John Massari
Massari in 2016
Massari in 2016
Background information
Birth nameGiovanni Massari
Also known asDavid Inlander
Biggy G
Born (1957-03-25) March 25, 1957 (age 66)
New York City, New York, United States
GenresFilm score
Occupation(s)Composer
Years active1978–present

John Massari (born March 25, 1957) is an American composer and sound designer. He is perhaps best known for scoring the cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space.

Biography

Giovanni Massari was born on March 25, 1957, in New York City. Film music's powerful influence drew him to explore creating original music at age six as he began training on piano,[1] trumpet and contra bass. Massari studied musical composition at Chapman University and later the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied orchestration and composition with David Raksin and Henri Lazarof. He also studied with Albert Harris and earned the Frank Sinatra Music Award for composition. Massari was mentored by David Rose, Jerry Fielding, and Mark Snow. He also studied composition with Leonard Stein at the University of Southern California (USC).

Massari scored the cult film Killer Klowns from Outer Space in 1988.[2] Originally composed entire for synthesizers for budgetary reasons, the composer later recorded and released an orchestral version of the music through Varèse Sarabande in 2018; fellow film composer Bear McCreary made a guest appearance on the album, performing the accordion and hurdy-gurdy.[3][4] Massari returned to the franchise again to compose the score for Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game in 2022.[5]

Massari also scored and acted in the 1988 film The Wizard of Speed and Time,[1] in addition to composing the theme for The Ray Bradbury Theater in 1985. His other credits include The Cell 2, Retro Puppet Master, and Prison Break: Proof of Innocence.

Filmography

References

  1. ^ a b Schweiger, Daniel (May 2, 2018). "Interview with John Massari". Film Music Magazine.
  2. ^ Barkan, Jonathan (May 8, 2017). "John Massari Talks the Origins and Influences of the Killer Klowns From Outer Space Soundtrack". Dread Central. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  3. ^ "Killer Klowns from Outer Space: Reimagined". Starburst. May 23, 2018. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  4. ^ Greenland, Baz (May 31, 2018). "Killer Klowns From Outer Space: 30th Anniversary – Soundtrack Review". Set the Tape. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  5. ^ Brown, Andy (14 December 2022). "Kult Klassic: composer John Massari talks returning for 'Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game'". NME. Retrieved August 2, 2023.

External links

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