We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jack Oberkirsch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jack below.
Alright, Jack thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
At this point in my creative career, the most meaningful project that I’ve had the opportunity to work on has been writing the score for the full-length feature film, “A Song For Imogene” by Honey Head Films out of Wilmington, NC. This film was so incredible to work on because I was brought onto the project a full year before filming even took place. This allowed me to become enveloped in the film and its themes which was a massive help in finding the right musical direction for the film and creating a sound world around it. I was writing preliminary ideas and themes throughout the development of the film and this helped us to narrow in on what the score should be and what purpose it should serve. I’m very thankful to Erika Arlee, Kristi Ray, and the rest of the Honey Head team for giving me the chance to work on this film.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a musician, film composer, and audio engineer from Denver, CO. My musical journey began with learning the drums and guitar at a much younger age, leading to me playing in many different nationally touring bands over the years such as The Rotten Blue Menace, MOB, Screwtape, and The Consequence.
Several of these acts have also played some local shows at highly renowned venues such as The Gothic Theater, The Bluebird Theater, etc.
These days, however, my main focus is on film composition. My transition into working on music for film was a natural and gradual one that happened over time. As I got older, I started to realize how much I have always loved film music and decided to start learning the craft myself.
My understanding of music through the lens of a drummer/guitarist has lent me a unique musical composition and production style that has served me well in the films that I have scored.
When it comes to film composition, I have a huge toolkit of resources and instruments that I am able to pull from. This combined with modern music production tools allows me to write film scores of any style or genre to suit the needs of the project. I have a passion for developing my unique creative voice and it shows in the music that I write. You never know what an unexpected arrangement of instruments or sounds can bring to a film’s score.
This last year was a busy one for me as I scored two full-length feature films here in my Denver home studio, but I am looking forward to taking on many new scoring projects this year and beyond.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative and a film composer in particular is getting the chance to work with other brilliant creatives and contribute to projects that are bigger than anything you could do on your own.
When I take on a new film score, one of the most exciting parts is always working with the director to land on an arrangement and musical themes that work for the tone of the film. There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting a first theme approved by a film’s director!
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the main pivots in my creative journey has been my transition from touring and live performance into film composition. This was a huge change for me and one that came with its struggles.
Part of the reason that my focus shifted toward film composition is that relying on others to work as a unit often doesn’t work out. I needed a more consistent and reliable creative outlet.
Of course, I still play in several bands that perform live, it’s just not as big a part of my musical identity as it used to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jackoberkirsch27.wixsite.com/jackoberkirsch
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackoberkirschcompositions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jack.oberkirsch.7/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-oberkirsch-37155326b/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackOberkirsch
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/jackoberkirschmusic
Image Credits
The photographer for all pictures is ‘Connor Campbell’