SOURCES:
Despecialized edition
Original singles/tracks

I’ve created a pop music soundtrack for the Despecialized Edition (2.5) of Star Wars IV: A New Hope.

It all started one Sunday afternoon when I pictured one or two songs playing over the famous dogfights Top Gun style, couldn’t get it out of my head, so put a track in sync with the action and blew my own mind… and by midnight that night I had programmed music for the entire film

I wanted to go old-school, which is why I chose the Despecialized Edition as my base: the songs are very evocative of a time, and I wanted the edit of the film to reflect that time.

Here’s the magic part:

There is ONE fade-out at the credits, but once the film starts, every track that plays is allowed to play out in full over or under the action and dialogue (with volumes for each adjusted where appropriate). No edits, just song after song neatly fitting into Star Wars like they always belonged there.

I’ve been a superfan of Star Wars since the original movie in 1977 when I was 7 years old, and I was a DJ for over a decade in my youth, but neither of these facts can sufficiently explain the extent to which these tracks fit into this film.

Music featured is from the dawn of the 70s to the dusk of the 80s featuring Joan Armatrading, Billy Ocean, Bon Jovi, Depeche Mode, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Guns & Roses, Hall & Oates, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney & Wings, Pet Shop Boys, Prince, Queen, REO Speedwagon, the Rolling Stones and more.

Previous to now I have only ever ‘performed’ this by playing the tracks and adjusting the levels live over/with the film for an audience.

Now I’ve created a proof-of-concept edit that is shareable. No-one has seen it yet.

My next step, well, I wanted to discuss my art with you wonderful people after introducing myself with this short sample from the project:
https://vimeo.com/466177036

password: starwars4d

I’d welcome any feedback and thoughts, and likely need some help and guidance. I am an old hand at the internets but very new here.