How a Music Director Shapes the Biggest Live TV Moments w/ Ray Chew
Summary
Billboard’s Kristen Robinson interviews music director Ray Chu about his role in creating live arrangements for Dancing with the Stars and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Chu details his weekly process of “unbaking” hit songs to deconstruct their elements for live performance, balancing the needs of choreographers, production teams, and audiences. The conversation also covers his extensive career history, from session musician to TV music director, and highlights the logistical challenges of managing live broadcasts, including contingency plans for technical failures and the intricate w…
Topics discussed
Sponsorships: Propel, LinkedIn, and Uber Eats
Introduction to Ray Chu and Dancing with the Stars
The role of a music director in live TV
Deconstructing songs and the weekly prep process
Audio mixing, choreography, and live performance notes
Working with diverse contestants and unexpected talents
Musical nuances and the evolution of the show
Streaming impact and the day-of performance timeline
Rehearsal schedule and the value of live musicians
Early career: Law & Order and the Apollo Theater
Behind the scenes of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
Live broadcast challenges and technical failures
Longevity in the industry and genre versatility
Music clearance and the Wicked Night production
First call musicians and the jingle industry
Working with Alicia Keys and career resilience
Creative inspiration and the Carnegie Hall event
Meeting Quincy Jones and the importance of craft
Mentoring youth and the impact of social media on music
Super Bowl production and the music director as therapist
Game segment: Favorite songs and final cues
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