Music And Movies = The Fonz And His Leather Jacket: 5 Alarm Music In The 85th Annual Academy Awards

February 22, 2013 Sarah

When you live in Los Angeles, you always know The Oscars are upon us when Hollywood Boulevard loses a lane at a time until it is ultimately closed off. Isn’t it ironic in a town that logistically requires every resident to own a car will also close off roadways as often as Taylor Swift writes a song about an ex-boyfriend? This place is nuts, I swear.

Any film buff will tell you that movies and music go together like peas and carrots. I’ll go as far as to say it’s more akin to The Fonz and his black leather jacket – one cannot exist without the other! We are proud to announce our musical contribution to films nominated in the 85th Annual Academy Awards:

Zero Dark Thirty

This theatrical powerhouse directed by Kathryn Bigelow struck a chord in illustrating our political landscape much like her last Best Picture winning effort The Hurt Locker did. With nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role (Jessica Chastain), Best Original Screenplay – Writing, Film Editing and Sound Editing, she is solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential directors of all time. Justement Ethnic’s traditional Pakistani track Joyously Raise The Shout of Haider can be heard in the film.

JE066_044 Joyously Raise The Shout of Haider, “oh ali”

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Wreck-It Ralph

You gotta hand it to Disney, they sure know how to make a delightfully fun animated film! Wreck-It Ralph keeps with the Disney tradition in telling this lovable villain-turned-hero tale with their signature colorful flair. It’s no surprise that their latest effort is nominated for Best Animated Feature. Boosey & Hawkes Classical Music Library’s version of Tchaikovsky’s Russian Dance from The Nutcracker Suite was used in the trailer. A true holiday classic!

BHCL010_03 Nutcracker Suite Op.71A Russian Dance

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Frankenweenie

frankenweenie-poster

Goth-King mastermind Tim Burton is at it again with a playfully dark animated tale of a boy who brings his dead dog Sparky back to life Frankenstein-style. It’s Aliiiiiiive!! Who knew a story of experimenting on a dead dog could be so heartwarming? This Best Animated Feature Film nominee features the JW Media Music Library’s vintage horror track Dark Traffic in its trailer.

JW2072 – 33 – Dark Traffic

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Congratulations to all of the nominees! We know first hand the thrill and ultimately the hard work it takes to make your creative vision come alive. Thank you for making the world a much more entertaining place!

Grammy Countdown!

February 6, 2013August 5, 2014 Mary Lorraine

The Grammys are right around the corner folks. This Sunday, February 10^th, live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Did you know that the original category count for nominees in the 50’s was only 22? Now it’s 78.

This year’s event has a huge line-up of performers and presenters, including the lady-of-the-moment, Beyoncé who’s racked up 16 total Grammy’s over the years. She’s almost beat Allison Krauss’ female record of 20 wins. Stevie Wonder actually holds the record for a solo artist with the most Grammy awards coming in with 22.

justin

One of the most anticipated performances this year is from IMAGEM’s own Justin Timberlake, making this the first time since 2006 he has performed in support for a new single. Other performances scheduled are from Frank Ocean, Mumford and Sons, The Black Keys, Jack White, fun., and a special piece by Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. Alicia Key’s hubby and another IMAGEM artist Swizz Beatz will hopefully be in the front row cheering her on!

Carole King, one of the best songwriters of all time, will be receiving the much deserved Lifetime Achievement award. She has inspired and enriched all of us with her timeless songs for decades. Thank you Carole!

CaroleKingHWOFDec2012

In other Grammy news, any die-hard One Direction fans, bring out the tissues because they were completely snubbed this year for Best New Artist even after releasing TWO top albums and selling out numerous arenas. It’s not that bad, Snoop Lion is the 3^rd most nominated artist of all time that hasn’t won a single Grammy yet! The most ridiculous examples of artists who are Grammy-less are Rod Stewart, Queen, The Jackson Five, Bob Marley, Buddy Holly and The Beach Boys.

We here at 5 alarm Music want to extend a BIG congratulations and best of luck to all the artists nominated!

