How the Escape From New York music was made (feat. Alan Howarth)

In 1981, John Carpenter and Alan Howarth worked on their first film score together; Escape from New York. This was the genesis of a fruitful decade of collaboration.
The film has gone on to become a cult-classic, but the score has taken on a life of its own and had great influence upon many musicians.
I was planning to break down how some of the cues were made and decided to try to contact Alan Howarth to ask him some questions. Amazingly, he responded and was gracious enough to be interviewed for this film.
A rare treat, we hear from the horses mouth how the whole collaboration came about, how the music was composed, what equipment was used and how on earth they sync'd things up in a pre-digital world.
Alan is still active and working on new scores and new technology, so we also get to hear what he's up to in 2019 and even get a peak at his current studio where some gear from Escape from New York still resides.
Massive thanks to Alan and thank you for watching.
Social:
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/ alexballmusic

[@matuloco]

This is the most comprehensive analysis I've seen/heard: Part interview, part documentary, part tutorial. You achieved something amazing, congratulations on your talent and your hard work.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@NightBirds31]

I am the person who reissued the soundtrack of the movie 'Assault on Precinct 13' via a Parisian label. I had bought with my brother the original multitrack soundtrack, which I still have. Great dear Alex to see Alan here !

[@xombiekat13]

This was great. The music from those early Carpenter movies is embedded in my DNA. They were the coolest thing I had ever heard as a kid and I never forgot that feeling.

[@lucianf7157]

Amazing

[@matzomaniac]

"Tangerine dream, those are my boys" hahaha! Ice cold !

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cool as a cucumber.

[@Stevali1966]

When i first watched this film on video back in 1982. I was total a blown away by this dystopian tale and the score just drives the film on.

[@ScottWozniak]

This is a masterclass in understated simplicity. ❤️

[@AlexBallMusic]

Absolutely! Pieces that slot together to make the whole.

[@matiasgoinheix366]

Carpenter's films are awesome. A total legend and inspiration.

[@rexterrocks]

I think his music before 81 was amazing.The 'Assault on Precinct 13' soundtrack is one of my favourites.

[@GNeuman]

I have an AOP13 cover on my channel, mostly done on my Minimoog

[@Dis-Emboweled]

The 69th street bridge music sounds a bunch like Big Trouble in Little China! Love it!

[@digitalmusicalart3494]

The theme from Escape From New York, is my favorite theme song from a movie. I was mesmerized when I first heard it. Great Work!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's a classic! Thanks for watching.

[@zooblestyx]

"Do you have a previous Police record?" "No, but I think I still got a couple of Sting albums."

[@6581punk]

(At a job interview) "Do you have a Police record?" "Yes, Walking on the Moon".

[@mullahviking]

Words can't describe how incredible this is. I really like the Escape from New York theme, and wondered how the Chords went. I got so much more. Thank you Alex Ball

[@AlexBallMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it, it was a great experience making this and speaking to Alan.

[@jonwide6689]

“Something like this” - then goes on recreating a perfect version of the theme, lol! You’re the best 👊😎

[@AlexBallMusic]

Haha. Well, it's ballpark. Helps that the vintage gear I have sounds very similar out of the box. The Pro~One is the identical chipset to a Prophet~5 rev 3 for example, so that makes it a bit easier!

[@jonwide6689]

Alex Ball What about the Furman spring reverb? Did you talk any about how outboard processing shaped the mood?

[@AlexBallMusic]

Actually, we didn't talk about outboard beyond the tape machines and a modded Princeton amp. But reverb and panned and delayed lines are key to the sound as I discovered when recreating. The whole interview was 45 minutes and we talked about loads of stuff, so I'll stick that up at some point too.

[@jonwide6689]

Alex Ball that would be awesome! Here’s my take on a Escape-ish track when I started out a couple of years ago: soundcloud.com/oscillian/escapism

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@jonwide6689 That's very cool. Like the tone of your track and the gradual build.

[@flipnap2112]

this was great. when HBO first came out they would play the same 4 movies over and over for months.. "Escape from New York" was on my TV nonstop and I watched every single time. Fell so in love with that movie. Later in the years I would see "making of" documentary's how they lined the buildings with dayglo paint lines to simulate computer wireframes. Jamie lee did the VO in the beginning. James Cameron worked that set as well. They did such an amazing job and they really lucked out with that burned down city, think it was Chicago? but dam man, the soundtrack was just spot on. that bass line ha ha, loved it. That whole era was amazing.

[@AdamElteto]

We are all glad he had that initial "necessity", every score he and Alan Howarth have done is a classic.

[@jacobsteel]

love this mini documentary so much. so many nuggets. watching it again now. brilliant. thank you! 🙏

[@NeuronalAxon]

I NEED this kind of quality documentary about the Halloween OST.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Maybe Alan will speak to me again nearer October. He was involved in all the sequels. Would be a good one.

