VIP Interview with Ron Danziger, composer of the soundtrack of the Short Film ‘Pie in the Sky’

Today, we introduce Ron Danziger the composer of the soundtrack of the short film ‘Pie in the Sky’. In this interview, we talk about Danziger’s background, and how his song and a special moment at the end of the video made us all float through space.

Hi there, Ron! You are a multifaceted composer, singer, and actor. How did you journey begin?

My journey began at the age of 12 when my father placed a guitar in my hands and introduced me to the music of his generation, the 60s and 70s. I fell in love with the whole spectrum of music from blues to musical theatre all the way to classical.

You are also a clinical research fellow at the Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment and the Center for Brain Mind Medicine at Harvard. With a background in medicine and neurology, how has your career shaped and influenced your approach to composing?

Both music and science are endeavors that people often think are diametrically opposed. One being more analytic and one being more strongly rooted in emotions. However, I feel that both are based in creative thinking and innovative boundary pushing. So, it really feels natural for me to be doing both!

You composed Pie in the Sky, working with lyrics by Christina Teenz Tan for Cosmic Rhapsody. How was this collaboration for you, and how did the lyrics inform your composition?

It’s easy to collaborate with Christina. She is my wife after all! We are often on the same wavelength and it’s easy to write music to her words as she often captures the genre of the music in the way she writes her lyrics. Pie in the Sky is very psychedelic rock, and this is reflected in Christina’s spacey lyrics.

Is there a connection—or perhaps an Easter egg—between Pie in the Sky and the Beatles’ song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds?

Not really an Easter egg but I guess they both share a psychedelic rock vibe. Both songs kind of make you feel as if you are floating through space.

The composer Ron Danziger and the official poster of ‘Pie in the Sky’

What inspired this song, and what message do you hope to communicate to the audience?

This song is part of the greater story behind cosmic rhapsody. This is the pivotal point in the story where our protagonists finally achieve their lofty dreams of launching into space. The message is even if a task seems unlikely and near impossible like a “Pie in the Sky” with innovative and responsible use of technology any goal can be realized.

The short film addresses pressing global issues, including loneliness, the relationship between humans and the cosmos, and the environment. How do you translate and convey these themes through music?

I try to use musical styles that are catchy, familiar and easy to listen to. This allows the listener to digest scientific messages that might otherwise be hard to understand when they are packaged in a more sterile, less creative way.

Can you name three composers or three soundtracks that have inspired you either while working on this film or more broadly in your work as a composer?

I’ve always enjoyed a good rock Opera. Three that come to mind are Tommy by the Who, Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Weber and the Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie.

Could you tell us more about the Alan Trilogy?

The Alan Trilogy tells the story of Christina, and her childhood plush toy turned AI companion, Alan. Christina and Alan go on a variety of adventures that tackle some of the big issues of today in a family friendly and thought-provoking way. The story explores everything from climate change to space exploration and even covers quantum mechanics and synthetic DNA!

In the short film, you propose to Christina Teenz. How was that moment for you, and what is it like to connect your personal and professional lives in this way?

It was always a natural connection as Christina is the lyricist and co-songwriter. The moment was absolutely incredible and historic as I proposed to Christina in Abbey Road Studio 1 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra playing our music. It was something I could have only dreamed of when we first met!

How was your experience working with a prestigious orchestra such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra?

It was incredible. That level of professionalism and talent is unparalleled. To see such brilliant musicians bring my music to life was truly a dream come true.

Considering recent developments, do you think AI is a threat to the film industry, or could it potentially serve as an ally?

One of the key messages of our story is about the responsible use of technology and channeling technology as a force for good. AI is happening no matter what, so it really depends on us a society having an honest conversation and ensuring that we create reasonable regulations that protect our human artists. That being said, I definitely see AI serving a complimentary role in art. It already serves a major role in the scientific research and big data analysis that I do every day!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? And what advice would you give to a young filmmaker?

I think the best advice I heard is “don’t care what other people think”. This seems counter intuitive as art is effectively created to be consumed by others, but I do ultimately think that being overly concerned with the opinions of others can be paralyzing and prevent honest and unfiltered creativity.

What’s next for you? What projects are you working on right now?

I have just been working on a single called “Timeless” born out of the ALAN project that has been recorded by Britain’s Got Talent alumni Tom Ball with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Check out our music video on YouTube!

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