Star Trek: Lower Decks, S1E9 (2020) with composer Chris Westlake
Summary
Composer Chris Westlake discusses his score for Star Trek: Lower Decks, focusing on the cinematic "Crisis Point" episode. He details the challenge of recording a 50-piece orchestra remotely during the pandemic and later conducting live sessions. Westlake explains his process of writing themes and sitcom transitions, emphasizing how the show’s serious musical approach enhances its comedic tone. The conversation also touches on his friendship with creator Mike McMahan and his background in Star Wars trailer music.
Topics discussed
Intro: Recording mishap and episode preview
How Chris Westlake and Mike McMahan became friends
The Lower Decks theme song and Star Trek fandom
Writing process, lead time, and the live orchestra
Orchestra size and the Cerritos theme
Recording during COVID: Remote orchestration
Assembling the orchestra and veteran musicians
Working from home and the pandemic experience
Compositional influences and favorite Star Trek media
Favorite composers and returning to live recording
Conducting sessions: Union rules and workflow
The role of the conductor in film scoring
Collaborating with musicians and learning from them
Sight-reading and the quality of live takes
Take selection and the 'let them get it' philosophy
Mock-ups vs. live orchestra and production value
Season fatigue and hopes for a movie or revival
Favorite characters and the Lower Decks motif
Proof of concept scenes and network approval
Comparing Lower Decks to other Trek animated series
Outro: Star Wars teaser and credits
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