[@NeuronalAxon]

@@AlexBallMusic - That'd be wonderful. Looking forward to it.

[@SPAZZOID100]

NeuronalAxon “Season of the Witch”

[@airfixx_8952]

Late in finding this video; but thank you so much for all the time effort you put into this project..... The interview, the storytelling, the theory breakdown and, of course, the recreations were awesome..... JC & Alan are absolute gods as far as I'm concerned. Would love to see a deep dive into Helloween 3 one day.............

[@neuzethmusic131]

Splendid! Love John Carpenter sooo much! His soundtracks 🖤 and especially Escape From New York and the first Halloween are exceptional films! Alan is great, too. Thanks for this special, Alex!!

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

I went to see John Carpenter live at the Albert Hall, here in Manchester, last autumn, and they opened the set with the main theme from "Escape from New York". I went literally straight up to heaven!

[@ian_b]

I hope you didn't literally mean "literally" there! :)

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

@@ian_b nearly 😂

[@flashback2029]

This is gold! John & Alan were such an epic synth duo.

[@stuCameraman1]

I tried playing this in the late 1980's on my yamaha pss470, now I know the correct notes to play.... Thank you😂🎉🎥🔥🎥🔥🎥🔥

[@jonwide6689]

This soundtrack is what got me into the whole future retro music project. Thanks for making these videos Alex, it’s amazing ❤️

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, deeply ingrained in my psyche too! Same for many of us of a certain age.

[@jeffjfindley4802]

Alan is a treasure.

[@TheArtFortress]

I'm terrible at recognizing and reading chords. Sometimes you just can't tell what it is by ear. With this video, I can accurately make my cover. Wooooo!!!

[@nevereadyone]

Thanks for a really cool breakdown and the interview parts! Loved the movie when i was a kid and the music was a big part why i loved it. More of these videos please!!!

[@LUXXLY]

Gonna grab a coffee and start my day with this, brilliant channel btw.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Thought people might like a Sunday morning viewing. :)

[@steveokinevo]

The duke arrives and 69th street bridge were my favourite trks on the album, great ost in all tho. Amazing video mate.

[@Olliebear38]

Such a cool piece. Love this theme! Rock n Roll .

[@stevemt3238]

Alan, Your music has immortalized you.

[@jbellflower83]

😂 For a minute, I thought it said featuring Alan HOLDSWORTH! I was like "whoa"...

[@mayfieldgage]

This and Big Trouble score is just amazing

[@guycore5478]

18:04 69th Street Bridge always threw me. I never knew where the downbeat was, either on the G or the E flat. Thanks for showing the sheet music.

[@GNeuman]

I've forgotten how good this video is! Superb, Alex!

[@ernestbuckley8671]

This is fantastic. I was 8 when I first saw Escape From New York and to this day, it is still one of my top 5 movies... why? The Music! Same goes for Halloween 3. What do these movies have in common? Same composers. Great stuff.

[@Mick-Ozz]

Thank you Alex and Alan for your immense contribution

[@Dis-Emboweled]

Alan Howorth is THE MAN to thank next to Georger Lucas for the full amazing movie music and sound experience we love today. Great video

[@Iffy]

Clicked on the thumbnail thinking it was Robot Chicken, but then saw its John Carpenter soundtrack, so still a win!

[@MakeSomething]

Just an absolute great interview and bio! I love the history teaching videos and appreciate the time and effort. Bravo!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Many thanks!

[@Amazology]

BEST PIECE OF CONTENT ON KZbin.

[@Netm8kr]

BRAVO. I remember my dad taking me to see this movie when it came out. The synths have influenced me every since. Years ago, I made a humble attempt at the main theme. Using my Roland MV8000, and random E-MU racks for patches. You definitely, are rekindling my midi-life passion. Keep em coming. Peace...Netm8kr

[@jacksongarland3272]

This is an amazing way to spend 25 minutes for us Carpenter/Howarth/synth-head groupies. Excellent!

[@f.herumusu8341]

Wow! This is way beyond an average KZbin Video. The amount of research, the production, ... everything is waaaay beyond it. You should sell that as a documentation to major TV networks!

[@SoundAuthor]

I would love it if you took a swing at Big Trouble in Little China, that score is so fun.

[@stoatystoat174]

Mr Howarth is quality and has contributed to quality soundtracks. Saw Carpenter play at the Barrowlands in Glasgow, top fun.

[@MPB059]

Escape from New York is one of my favorite movies! Thank you for this video!

[@justinavery8664]

You and Duke are "A" number One!!

