GODZILLA'S THEME | Godzilla vs. Kong [Studio Time: S4E3]

Strap in for a detailed look at how I constructed the theme for Godzilla from #GodzillavsKong including tips on writing themes of your own, using brass as a sound design tool, how percussion can further emphasize a theme, and tons more!
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STUDIO TIME
Executive Producer: Enzo
Production Design, Editing and Technical Advisor: Gevorg Chepchyan
Producer and All Things Digital for Tom Holkenborg: Hisham Dahud

[@jeffryhiendy3947]

Just imagine monsterverse is confirmed to be continued and the next godzilla movie Warner Bros hired Junkie XL and Bear McCreary

[@KristinieC]

BRUH WE'D ALL SHEEET OUR PANTS

[@godzillaandthewarforrealit7903]

if they have a gvk rematch have bear cover godzilla and junkie covers kong, maybe even have alexander desplat cover a bit of both or maybe mechagodzilla or whoever they possibly team up against,

[@theatomiclizard452]

I would explode in an uncontrolable scream of hapiness

[@franciscs1604]

Hmm….. what about… Benjamin Wallfisch? He created the soundtrack for the Mortal Kombat movie.

[@blueknight2321]

your theory is right, hes composing Godzilla x Kong

[@djdonjulio4461]

The perfect horns don’t exis.... cue Tom’s “Hong Kong” score.... *Picks up jaw from the floor*

[@nucygnet5881]

Pure anger. Pure danger. Suspense. Heroism. Emotion. Impact.

[@BlueboiiiTheNerd]

Junkie XL Bear McCreary 🤝 Making Akira Ifukube's Godzilla theme epic

[@Falxifer95]

Hell Yes

[@klohp1370]

Junkie didn’t use Godzilla’s theme by Akira Ifukube

[@TJUC123]

@@klohp1370 Yeah. I didn’t hear Akira’s theme in here. Bear used it in King of The Monsters, but Junkie didn’t use that theme. They both used Alexandre Desplat’s theme, but only Bear used Akira’s.

[@TJUC123]

@@klohp1370 Tom does have hints of Akira’s theme in the movie, but it’s not so obviously there. It’s very much altered in tone, as well. Much more ominous and scary rather than heroic. And he uses very different instruments.

[@Godzillatronus2021]

This isn’t ifukube’s theme

[@neonflavoredlights]

regardless if people wanna say it’s not 100% ifukube music, this theme fits perfect it’s well made and it still has the godzilla aspect to it. that’s all that matters

[@videogameaholic1962]

Yea people kinda need to shut up about that it's so annoying

[@zed6740]

I think it would have been better with him playing the original initial notes first and then transition over to something totally different. Playing Godzilla's original theme whenever he makes his appearance has always been a tradition so to hear his theme get changed around drastically just doesn't sit well with me IMO.

[@carrottoponcrak]

Evolution is necessary and Tom literally can't fail so I'm for it

[@neonflavoredlights]

@@carrottoponcrak hell yeah

[@neonflavoredlights]

@@videogameaholic1962 fr i hate it

[@BLCKNR]

McCreary's theme was awesome 'cause he took the classic and made Godzilla look heroic as he was portrayed on KOTM, Junkie's theme is an original take a makes Godzilla sound vicious and violent the way he is in GvsK (already seen it)

[@BlakeTedKord]

Spoil it for me, what happened basically?

[@BLCKNR]

@@BlakeTedKord Godzilla goes rogue wich can be seen in the trailers, why? I won't spoil that. But yeah, he's a BIG menace in this movie.

[@therocketman8933]

Yea, that's the difference, i ike kotm's soundtrack, but this one, damn it's epic as hell, and scary

[@BLCKNR]

@Yahzee Skellington "He took the classic" fucktard.

[@Grancrest_8695]

@@BLCKNR honestly though my friend 🤔 is Godzilla the menace? Or is Humanity's need to be the apex species the problem? I won't spoil anything either but it's an interesting question I believe.

