Post by Josh McLaughlin on Oct 14, 2011 5:45:34 GMT -5
How do you measure success? I would argue that releasing albums successfully worldwide, composing for TV series and sharing stages with the likes of Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Fergie, Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), Nickelback, Seether, Lifehouse and countless others as being successful! Todd Burman has done all of the above, and so much more! To put this into a little perspective, in early 2009 I saw Todd's old band Juke Kartel play in the small town of Traralgon, Australia. Just over a year later, I saw them again playing to a packed crowd in Hollywood, California!
Todd has graciously taken some time from his busy schedule to talk to Diary of the Rockstar about his experiences as a musician, acting roles, composing for films, AFL and more!
Hey Todd, how's life in L.A. treating you?
Hey Josh! L.A is treating me well, thanks for asking!
I take it you were pretty gutted about the Magpies loss in the AFL Grand Final? Is it hard to keep track of and watch AFL over in the 'States? I take it most Americans don't have a clue what the sport is?
Yeah, I am very passionate Magpie supporter and always go to the matches when I am home. It's really hard to watch it over here, but I always read up on everything online so I know how the boys are going!! The Yanks dont have much of a clue at all about the game but I am teaching them whats it's about. When they see the game, without the pads they wear in the NFL, they lose their minds; converting them one by one!
Yeah, I suppose it's a tad different to the suits of armour NFL players wear on the field, haha! You've been keeping yourself very busy composing for a TV series pilot. Care to elaborate how this opportunity came about, and what exactly it is?
I've just finished composing the TV pilot. It's for a show based around zombies and laced with great humour, think Zombieland meets Evil Dead. A good friend of mine approached me about writing for the show which turned into me composing the whole pilot. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do musically! Its a completely different world to traditional songwriting, as you are scoring to picture and bringing the final mood and feel to compliment the visual element. It was a big challenge for me and I am stoked that I got the opportunity to push myself. It makes me appreciate the knowledge I have already learnt with songwriting, and helps me push further.
Great! I love anything to do with zombies! Can't wait to hear more about it. Have you always been interested in film work? You actually recently acted in a film project. Will you be doing more acting work in the future, or do you plan on sticking to the writing and composing side of film?
Josh, no there are no ambitions to further any acting, my friend!!!!!!! A friend of mine was after an Aussie to play the part and I already had the look down pat with the long hair so it wasn't much of a stretch!! I played the lead "Scotty Rebel"; its a brilliant concept and the director was very talented and it was a great experience. They are using two of my songs in the film which I am very humbled and excited about!
That's great to hear! Lastly, since leaving Juke Kartel last year, have you had any other band projects in the works? I know many of us are aching to hear you shredding again!
The composing and scoring is definitely one thing I want to keep doing. I love instrumental music, I always have. I am a huge fan of Joe Satriani and I love Operatic music and how it can move you with no vocal melodies. Music has been around for centuries in many different forms and I love hearing all the colours and different instrumentation, It fascinates me.
I have been doing a bunch of session work, I honestly dont see myself going back into band work, Josh, I was pretty burnt out. I love creating music and being in the studio and my enjoyment comes from writing. Being a full-time songwriter is my passion now. I have already worked with many different artists and written and produced for them, which has been such a wonderful experience for me. I have always been about the songs Josh and whether its composing, songwriting or session work so long as I am pushing myself to further my career, I am happy!
I can fully understand that and it's great to see you challenging yourself as you keep moving forward in the industry! Thanks for your time, Todd. All the best with your compositions, and other future projects! I hope you have a great time in Alaska as well!
I extremely humbled to be going on tour in Alaska with guys from Matchbox 20 and Lifehouse, they are phenomenal players and I look forward to the experience and seeing what the world has in store for me next year!! All the best Josh, good luck with everything!
Check out Todd's website at www.toddburman.com