As part of Scoring Cinecycle, our co-presentation with the Images Festival, Del Bel will be performing a live, original score for Adolf Trotz's 1927 short film Überfall, a German expressionist film cum anti-gambling PSA. Wavelength’s Adam Bradley caught up with Del Bel’s Tyler Belluz to get the skinny.

Hey Tyler! So this isn't Del Bel's first time composing music for film. How do you find the experience differs from writing your own songs? Does the restrictive focus make the process simpler or more difficult?

I find the compositional process much more open compared to writing Del Bel songs. I have a much easier time not writing something that will eventually have to sound in the vein of our debut record. This allows me freedom from constantly reevaluating what I just wrote (which I am quite known for).

The film is pretty grim while retaining a healthy sense of humor, which is a vibe I often get from Del Bel (i.e. Screaming Jay Hawkins covers). Which emotional angle will your score take?

In the major areas when crucial scenes occur, I definitely lean on the serious, dark side. Although I think most players in Del Bel have fun on stage, generally speaking the actual musical aspect is still kept within the same grim vibe. I can personally retain this attitude within this project, even though I am steeped within overly ironic and fun groups such as Legato Vipers, Common Grackle and Gregory Pepper and His Problems.

Is the score 100% composed or are there spaces reserved for improvisation during the live performance?

Because this isn't my first film score, I do have a small catalogue of work that I went through while having Überfall in mind. I initially didn't want to use any previously composed work, however there is a particular composition that literally fit perfectly - tempo, sound, length... it's kinda crazy. I also have a few parts that will be improvised under specific key signatures, as well as the overall emotion.

What are your thoughts on Überfall? Do you have a personal interpretation?

I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the main character. One step forward, two steps back.

How many times have you watched the film at this point? Do you dream about it?

If I had to count I would say I have watched it under 10 times. Because I didn't have to compose in the form of a "pop" song, I decided to watch it just enough to record a detailed outline of what occurs within the film, and line it up with previously written music and improvised sections with specific scenes. No I haven't dreamed about this film
yet. My dreams have been awfully boring lately.