Imagination is Your Instrument

Interview with David Holmes

It’s impossible to interrupt David Holmes when he’s talking about music. Just by the way he expresses himself and his animated gestures, you can tell his life is fuelled with passion and dominated by music.

Dressed in a blue hooded top and jeans, the frizzy-haired DJ, producer, and film composer is ready for a quick chat before attending "Listening to David Holmes," a workshop presented by Volkswagen. Holmes’s rule of thumb for music-making is, well? that there are no rules. "People always get caught up by the technical side [of music] but it’s not important. Music is about ideas, your feeling, and how you get that across," he says. "It’s real, honest, something that comes from your heart. You should love music per se, not take it as a job." Holmes, who turns 35 on Valentine’s Day, began as a fifteen-year-old DJ in his hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland. As the youngest of ten children from an ordinary family, he had to create something for fun, and music was his choice.

His career took off in 1995 with his debut album, "The Film’s Crap, Let’s Slash the Seats." A number of tracks have been licensed to TV shows and films. In 1997 he was hired to compose the score for Resurrection Game. He has since written music for Hollywood movies like Out of Sight and Ocean’s 11.

Critics describe his music as cinematic. Unlike many musicians, Holmes doesn’t have a problem with the label. In fact, he believes that music and film are similar in nature. "Both are like taking people on a journey, creating a new dynamic and atmosphere. Music is a reflection of life’s experience and emotions, and film is based on real life," he declares.

When it comes to writing a film score, getting involved with production early is the most important. "I begin by reading the script, and having meetings with the director. Then more information and emotions build up in your mind," says Holmes. A good relationship with the director and sound designer is essential. But working with someone who is willing to listen to your ideas is more vital than anything, maintains the composer.

Aspiring composers look up to David Holmes. Asked if he has any special advice for them, he responds: "Imagination is your instrument. Be open-minded. Don’t concentrate on only one genre. There is always great music to be derived from different genres."

Vivienne Chow