ISSUE IV

6 SIENNA SOLSTICE
An Interview with Melodysheep
John D. Boswell, known by his artist name as Melodysheep, is a composer,
filmmaker, editor, and VFX artist whose work has spanned the depths of the
internet and the entertainment industry. Known particularly for his viral compositions
centered around space and the natural world, Melodysheep’s work
evokes questions regarding the interactions of music and scientific wonder.
Pursuing such an ambitious passion like musical science is rare and not everyone really understands
it. What challenges did you encounter on this journey? How did you overcome this
and what advice would you give people who want to pursue something similar?
MELODYSHEEP: The biggest challenge in what I do is in trying to relate the information
clearly, but also impactfully & creatively. The scientific worldview is beautiful, but can
be hard for the average person to wrap their head around, just because of how detailed
and deep the picture is. Cut-and-dry explanations are simple, but creative approaches to
relaying information can be much more stirring and impactful. So it takes quite a bit of
care to figure out the best way to relay the information in a compelling way anyone can
understand, but also with fresh new approach. It helps to share works-in-progress with
people who are unfamiliar with the subject, and get their take. Is the information clear?
And is the emotional impact there? Very important to strike the right balance. And the
music should always support the storytelling, not get in the way of it.
Take us through a step-by-step of where your mind is when you are creating music for science.
How does science translate to a score in your mind?
MELODYSHEEP: My step-by-step process begins with asking: how do I use music to
help convey these ideas? What genres best serve the subject, and what moods can
reflect the knowledge I’m sharing? Once I have a script, I map out crescendos that add
suspension while taking in preliminary information, and climaxes for when you receive
that pinnacle piece of information. The rest is shaping the music into the right mood and
vibe.
On your website you write you “strive to evoke a sense of awe” in your music. How do you
come across evoking those grandiose feelings of awe with such grandiose subjects such as
space and nature?
MELODYSHEEP: I like to let the music take center stage often; too many words or descriptions
can be distracting, and the audience needs breaks to process what they’ve
heard. Music can help steer your mind in a direction while stewing on those thoughts;
exultant music will make you feel inspired, while creepy music will lead your mind to
more questions and imagining stranger possibilities.