Louis Weeks is an award-winning, critically acclaimed composer. He’s scored films that have taken top honors at some of the nation’s biggest independent film festivals and made music for some of the most recognized brands in the world, including Google, McDonald's, Snapchat, American Express, and many more; and his projects have garnered mentions from NPR, The Washington Post, AdWeek, and The New York Times Critics' Pick.
When did the journey start for you?
I was eight years old when I found my father’s Casio keyboard and was obsessed with the Strings 2 preset.
Who are some composers/artists you pull inspiration from?
The three B’s: Brian Eno, Bjork, and Bach. Brian Eno inspires me to slow my work down and simplify. Bjork inspires me to create with courage. Bach has every voice-leading, harmony, bass line, and arrangement inspiration I could ever need.
What's the strangest method you've used to get the perfect sound?
I was hired to play synths and sound design on a record, but I wasn’t getting enough high-end excitement out of the synths I was making so the producer and I went into the kitchen, fried an egg, recorded its sizzle, and sent it through a vocoder.
What's your favorite piece of gear in your studio?
Anything that infuses a little chaos into the process. The studio setting can get prescriptive and creatively predictable at times, so I love it when a piece of gear inspires a happy accident. Sometimes it’s a prepared piano (erasers, or coins, or cloth up against the strings), sometimes a randomly assigned knob on a synth. Lean into the chaos, and embrace the frontier!
Is there a piece of music you're most proud of?
My first record, shift/away will always be special to me.
Other than your studio, where does inspiration most often strike? (or rather "Where is the second most common place you come up with ideas?")
I’m most inspired when I’m on the move - walking, running, hiking, or even driving. There’s something about being in motion that makes me think clearer, and associate more freely.
What's your favorite score of all time?
Bernard Herrmann’s Vertigo.
Who is your dream composer dinner guest and why?
Randy Newman! Nobody writes a song like Randy, and his scores are treasures.
What's the oddest job you've ever had?
Hand model for a fast-food commercial.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“All great accomplishments require great vulnerability.” I often think of this advice when I need to muster more generosity and courage.