bonniegrrl | Welcome to Planet Duran Duran

When Star Wars debuted in theaters in 1977, special effect techniques and epic storytelling were transformed forever. A year later when Duran Duran formed, their synth-heavy electronic sounds, story-driven songs and elaborate music videos would help to create a brand new music genre where visuals where just as essential as the songs themselves. Duran Duran keyboardist Nick Rhodes talks with StarWars.com about the profound influence Star Wars, as well as other sci-fi and fantasy films, has had on the band, and why with their latest record Red Carpet Massacre they continue to explore futuristic themes while evolving musically.

A lot of Duran Duran's music has been used in films (A View to a Kill, Donnie Darko, The Saint, Old School, Monster, Layer Cake, Tequila Sunrise), so what are some of your own thoughts on how a musical score can help a film resonate with an audience as in John Williams' music score for the Star Wars films?

John Williams' music was perfect for the films. It was just the right choice of composer. Obviously, Lucas knew exactly what he wanted and I can't imagine now anyone else having done it better. The opening scene has become one of the most famous pieces of music in film history. I don't think there are that many people out there that couldn't sing you that; which is a real achievement now because a lot of film music does tend to drift into the background. But this was right up front and grand and evoked a theme of adventure.

I also think something that's worth mentioning is the sound effects in the films. That for me was a huge part of the experience. I come from a background with synthesizers where I spend half my time coming up with sounds; and finding ways to make things sound different and how to use them within music. So I was hugely appreciative of the sound of the lightsaber. The first time I heard it, it made me wish I had one. [laughs] I wish I could take that sound everywhere with me. It would be extremely useful.

Read the full interview here:
Welcome to Planet Duran Duran