[@FintanMoloney]

Every production you do is better than documentaries I have seen on big budget TV networks. Great job mate. Really enjoying all your content.

[@pawebany6382]

One of my most favourite soundtracks ever.

[@jarikoskenniska299]

Great to hear Alan explain all methods "How to" they put all together! -Thx for nörding out this Masterpiece of a soundtrack!

[@halcyo]

Amazing dive into this one! Keep doing these breakdowns of scores and other works!

[@AnastaziaValvaine]

i have an original minimoog. built in 1974. oxidized contacts processed 2 years ago. I kept most of the old electrolytics. Some of them were out of tolerance. I replaced them all with a high quality brand.. I also completely replaced the key bushings because a lot of them were rock hard. I often play with it in my mini studio for my own projects. Sound quality is unmatched. until today. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@juanar4305]

A simple and beautiful theme

[@peterson88keyz]

Me at work: Okay, let me click on something I don't have to watch - just listen to and get to work...hey, what's this? (25 minutes later) Okay...NOW I'll start to work.

[@AlexBallMusic]

It was fascinating for me to speak to Alan, so I'm glad others enjoyed it too! :)

[@hazchem1]

In 1985, when I was 12 years old I had a Sunday morning paper round. Up at 0600 and got back in about 0800. My Dad had always taped the late night movie for me which I'd watch when I got home. This is my first memory of EFNY. When that music started I was blown away and I was mesmerized by this cool guy with his eye patch. When Plisken walks away at the end tearing the tape apart and that music kicks back in it simply cemented that morning and the rest of that day in my head through all these years. The only down side was that I had to go to Sunday School at 1030, lolz!

[@jo03rsxs]

To this day still listen to all of his musical scores. They are absolutely brilliant and emotion drawing, I’ve never heard musical scores that can evoke the emotion that these men were able to achieve. Absolutely amazing work!

[@NeedITDeathHeated]

This movie and score are phenomenal. Carpenter has such a unique style about his work, what a legend.

[@tinshedmodular8096]

What a great interview. Being of an age where I saw these movies when they came out, albeit on dodgy VHS tapes, I always loved the soundtracks to John Carpenters movies. This is a fantastic insight into the time and dedication that went in to making these timeless movie classics. thank you ! 69th Street here I come.

[@symbiat0]

Except there's no 69th Street bridge. There IS the 59th Street bridge on the east side...

[@adamant5550]

Dodgy VHS tapes are the only real way to watch John Carpenter movies

[@SyncdAlien]

Fantastic beyond belief! 😍 Thank you so much for this. 😍😍😍

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for watching.

[@browe]

John Barry, John Carpenter, Alan Howarth... loving your choice of film composers. Having spent years in a cover band of The Police, your outro is certified rad.

[@Attilargh]

Alan is so cool.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes! Very down to earth.

[@trevorbrown6654]

Whilst I'm a big fan of traditional big traditional orchestral movie scores by the likes of John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, Basil Poledouris as well as Peter Schickele and Hans Zimmer amongst others, I have to admit that when a synth score is done well it can sound fabulous too. EFNY has a fine soundtrack and I didn't realize quite how simple but clever it was at it's heart. It works perfectly being both futuristic in tone and yet having that air of oppression too. It's always been one of my favourite movies anyway and that is in part due to its memorable score, one that is both haunting and ominous. I had no idea electric guitars were incorporated into it either. A really clever bit of writing and recording. EFNY and Faltereyer's Top Gun theme have two of the most memorable synth scores from the 80s, and neither of those compositions have really aged as they both still work perfectly within their settings and are as much a part of the aesthetic of the visuals as the photography.

[@dannyd1098]

The Duke Arrives jam is my fav

[@michaelkrestan5483]

Great!!!!

[@kilonaliosI]

amazing, straight to the point, no effort to entertain, surgically accurate and eye-opening. A thumb up is an insult to the quality of this film, but for now that's all I can offer. Keep up the great work :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

And it's comments like this that keep me going. Thank you!

[@tomahzo]

The story about how he incorporated the LM1 is just crazy - man, I love stories from those days. Such exciting times!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep! Went to Roger's garage and grabbed an early serial and got him to mod it. Inventing the technology whilst they went along!

[@tomahzo]

@@AlexBallMusic That's exactly right! It's during that magic time in history when synth makers, computer pioneers, hackers and surf culture all came together to form culture and create new technology (a lot on the US west coast... think Linn, Sequential, Oberheim, Commodore, Ensoniq, E-mu). Also... "Man, I need quarter notes, eighth notes etc... so he modified it for me". WTF? ;D. I guess that still happens today but these days it's mostly a question of having software developers add a feature in a VST plugin. The thought of having Roger Linn dive into the circuitry with a soldering iron is a bit more romantic to me ;) (yeah, I know, there's a fair share of software and digital electronics in the LM1 too... but still! :D)

[@dwightgilbert7596]

Youve outdone yourself, Mr. Ball.

