The hit AMC drama Breaking Bad -- which tells the story of a mild-mannered (and terminally ill) science teacher-turned-drug kingpin -- wraps up this fall after five seasons on the air. From the show’s start, composer Dave Porter’s theme and original score have served as the gritty backdrop to the meth labs, money laundering and murder that make up the equally gritty series. Porter goes in depth with Soundcheck about how he creates his unique musical tapestry.
Dave Porter, on developing Breaking Bad’s musical style:
Vince Gilligan’s oft-quoted line is that this is the story of taking this character of Walter White from Mr. Chips to Scarface. And one thing we definitely wanted to do in the theme music for the show was give that forward picture, that glimpse of where the story was going, so that perhaps in the first season it almost feels jarring or out of place. But hopefully by now, as we’re in the final season, it makes a lot more sense.
On the decision to forgo music where other shows might rely on it:
On a show of this quality — I’m so blessed to be a small part of it — there is often really nothing that music can add that hasn’t already been wonderfully accomplished by the writing and the acting. Which allows me to not have to worry or spend a lot of time putting music in scenes where music isn’t going to be that relevant, but concentrate on the moments where it can truly be impactful.
On his use of a highly processed Japanese koto for Heisenberg’s theme:
I studied in Japan when I was in school and brought this home with me many years ago. What I love about it is that it has a twangy quality that relates in some way to the resonator guitar from the theme, and also has a little bit of that Southwest Americana, even though it’s Japanese.... There’s something neat about the process for me of taking that sound and putting it into the computer, recording it, and making it into something very, very different.
On hinting at how Breaking Bad might end through what key he’ll be working in:
I could give you the Spinal Tap answer, which would be D minor…. I will tell you that one of the great things about working on a TV show that you know is coming to its end — there’s no chance that it’s going to be renewed again or whatever. That gives me the opportunity, just like it gave the script writers an opportunity, to bring all of my musical ideas and the musical journey that I’ve gone on last five, six years to a logical conclusion.