Michele Soavi

I had a chat with Michele Soavi a few weeks back. We hadn't spoken for many years - I believe the last time was when he called and asked me to score 'Dellamorte Dellamore'. Sadly I was already committed to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in the States and I had to say no. I have always regretted that, as Michele is one of the finest directors to have come out of the Italian horror/giallo scene. I met him whilst I was working on 'Demons 2' with Dario Argento and Lamberto Bava. Michele has a cameo in 'Stage Fright' actually - as a young cop! He also has cameos in two other films I scored. A prize to the first person to name them!

I knew the film as 'Aquarius', it's Italian title at the time, but it seems to have accrued a record number of different titles in various countries, most notably 'Bloody Bird' in France. Very literall!

Anyway, Michele was kind enough to write a few words about my score for 'Stage Fright' for the current release available on clear vinyl or CD here in the SHOP. Thanks Michele!

'By 1987, Simon Boswell had already contributed fantastic music and songs to Dario Argento's 'Phenomena' and scored all of Lamberto Bava's 'Demoni II'. When it came to hiring a composer for 'Stage Fright', Simon came highly recommended and was my first choice. 'Stage Fright' (aka 'Aquarius', 'Deliria' and 'Bloody Bird'), was my first feature-length movie and has always held a special place in my heart. When I heard the 'Stage Fright' music I realised that Simon had matched my vision with something unique and fresh, combining his expertise in programming and playing synthesisers and samplers with his skills as a great guitarist. I love the way his classical roots rub shoulders with the distinctive 'thrashy' sound of 70's English punk music, dreamy synth landscapes and the programmed rhythms of the indie dance music that he produced so much of in the 80's. Altogether, this enabled him to compose a score that was very contemporary, hypnotic, scary and, when needed, both beautiful and aggressive. Here it is, for the first time on vinyl and CD since 1987. Enjoy it!'

Michele Soavi, July 2014