so fortunate to be able to do this show for 6 seasons, let's hope that happens! As for the characters? I would want them to find some kind of cure or alternate universe so they could finally get to take a nice shower. Like in Lost when they finally got to go home, it was just nice to see them in some clean clothes. Doc could use some fresh threads, let's hope he finds them...
You can learn more about Jason at http://www.jasongallagher.net/.
Written by rand01 on Aug 30, 2016
He should just copy the music from other successful TV shows.