I never used to pay much attention to soundtracks.
Not soundtracks made of pop songs. I mean the orchestral or instrumental kind developed to evoke specific moods. Some people refer to it as background music.
But now that I’m writing the music for The Eureka Room programs, I really see the power in them. And how difficult they are to make in some situations.
“What sounds good with a blue circle that keeps expanding and contracting”?”
“What music goes well with an erupting turkey volcano?”
“What music inspires people to high five?”
The music can complement what’s happening, explain what’s happening, or help people anticipate what will happen next (or misdirect them to create surprises)
I’ve found myself going about my day asking “If I was going to write some instrumental music for what I’m doing right now, what would it sound like?
What instruments accompany me on my walk? Is the tempo fast or slow when brushing my teeth? Is the music layered or simple when I’m getting in my car? Are there drums when I do the dishes? Is it loud or quiet when I’m getting the mail? Is this armchair melodic or dischordant? What are the dynamic changes while making coffee?
It might be fun to have a museum or experience center where a visitor wears headphones and walks through an everyday house as they hear the soundtrack to each action and item.