New Year, New Music: The Newest Fab 4 CDs From 5 Alarm Music

February 5, 2013February 5, 2013 Sarah

New Year’s resolutions made in January tend to fade quickly into the February sunset. Before you pay that second monthly bill to the gym, those new gym clothes tend to be hidden deep into your closet. Oh well, it was a nice idea at the time.

But unlike most resolutions that quickly fade, 5 Alarm has resolved to bring you some of the best music we’ve ever produced in 2013! And we’ve wasted no time. In the span of two short weeks in January, we put up four fantastic CDs that offers a little something for everyone. Check ’em out:

05A101 Quirky Orchestral

Be prepared to be swept away in a furious sea of strings, whimsical woodwinds and playful percussion! This CD is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Featuring the wild imagination of David Gross and Peter Schwartz, it encompasses how adventurous one can get with an orchestra. Check out some footage from a rehearsal run through of track 4 Crazy Cab Ride:

That’s one cab I would not want to ride in! Props to JD Adams for a fine production indeed.

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05A102 Problems = Solutions

As the old saying goes, “For every problem, there is a solution.” In times of crisis I turn to Google or that super helpful gal Siri. Unfortunately when I typed in “Make World Peace Happen,” it didn’t work. I guess we still have to figure some things out on our own……. *sigh*! Luckily, 05A102 Problems = Solutions illustrates the positive triumph that comes from tackling those tough issues in everyone’s lives. It’s fitting that our fearless leader Cassie Lord produced this CD as she is the ultimate solution finder. Move over, Siri!

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05A103 Timeless Vocals: The Golden Years

The third installment of our Timeless Vocals series will make you feel like you’re at the Sands Casino lounge in swinging Las Vegas circa 1958. Or a flapper painting the town like Daisy Buchanan in the prohibition era NY novel The Great Gatsby. Any song that takes you to another place with such vivid color is something to behold. Featuring society strings, big bold brass sections and vocals laced with class and sophistication only The Golden Years can offer, this CD captures a celebrated moment in our Nation’s consciousness. Grammy award winners and all around heavyweight composers Tim Hosman, Jay Graydon and Randy Goodrum penned songs that stay with you long after they leave your speakers. Tales of love savored, dodging Cupid’s arrow and even the art of fine Italian cuisine are told with a sense of humor bound to put a swing in your step. Not only did JD Adams do a fine production job, but he also sang on track 4 Kiss Me Tenderly and track 10 My Heartstrings Trio. Stop blushing JD!

He had this to say:

“It was an absolute blast getting to produce an album that drew inspiration from such a classic era in music. There is a true sense of nostalgia and authenticity that rings through every record on this album. The experience was made even more unforgettable through the efforts of the incredibly talented writing team of Tim Hosman, Jay Graydon and Randy Goodrum. Getting to work with incredible Grammy Award winning songwriters was a true pleasure and privilege that will stay with me for years to come.”

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05A104 Turn Of The Century

Oh what a difference 113 years make! At the turn of the century, the streets of New York City consisted of barren earth traveled by carriages pulled by Clydesdales. Vaudeville, musical theater on Broadway and the symphony at Carnegie Hall were nightly entertainment options. And the music was something to behold! It was as exciting as the new era ripe with opportunity. Master composer Mark Gasbarro whose orchestration/arranger/piano talents can be heard on many of Michael Giacchino‘s latest film scores, combined all of the moods that defined the period – Vaudeville, Tap Dance, Square Dance, Appalachian Americana, Society Jazz, Irish Waltzes, New Orleans Marches and those Well-Known-Tunes we all love. There are even knee slapping versions of My Old Kentucky Home and Skip To My Lou, yee haw! This CD also includes gramophone record player versions for that extra authenticity. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed producing it!

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05A105 Rockin Poptronica

After reminiscing about days past, it’s time to embrace the present! 2013 has already proven to be a great era for popular music. Just turn on the radio and let the catchiness begin! 05A105 Rockin Poptronica captures the best in modern Rock/Pop and makes you want to do one of two things: 1) Find a raging party or 2) Start a raging party. With driving guitars, lively synths and anthemic vocals, this CD is definitely a party animal. Composers Eric Vasquez, Kristen Agee, Rob Chitwood and Matt Sikora remind us how fun it is to be alive in 2013. JD Adams is yet again is flexing his production muscles on this one, go JD!

