Diane Warren and Alex Somers discuss Beatles impact and unique composition for Film Song and Score roundtable

Highlighting the artistry behind film music is always a centerpiece of our awards season coverage, and the "Meet the Experts: Song and Sound" panel was no exception. Esteemed songwriter Diane Warren and acclaimed composer Alex Somers shared insights into their recent projects and creative processes during an engaging discussion.

Both artists had recently attended the 16th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) before joining the panel. Somers, nominated for his score for Rental Family, described Warren's table at the event as the "cool kids table," while Warren, who won for her song "Dear Me" from her documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, expressed her enjoyment of being surrounded by fellow film music enthusiasts. "We spend most of our time alone, creating music. Being in a room with peers who share the same passion is incredible," she said.

The conversation covered early musical influences, favorite aspects of the creative process, and the use of unconventional tools like Walkmans in modern music-making. Somers recalled his childhood exposure to The Beatles, describing how family harmonies and the bands complex melodies shaped his love for music. Warren shared her own formative moment, witnessing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, and how that experience inspired a lifelong devotion to songwriting.

Warren also recounted collaborating with Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney on her song "Here's to the Nights," reflecting on the enduring impact of The Beatles across generations. Somers highlighted the bands pioneering approach to studio experimentation, which influenced his own methods of composing and sound design.

When discussing their creative processes, both emphasized the joy of completing a project and hearing it come to life. Warren enjoys developing ideas and seeing them through to completion, especially when the challenge is great. Somers values the intuitive, experimental side of creating music, where initial ideas can evolve organically through studio play and sound manipulation.

The panel also touched on the challenges and opportunities in the current music and film landscape. Warren stressed that despite changes in technology and streaming, the quality of the song remains paramount. Somers noted that while financial pressures make it harder for musicians to thrive, the industry still holds opportunities for experimentation and community-driven collaborations.

Both artists spoke about the significance of music in film. Warren described her process of writing songs that evoke the emotions she wants audiences to feel, while Somers shared how he experiments with sound and music in unexpected ways, such as creating tension through unconventional field recordings in Nickel Boys.

Ultimately, the discussion highlighted their shared passion for music, innovation, and collaboration in film, showcasing how inspiration from legendary artists like The Beatles continues to shape contemporary songwriting and composition.

Author: Lucas Grant