When you work on a soundtrack for a film, does the music follow the film? Or does the film follow the music?

There is not a precise order... sometimes the music will inspire the director and move him to shot a movie scene with pre existing music , or viceversa I will score a scene already shooted.

Could you describe a day in your studio for us?

I usually work at night, sometimes really late until morning, this is for me the best time to be concentrated, inspired without daytime noise and phone calls. I work on my MAC G5 filled up with plug-ins, I think that I almost own every plugs available for Mac! I'm also really demanding and severe with myself about composing, in fact my computer trash-can is always filled up with songs composed, rejected and deleted from the hard drive. But when I fall with the right groove, I stay for hours in finding the right equalization with my digital mixer. I also make some break every hour to rest my ears. Sometimes I go in my car, make a little ride and play my iPod connected to the car speakers, it is for me the best system to judge the song and the mix sound.

Do you have a favorite new artist or CD that you just can’t stop listening to?

I like lately James Blunt's "You're beautiful" is simple and evocative, really romantic too ...

Is there a certain place or location you find inspirational?

There's not a special geographical place but surely nightime is the best "location" for my musical inspiration...

Are there other genres you feel Smooth Jazz should embrace?

I think that they need to embrace with more confidence new "cool " and innovative sounds and styles, notwithstanding "sax soprano Kenny G. style"or Wes Montgomery jazz guitar became a kind of Godsend sounds fo smooth jazz radio, I tend to be bored by keep listening always to the same sounds over and over ... then please play more Paolo's piano Next Age oriented sounds!!

What is your favorite non-musical hobby or pastime?

Occultism, ancient religions cults, astronomy and archeology are some of my best pastime, and surely more than a pastime...

Paolo R.
II (Italian immigrant)