Roland Bingaman started out on his musical journey from a very young age. His teenage years and most of his young adult life were spent singing and touring in an alt-rock band. After that, he transitioned into video production and began directing, filming, and editing commercials and music videos. The itch to get back into music was always inside of Roland so he began composing and producing music on the side. Now his days are spent composing, producing, and writing music.
Who are some composers/artists you pull inspiration from?
This always seems to be changing but the foundation of my musical influence has been Sigur Ros. That band opened my mind up to a form and beauty of music that I'd never heard. There was something so mystical, emotional, and textural to their music that a young lad who only ever listened to pop-punk and hardcore music had never experienced.
What's the strangest method you've used to get the perfect sound?
Anytime I make sounds using my voice it feels strange. I always have to warn my family that I'm about to record strange sounds and noises with my voice.
Which instrument(s) do you have the most fun playing?
Though I'm not very good at any particular instrument, I could sit at a piano and drums all day. Playing a real piano is so meditative for me whereas banging the heck out of a drum kit is therapeutic.
Is there a piece of music you're most proud of?
I have a track titled "Unbound" on my recent trailer album. I think that is a piece that I'm proud of because it felt like the first time I wrote a trailer score that sounded "like me". Up to that point, I had attempted the epic, hybrid, intense trailer stuff. But when "Unbound" was made it felt like something different and that was really exciting 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?")
My ideas most often come from driving alone in my car or in the shower. There's something about doing a monotonous task alone that lets my mind come up with creative ideas.
In your opinion, what's a score (or soundtrack) that is better than its movie?
As a die-hard Star Wars fan I'd have to say that without a shadow of a doubt, the sequel trilogy (episodes seven, eight, and nine) scores are way better than the movies. Don't get me started on those though.
What's your favorite score of all time?
Besides Star Wars, the score I go back to time and time again is Alexandre Desplat's score for Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It's beautifully whimsical, quirky and emotional. I find it totally mesmerizing.
Who is your favorite composer and why?
John Williams. I think he's on a whole different level in the way he writes motifs and arrangements. He's an absolute genius.
What are your other hobbies when you're not in the studio?
I really love spending time with my family. My wife and son are my whole world so anything with them is how I spend all my time when I'm not working. Playing outside, going on walks, making stop motion videos with my son, and family time is the best time. If I were to pick a hobby that I enjoy outside of that I'd say digital illustration. I love doodling on my iPad. In another life, I'd be a concept artist.
If you were stranded on a desert island with one album on your Walkman that somehow never ran out of power, what would it be?
I could listen to Relient K's album Mmhmm forever and never get tired of it.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
"Write it, submit it, forget it."