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For these and many other great tracks, visit our website to hear our innovative music libraries for yourself! New to 5 Alarm? We’re happy to get you a username and password so you can search on our online music library website. Give us a call at 626.304.1698

Ooohh La La!! 5 Alarm Music’s Sarah Scarlata Adds A Little Beauty To ORLY

January 4, 2013May 8, 2013 Christy Carew

Ah, Paris…the Eiffel Tower in the morning mist, sipping café au lait while strolling down the boulevards daydreaming about love….. This is the mood that our very own East Coast Music Director, Producer, Digital Content Coordinator and talented blogger Sarah Scarlata captured so perfectly in her song “Café D’Amour,” from 5 Alarm’s People & Places Vol. 1 release. Co-written by Kris Karlsson and featuring the vocals of Paris Carney, “Café D’Amour” certainly caught the ear of ORLY Beauty, who chose the track for their gorgeous 2012 Naughty or Nice campaign.

A charming, playful track that pairs beautifully with the dreamy visuals – nice work, Sarah!

Break Out The Bubbly, 5 Alarm Music Celebrates Our 100th Release!

December 21, 2012 Sarah

For the past 10 years, 5 Alarm Music has taken pride in bringing the best music to top notch productions. What better way to end a stellar year and a full decade of excellence than to release our 100th CD?! We pulled out all the stops on this one, buckle up!

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05A100 Electro Pop Anthems grab your ears from the very first note and doesn’t let go until the last. Behind every great song is an inspired composer and we count ourselves lucky to have the opportunity to work with some of the best! We tapped two of LA’s finest, Christian Salyer (aka: Cadence Blaze) and Eric Vasquez, to put out something exceptional to mark the occasion.

Christian Salyer is the industry veteran mastermind behind the infectious Blazed Out Music Library and knows a thing or 2,000 about penning a catchy tune. He has built a solid reputation for a song-driven approach and assembling an all-star cast of talent that rivals (even surpasses) the hits on the radio. With songs featured in Entourage, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Top Model, Desperate Housewives, Friday Night Lights, CSI, One Tree Hill, 90210, The Simpsons, Ugly Betty, The Office and 30 Rock among many others, he is in demand to say the least!

Here’s a toe-tapper if I ever heard one:

05A100_05 Coming After You

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Eric Vasquez made his 5 Alarm debut on 05A090 Off The Charts: Indie Pop. Since then, he has been a major contributor to our catalog and continues to build an impressive resume! His musical journey began as a punk drummer touring with the iconic 80’s band Dr.Know and is no stranger to the stage. His performance background, a vast knowledge of recording coupled with an applicable knowledge and love of music led him into composing for TV and film productions. His penchant for catchy hooks, anthemic choruses and crystal clear yet bass thumping production quality sets him apart from the pack. His music has been featured in Castle, Undercover Boss, MTV’s Friendzone and a national commercial for Ken’s salad dressing. Eric’s star is on the rise and will definitely be one to watch in the coming year!

Check out this catchy club anthem:

05A100_04 Meteor

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5 Alarm Music wishes you all the best this holiday season. May 2013 be prosperous and filled with much more great music!

Oh, The Holidays……: New Holiday Production Music – 12/7/12

December 7, 2012December 7, 2012 Sarah

Whether you like it or not, the holidays are upon us. To all of us at 5 Alarm, it means driving around the construction crew erecting the endless rows of bleachers for the Rose Bowl Parade and wishing upon a star that a parking space will be spared from all of the holiday shoppers. Oh what fun it is to drive in a one lane traffic jam!

