Check out our latest behind the scenes video with the super talented hip-hop artist and all around good guy Mantra. This is our most extensive video update yet, and Mantra takes us through the process of creating some of Play It Safe's original music, the relationship between improvised music and acting, as well as the music video for his track "The Fear" which was created by the core creative team behind Play It Safe.
Recording The Band
On Sunday we hit Blank Tape Studios to record a bunch of music for Play It Safe! I'm listening to the tracks right now, and I have to say that it's a very surreal experience! I've been talking to Nathan and Oscar about these songs for more than a year now and to finally have them sitting on my computer is just incredible.
Fundraising Gig
A few weeks ago we held our first fundraising event featuring an awesome collection of bands and comedians. On the music side we had Yes/No/Maybe, Mike Kay, The Fox Party, and King Armadillo. On the comedy side, we had John Conway, Neil Sinclair, Dave Quirk, Simon Keck, and our very own Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall on hosting duties. Everyone was absolutely amazing and I definitely recommend you check all these guys out if you haven't seen them before.
Band Rehearsals
I'm very excited right now (even more excited than normal) because tomorrow morning we head into the studio to record the music for Play It Safe! From Play It Safe's inception, music has been a huge part of the film. Nathan began working on ideas for the soundtrack late last year and Mantra came on board early this year. As you can imagine, these songs have had a lot of work put into them and I just can't wait to hear the final products!
Nathan Liow Trio - Procession
We recently put together a fun little video for our amazing composer (and all around great guy) Nathan Liow. I've been a big fan of Nathan's work for many years now and it was a real pleasure to work with him on this video. We ended up recording a live version of his song "Procession" with his trio (featuring Adam Spiegl on double bass, and Justin Olsson on drums), which is one of my alltime favourite songs of his. I think it's absolutely breataking and I can't wait to debut some of his new music on the soundtrack to Play It Safe.
Competition: Spot The Reference
In the photos below I can count at least 14 clearly visible references to the local music scene. The first person to guess at least 10 will win a FREE digitial copy of the film once it's finished. Be specific, if it's an album can you name both the artist and album title? If you can guess all 14 then we'll give you an even better prize! (I don't know what it is yet, but I promise it will be good!)
Recording MC Jibber Jabber
A couple of weeks ago we recorded the final version of a song Jamie (Nicholas Kato) and his housemate Jefferson (Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall) make up while drunk one night. The recording session was tons of fun and half the time Nathan, Al, and I were just laughing at how stupid the whole thing is. (Don't worry, it's actually supposed to be stupid.)
MC Jibber Jabber
A while back I cast Melbourne comedian Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall in the role of Jefferson, who is the best friend and housemate of the protagonist Jamie. Al is a very funny guy and working with him has been absolutely hilarious. For the last few weeks I've been working with him on a song that Jeff and Jamie will perform (when drunk one night in their living room) late in the film. I'm totally stoked with how the track is turning out and I can't way to record the final version. I don't want to give away too much info about the song just yet, but for now here are a few photos of Al in action:
Who The Fuck Is Mantra?
Check out this new joint from the one and only Mantra. I can't wait to share the music he's got cooking for Play It Safe!
Working On Demos With Nathan & Mantra
About a month ago I mentioned that one of my favourite Australian musicians had signed on to work on Play It Safe. At long last I can now reveal that our mystery musician in none other than Mantra. In my opinion, Mantra is one of the best MCs (if not the best MC) in Australia. I've been a fan of his work for a long long time and it is an absolute honour to have him involved in Play It Safe. He will not only be working on the soundtrack, but he will actually be appearing in the film as well!