[@godzillamaster84]

For 6 Years In a Row (Since I Saw Mad Mad: Fury Road), I Wished With My Life That Junkie Scored Something For Godzilla... “oh well:.. it’s impossible”... But Now Here We Are... And I Got To Say... This Is All I Ever Wished For...

[@jasonsalazar3699]

Junkie song's + action =perfection themes

[@big_tyler_m]

Whilst I'm going to miss Ikufube's theme, this is an awesome theme for Godzilla. Movies like Godzilla 2000 and Final wars showed that you can have an awesome Godzilla theme without using the original theme

[@Gojirawars03]

Didn’t 2000 and Final Wars also use the Ifukube theme at points, though?

[@big_tyler_m]

@@Gojirawars03 I believe Godzilla 2000 didn't use it but I couke be wrong, and I believe Final Wars used it once. My point was that you don't have to use Ifukubes motiff in order to have a good theme for Godzilla.

[@big_tyler_m]

@@Gojirawars03 Also (can't believe I didn't think of this before) GMK had an almost 100% original soundtrack

[@Gojirawars03]

@@big_tyler_m And yet it also used the classic theme during the final scene.

[@big_tyler_m]

@@Gojirawars03 You don't seem to understand what I'm saying. I'm saying that the movies main title for godzilla doesn't have to be the Ifukube theme. When you think of GMK or Final War's slundtrack you don't think of the one time they used Ifukube's music. You think of the music composed by Kow Otani and Takkayuku Hattori. Whilst yes, I would have preferred if Tom went with Ifukube's theme, I think he made an amazing theme for Godzilla that can and will rival the best of them. (Maybe not GMK's, nothing can rival that soundtrack)

[@fingerzmingus]

*First 5 Minutes* Me: "Tom, the dog. TOM, THE DOG! THE DOG, TOM!!!"

[@aaryantajanpure7461]

Rip to the dog. He died recently.

[@theblade1251]

@@aaryantajanpure7461 what is there a source

[@Nightlizard1564]

I like how he made his theme more darker. Reminds me of the heshei era.

[@iReiGNxx]

That opening was perfection 😂

[@ethereal999]

McCreary's theme is more heroic and epic, and this one gives you chills.

[@KingOfMonster19]

Well yes, but we can say that tom did a really great job

[@ethereal999]

@@KingOfMonster19 definitely.

[@xaumbie]

Too bad it just sounds like knockoff Ifukube

[@consonaadversapars]

I don't know why the franchise dismissed Desplat's theme. It was a great new Godzilla theme.

[@easyname9335]

@@xaumbie no it is a evil theme version of ikufube's theme enhanced version, halloween version..

[@vesuvius115]

I love Bear McCreary's score, but I love this way more as it's so much darker.

[@alphaprime1000]

It's very reminiscent of the Heisei Goji films

[@vesuvius115]

@@alphaprime1000 indeed

[@bryantellez6735]

You're right, this theme felt almost villainous and threatening, while the one in kotm felt almost like an anti hero feel

[@pedro.camacho]

Don't get too worried about the effort to avoid parallel fifths @41:35 . I come from a deep classical background (I was that "A+" nerd), 20 years later I can tell you: in the end the ear is what dictates what is "right" and "wrong" (and your ear is never wrong). If you think of those 3 voices as a unit by itself, as a single voice, there is no problem at all making whatever you want. Parallel 5ths are only problematic when you are making, for example, a 4 independent voice harmonization and, in the middle, you do a parallel 5th. In that moment the parallel fifth creates the illusion that you have a momentarily 3 voice harmonization. However there are other things to have into consideration. Remember that "rule" was observed on Bach's music because he used very similar instruments and because he composed stuff in an organ and a parallel fifth would sound like his single voice 5th register in the organ. So don't worry about theory purists, just keep writing awesome music as you always do :)

[@LT4LWF]

I took music appreciation and college and this was like a class unto itself. You made me proud of myself for understanding what you were saying. This is fantastic I saw the Kong original score in a classical film symphony. Well done, and thank you for the greatest meditation music ever.