But alas, the holidays are like everything else in life: They are what you make of them. Let’s look at the bright side, shall we? Christmas lights makes any house look cool. Candy canes? Love ’em. Mistletoe takes the fear out of stealing a kiss from the one you have long admired. PRESENTS. Yes, it deserves all caps. Giving and receiving mind you! Time off work? Hallelujah! All of this plus celebrating your faith and family to boot. OK, family togetherness is sometimes the root of holiday haters. For all of you who are the Meg Griffin from Family Guy in your brood, just remember there are always awesome movie marathons on any given TV channel. A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Bad Santa, The Muppet Christmas Carol – all great flicks that will buy you a couple hours away from any unpleasant family dealings!

We’ve got some great new holiday music to go along with that eggnog and chestnuts roasting by an open fire. C’mon, get happy!

ZONE524 Christmas Allsorts

It’s very apparent that the folks at Zone Music LOVE Christmas. ZONE524 Christmas Allsorts rocks out/jazzes up/strikes up the orchestra in celebration! This is some serious happiness and excitement. If all that joy wasn’t enough, there are even intimate cocktail lounge solo piano renditions of your favorite Christmas classics. Christmas Allsorts indeed!

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FCD292 Christmas Collection

I can just smell the boughs of holly when listening to FCD292 Christmas Collection. It harkens back to the days of innocence and excitement of decorating the Christmas tree with tinsel, bright colorful lights and ornaments. With swinging vocal jazz and rock originals combined with sophisticated string quartet renditions of those well known Christmas tunes, this CD is sure to satisfy all of the requests on your Christmas music list! All that’s left to do is to relax and listen by the warmth of the fire, ahhhhh.

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FCD293 Winter Magic

Like the icicles that hang from your rooftop, FCD293 Winter Magic captures the beauty and elegance of the chilly months. Atmospheric strings coupled with chiming bells and choral voices create an air of wonder. Just make sure to have a warm cup of hot chocolate ready after enjoying the Winter Magic! Brrrrrrr…..

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ESLMB001 Christmas Old And New

Playful are the days of Christmas! ESLMB001 Christmas Old And New is a light and airy splash of child-like fun. With a joyful chamber orchestra playing sprite originals and the feel good classics, it’s bound to make you have the urge to do something festive like build a snowman. If only California had snow…..

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Hail To The Chief! New Presidential Production Music – 11/2/12

November 2, 2012November 5, 2012 Sarah

As my mother used to always say: You should never discuss sex, politics or religion in polite company. With the Presidential Election fast approaching this Tuesday, November 6th, politics are certainly on most people’s minds. Especially mine! This is a pivotal election, here’s my 2 cents: This country needs (censored by Sarah’s mother). We can’t afford (censored by Sarah’s mother)!! Not to mention upholding the rights of (censored by Sarah’s mother). It’s time to (censored by Sarah’s mother) and stop (censored by Sarah’s mother). In closing, it’s essential to vote for (censored by Sarah’s mother) to ensure the overall health of this great nation of ours. Whew!! It was great getting all of that off my chest, thanks for putting up with my long winded political rant! I feel much better.

Back to the new releases! Here are some great new CDs with themes fit for our changing times and the election of the next President of The United States of America. Now get out there and vote, people!

AB216 Now & Next

We live in exciting times. History is happening at every moment of every day, never a dull moment! AB216 Now & Next scores the different moods of the daily news with soaring feel good anthems, pulsing intrigue and dramatic interludes. This is one moody and emotional CD! The news is like the weather on the East Coast: if you don’t like it just give it a minute, it will change.

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1RM037 Heroic Battle and Victory

As John F. Kennedy once said, “Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.” Admit it, you had a Boston accent going in your head when you just read that quote. Pah-k yah ca-ah in Ha-vhad yah-d, wicked pissah! 1RM037 Heroic Battle and Victory celebrates the spoils of a hard fought achievement with dramatic orchestral themes bound for glory. Many fath-ahs indeed!

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ZONE030 Big Cinematic Trailers (Dramazone)

The concerns of a nation are a heavy burden to carry. It’s important to remember that mighty problems spawn fresh and positive solutions! The building and suspenseful orchestral themes in ZONE030 Big Cinematic Trailers take you on a journey from struggle to a positive and heroic resolve. We will persevere and thrive through it all!

