NFS: Hello Dennis! Netflix has created some great travelogue shows, I love Filipinos It feels like a particularly unique opportunity to showcase a particular culture for a global audience. As a Filipino woman, what does it mean to you to be part of such a show?
Dennis Santos: I totally agree. I love Filipinos We captured something very special about Philippine culture and surpassed what is commonly known about us. This is one of those projects that I was able to show up as authentic as possible. I was born and raised in the Philippines and have lived in Los Angeles for 11 years. It was an opportunity to embrace my legacy and roots, combining it with my training in Hollywood. It meant translating my real self into music, and merely being me.
NFS: Tell us about your important creative considerations in shaping the scores for the series and how you worked to incorporate elements of Philippine culture.
DS: When I was still living and working in the Philippines, I had the opportunity to record samples of native Filipino instruments for films that scored early in my career. Main creative concepts of I love Filipinos The score was to create a clear hybrid of Philippine music. Finally, this was my chance to take advantage of the sample that I've been sitting on my hard drive for a long time! Think of gongs, bamboo percussion instruments, bamboo flutes mixing beats, guitars and orchestras. I played a lot of guitar parts myself, but it was also really important to involve Filipino musicians. So in the score you can also hear Linraba on the guitar (who also wrote additional music) and Angelo Aronte, Aida Anita Delmando on the violin, Maria Colazon Reyes on the viola, and Giancarlo Castri Logonzales on the cello.
Dennis Santos Credit: John Achley
NFS: Are there any unique instruments or tools you used for your score?
DS:This is a very small detail, but I created my own shaker using uncooked rice inside an old pill bottle. My former colleague showed me this trick years ago, but I thought it was perfect to recreate this score, especially in episodes featuring food. I also used a spoon and fork (smack each other) as an additional percussive sound. Most of the Philippine dining experience includes three things: rice, spoons and forks. And I wanted to get a bit meta and enjoy those sounds and incorporate them into my score.
I also used a two-way Filipino lute called a Hegaron It was custom built for me by a friend in the Philippines. It has a very interesting metallic sound and when used for lead melody it fits beautifully into the mix. I've used it previously as a rhythmic element in projects outside the Philippines, but this time it was a very natural fit into the context of the show, so it sparkled as a lead.
NFS: I'm interested in your background as an in-house composer who bleeds the fingers in Hans Zimmer's company. Do you have any favorite memories from that experience and have you learned that you continue to use your musical approach today?
DS: There are so many wonderful memories there! I definitely got an Emmy back then back in my time. But it was just cake icing. Cake was a small daily interaction with a former colleague. Being in the same space as the best in the industry and experiencing their company while navigating work challenges is a very rare opportunity. It was a pool of talent, resources and inspiration that I was able to swim every day.
One of my favorite memories is simply walking through the hall and listening to muffled pieces and music that come from different rooms. That feeling and energy are irreplaceable.
Another favorite memory is when we share our meals together. Often, it was just absurd for the relief of the comics, but there were days when we spent time sharing ideas, tips, technical discoveries, etc. I made many lifelong friends there. That's not what I met my husband, it's the extremely talented composer himself!
I learned a lot during that time. I think it's the scoring of the film masters I never could take. I learned the delicate art of writing themes and creating big music and Sonic ideas to boost my score. Every project we worked on pushed us to think outside the box. We were always trained to take things a step further, but that's the way of thinking I have with me now.
NFS: What is the difference in scoring in the travel series? I love Filipinos And the nature series like Primates or Wolf Island in the Sea?
DS: Since I love Filipinos It's a travel series with fewer talking head moments and story elements, giving you more opportunities to write tracks that you can stand on your own. It felt like writing an instrumental song soundtrack rather than traditional sheet music.
On the other hand, it's like a documentary of nature Primates and Wolf Island in the Sea Chasing animals in their natural habitats, they naturally have storylines. Like how they search for food and care for relatives. The music I wrote for them helped me to support those stories significantly and move the stories forward. For example, when following the different movements of the animal, you hear more start and stops in the music. In a way, I felt that writing for a natural documentary was closer to writing for animation.
NFS: Are there other genres or media you would like to create a score?
DS:Ah, I think this list is endless! I'm currently co-score Romcom with my husband, so I'm finally off the list (for now). Beyond that, I would absolutely want to compose for more drama and dark comedy.
But ultimately, if the story or topic is persuasive, genre ideas will come out the window. For me, it all starts with whether I feel connected to the story, the filmmaker, and the message of the film. My artistic dream is to have a variety of portfolios with good storytelling and consistent throop lines of passionate people behind the work.
NFS: Thank you, Dennis! Is there anything else you would like to add about my love for Filipinos and your whole career?
DSI love Filipinos It was a dream project and a labor of love for all of us who worked on it. I hope more people around the world see it and feel the dedication that creators have put into it. Available on Netflix Worldwide, the score album is available on all music streaming platforms.
As for me, I'm working on some exciting projects that I can't very Please talk yet – but follow me on Instagram @denthantoth for cute pictures of my dog!
