“I just try to keep an open mind and not be intimidated by the work ahead. ”
Do you have any creative rituals or routines when working?
I just try to keep an open mind and not be intimidated by the work ahead.
How did your journey as a Music Supervisor begin?
In the late 90’s I was working at KCRW and I was very interested in becoming a music supervisor. I became friends with veteran music supervisor G. Marq Roswell and we talked about the possibility of working together in the future. I had a friend at Fox Searchlight who told me they were looking for a music supervisor for the film “Slums Of Beverly Hills”. I had a good meeting with them, but they didn’t want to hire me as I had no real experience. I suggested that we bring in G. Marq and we would do it together. They hired us and I was off and running. G. Marq and I followed that up with “Varsity Blues” for MTV and Paramount. G. Marq was a great mentor and he introduced me to many of the players and showed me the ropes, which I am very grateful for.
What is a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of and why?
I’m proud of many projects that I’ve worked on but I am particularly proud of the work I have done with Alan Ball; Six Feet Under (co-supervised with Thomas Golubic) and True Blood. Of course, Alan is an amazing writer, director and show-runner and he’s got a great ear for music and loves to use a lot of songs in his projects. It’s sometimes challenging but ultimately very rewarding. I just finished working with Alan on a beautiful indie film “Uncle George” which will be released later this year from Amazon.
Who have you been enjoying listening to recently? (Feel free to drop a link to your go-to playlist at the moment)
Some current favourites are Phoebe Bridgers, Courtney Barnett, Soccer Mommy. Check out my radio show on 88.5 FM to check out more.
What led to you finally releasing your own music as a recording artist and songwriter?
I have always been a weekend songwriter and would write songs in my bedroom that I would do as a fun exercise for myself. At one point I played some of my rough recordings for a friend at Atlantic Records who said we should put this out and I held him to it. : ) All of my songs are up on iTunes if you want to check them out. I am still writing and recording in between projects. I am working on a couple of new songs right now, that I look forward to releasing.
As well as a Music Supervisor, you’re also a radio DJ, songwriter/recording artist, and published author. What else is on your bucket list for the future?
Right now I am working on a secret Covid-19 vaccine that I am sure will save humanity. Kidding! I don’t have a bucket list, perhaps now is a good time to start one.
Where do you discover new music either for radio or for a supervision project?
There is a lot of great music coming out every day and I seek it out anywhere and everywhere. I listen to my colleagues on the terrestrial radio as well as Sirius XM satellite. I check out the new releases on iTunes every Friday, I read the blogs, and music press, recommendations from trusted friends and business associates.
What do you like to do when you’re not working? Any guilty pleasures?
These days I am watching a good amount of TV. Catching up on rock documentaries and watching and re-watching The West Wing to remind me what a good government is like.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t worry, be happy.
What was the first record you remember buying?
A single by The Kinks, “All Day and All Of The Night”. My older brother was a music lover and he turned me on to all the great music of the 60’s. One day, against my parents’ wishes, he took me on the subway to a record store in The Bronx and my life was changed forever.
What is a score/soundtrack that you wish you’d have worked on?
Any of The Quentin Tarantino movies.
How has your work as a band manager and radio DJ helped you as a music supervisor?
It just opened my eyes to all of the great music that is out there that I may have missed without those experiences.
How has your approach to selecting music changed with technological advancements?
It’s made my work much easier. To be able to search through the entire history of music without leaving my desk has been a very good thing.
What big changes do you see coming to the industry in the future?
You tell me.
What’s coming next for Gary Calamar?
Hopefully, the air will clear soon and we can all get back to work. I look forward to resuming work on Titans and Cobra Kai…and the next great project that comes my way.