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The End Is Near – New Seasonal Production Music: 10/12/12

October 12, 2012 Sarah

It’s hard to believe that 2012 is nearing its end. Not in any Nostradamus-Mystical-Mayan Calendar kind of way, but more in a “why-are-there-Christmas-displays-in-this-store-already???” kind of way. Halloween and Thanksgiving are just the proverbial warning shots in the air for kissing the year good-bye and having to invest in a new calendar. But before you break out the tissues, let’s reflect for a moment on how amazing Halloween and Thanksgiving are. There is nothing better than soaking in day-long Stephen King movie marathons on TV while eating buckets of snack sized candy bars or engaging in ancient Rome-styled gluttony in front of the football game with a massive plate of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. These behaviors are only socially acceptable in their designated seasons so let’s take advantage, shall we?

05A097 Modern Minimalism

Fall is a season to motivate and recreate oneself. School is back in session, the air is just a little cleaner and the shorter days inspire more activity during the coveted sunlit hours. These glorious tracks dance around your speakers like imagination floating around in your mind. With epic violin melodies, piano ostinato patterns and building emotive layers, Modern Minimalism is the perfect soundtrack for accomplishing everything on your to-do list! Even climbing Mt.Everest. Admit it, it’s on there!

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ZONE031 Horror (Dramazone)

I mean…….just take a look at the album cover. This CD just screams awesome! In a blood-curdling way, of course. All 95 bone chilling tracks read like a love letter to the genre blending vintage horror styles, modern slasher themes and frightening terror stings. Speaking as a person whose horror DVD collection would create endless nightmares and leave deep emotional scars on toddlers, I approve!

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AB208 Big Folk

There’s something undeniably warm and comforting about a finger picked acoustic guitar. It’s on a par with snuggling up on a blanket with a steaming cup of hot apple cider while watching the sun set on a crisp Autumn day. Or rolling in big crunchy leaf piles upon a landscape painted red, orange and brown. Oh Fall, how I adore thee!

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TTAA011 Dark Secrets

These tracks loom large…..like the dark foreboding of a cellar door left slightly ajar. Sometimes it’s better not to know where that bump in the night came from……muah-haha!! From the masterminds behind the Trailer Trash music library comes their newest incarnation: Trailer Addiction! This volume of fear is bound to scare away all of the neighborhood kids from coming to your door on Halloween. More candy for you, sweet!

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Wait…..TerriLynn Who??

September 21, 2012 Sarah

As the last two blogs have stated, we have had some great new additions here at 5 Alarm. On paper it would appear as if we have a new team member to announce. Her name is TerriLynn Massey and she bears an eerie resemblance to TerriLynn Rosa.

Imposter I say!! Who is this TerriLynn Massey and what has she done with the TerriLynn Rosa we all know and love?! Before you start throwing punches or report a kidnapping ala Single White Female, I think it’s important to state that TerriLynn Massey and TerriLynn Rosa are indeed the same gal fondly referred to as TL around these parts. Not only that, but a hearty congratulations are in order! TerriLynn officially left the single life behind and got married on July 28th to a very lucky JD Massey. Congrats TL and JD, may you two grow up to be like these guys one day!

Rolling In The Welcome Wagon: Meet Christy Carew!

September 14, 2012 Sarah

We are pleased as punch to introduce our new West Coast Music Director and Composer, Christy Carew!

Christy originally hails from Vancouver, Canada and started her musical journey at the Royal Conservatory Program at age 8. She continued her studies at Loyola University and earned her masters degree in composition from New York University. Not too shabby!

Her composition talents can be heard on 39 films to date. She has arranged music for Sex and the City: The Movie and Elegy starring Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz, scores music for commercials and has composed music for several music libraries. Most recently, Christy wrote a tone poem titled Wovoka’s Dream premiered by the Reno Pops Orchestra.

Just as impressive as her extensive professional background is her kind and helpful nature. No music search or custom music request is too daunting for her, just ask! We are excited to have Christy as a new addition to our team!