[@MMCEnsemble]

This is so good! Love all the photos and the interview is just great! Glad Alan still has his prophet. One of the best soundtracks!!🎥📺

[@androoow]

holy sh** !! i know carpenters music VERY well.. big influence in my life and my decision to buy synths along with vangelis ..and had i not seen the vid of you reconstructing main title , i swear it was the original !!!! stunning.. and excellent video ... thanks for the effort.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, gotta love Carpenter. But it's interesting how much of the sound is Alan's doing, particularly as he was doing all the programming. Glad you enjoyed the remake. Having vintage gear certainly helps get a similar vibe. :)

[@allkeyspro6606]

Man oh man! Thanks so much for this! Fascinating and informative video! Alan is a treasure, wish I could work with him! Zawinul to Carpenter. Amazing career!

[@JnEricsonx]

Saw him live at a con beginning of last year, He performed a bunch of pieces of music, and I drained my phone battery recording it. Like the whole Halloween 2 theme, etc. Course same day I met NIck Castle. Was a good day.

[@scotttait2197]

Sublime.... thank you Alex

[@Denver_Risley]

Love all those scores and all that awesome old gear. Carpenter's albums of "Lost Themes" are terrific.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

That's a nice way to have breakfast on a Sunday morning. Brilliant. I love John Carpenter's style and Alan is ideed a wizard.

[@AlexBallMusic]

So competent is so many disciplines. One of those guys who must be incredibly handy to have on your team!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

@@AlexBallMusic Absolutely. I remember seeing another interview here on YT of him telling his story in his studio a few years ago. So interesting.

[@AtCloseRange]

Thanks for this Very good video. I grew up with John carpenter's movies and love his minimal approach of electronic music. Escape is one of their best score for sure.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep agree. The first and one of the most enduring.

[@IDigress]

What a legend. Great vid!

[@ediri8354]

Frickin genius, when these titans of film and music are long gone these documentaries will be very important documentary works.

[@herbyverstink]

this soundtrack is F*****n brilliant ... the Linn drum machine is almost the star of the show. Such a minimal score yet it sticks in your craw

[@Lykw1dSloth]

Man these sounds bring me back, grew up on Carpenter films, Ty...

[@craigshields8806]

You can also hear “The Thing” in this music.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, Carpenter gave musical direction to Morricone and so the "dun-dun, dun-dun" thing passed over into the Thing score.

[@tracyyy99]

Avid fan of EFNY...Thanks for the effort in making and uploading this...Much appreciated...

[@loweroctaves]

Legendary✨✨✨not sure if any other director other than kubrick has managed to make so many cult classics. Thanks for this video and the nostalgia.

[@ChrisBarrett1]

This is amazing. Thank you.

[@josephwright5921]

I bought this back when CDs first came out and played it on my radio program, Brainstorms. The synths and drum machines are awesome, but the Yamaha CP electric piano also gives it a distinct sound. The CP is both soft and punchy at the same time. There is nothing quite like it in terms of electric pianos.

[@jppcreative]

This was too fun! Cheers!

[@herbyverstink]

your recreations are wonderful

[@masonsmusiclibrary2632]

Love this channel so much! thanks to all involved!

[@mikelogan2909]

Simply amazing.. Thank you🙂

[@wimwijn1]

my all time fav movie and score, thanks

[@ateliercreosote4589]

So great! Thank you for sharing this.

[@sotosonic413]

Superb! Thank you Alex, this is gold!

[@longfade]

This is great!! I sure hope you keep posting these - they're wonderful.

[@torley]

Gripping, compelling throughout. Wonderfully insightful firsthand interview with Alan Howarth, and terrific reconstructions of various cues. Outstanding analysis of the main theme - BRAVO, ALEX!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks! Yes, was amazing to get the story from the horses mouth.

[@chadjohnson-authormusician8072]

Incredible video. Thanks so much for putting this together! Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish!

[@nicolaneeco]

Great job, thank you so much!

[@ErikHawk]

Wow, that is an amazing interview! Thank you for making this.

[@csvscs]

Dude this is the best kind of content! Amazing interview!

[@MrMuench]

Really awesome work here on recreating the arrangements and the story you told. Thanks!

[@jimsim3]

This was so cool. I love john work on films and music and I didn't know about Alan Howarth and now I a fan, thank you for upload Alex

[@jimsim3]

wonderful stuff Alex your such a dud too. love the break down

[@gterrymed]

I am So Very Grateful for this video!!!! Thank you very much for making this

[@AsteroidKiller]

Another great video from you. Thanks! 💕