[@Dannyjedge]

Well said. My training and theory eventually started to clash with the music that came naturally to me. So now I just play from the heart and don’t worry so much about the “rules”

[@kiyoshi3313]

Love the bass and the feeling of the theme itself. Truly feels like an antagonistic Godzilla.

[@thribs]

No such thing as a antagonist Godzilla. :)

[@MasonDoesSomeStuff]

@@thribs I dont know why you think that but ok.

[@aliabdulqawi1668]

His theme for the large part was predominantly antagonist.

[@thribs]

@@MasonDoesSomeStuff Even when he’s a “bad guy” I’m still rooting for him

[@MariaJose-rn3mr]

@@thribs Godzilla has an history of being a villain but sure buddy

[@MortiferV]

Awesome suite! Godzilla Forever! #TeamGodzilla

[@jokreg8232]

I can't believe some questionable masterclasses and "full" courses are sold for thousand of dollars and this series made me learn so much more and so much better instead. Thank you so much Thom you are the best remote teacher I could've ever asked for. So valuable knowledge from one of the masters!

[@jcp1984again]

Jokreg, while I love Tom's content, I'm not quite comfortable with your statement. Let me elaborate: Teaching is an actual living to many people who really spend a lot of time and energy researching and preparing their material, and full courses usually spend hours on one cue instead of 30 to 50 minutes per cue. Actual high quality paid classes dive even deeper into things like musical theory. In my honest opinion you shouldn't praise Tom while s***ting on others just because Tom doesn't charge you money. You know what I mean?

[@jokreg8232]

@@jcp1984again oh don't get me wrong, I respect GOOD teaching (been a teacher myself in the past in a different field) but I also like free, good education. And 30-50 minutes per cue is enough to give you something to work on your own and learn. It's very helpful to understand the process behind the creation and that's valuable. I was just comparing these videos with paid masterclasses or courses that are just basically repeating the same 2-3 basic things for hours with no real valuable examples. Trust me there are a lot of those out there. This is something I find more valuable than that type of "paid education". Of course it's important to respect who instead makes great (paid) full course too. No doubts!

[@faithslayer202]

Now that we Officially have the "Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (Complete Motion Picture Score)" by Bear McCreary all we need is Junkie XL to release the Complete Motion Picture Score of #GodzillaVsKong with Scores used in the Film & also the #Godzilla's Suite for #TeamGodzilla & #Kong's Suite for #TeamKong that he made & covered on his "Studio Times with Tom Holkenborg" & probably make #Mechagodzilla's Suite too for #TeamMechagodzilla, probably that may not be too hard & it can be for the ones who were on "Team Godzilla, Kong & Mechagodzilla" during the whole "Team" siding thingy... Hopefully Junkie XL is hearing what i'm sending out, because many fans would like that to happen & they haven't stopped asking.

[@lindseypellino939]

I just watched GvK for the fifth time last night and was hoping to find an interview or two about the composition of the music. Had no idea the composer had a KZbin channel doing just that!!! Thank you for sharing these.

[@Bigboyanthony]

Lol that intro tho, btw loving the soundtrack so far, Akira would be proud

[@ChadHolzhuter1288]

I actually can't believe I'm saying this, but, even though I'm a HUGE Ifukube fan... this theme is absolutely perfect for this version of Godzilla. Like perfect. Just the overall tone and sound of this theme, especially now hearing these variations, Holkenborg has absolutely nailed the sound of this Godzilla. Its close enough to Ifukube's G theme to be easily recognized, but is also very original and has its own unique sound. And the layered horns, which are very reminiscent of Mombasa from Inceotion, really add a sense of something gigantic and intimidating... again, perfect. Tom, your scores for GvK and JL are THE soundtracks for 2021, thank you. Edit - I screamed like a child when you said Godzilla vs Biollante was your favorite G Film 😁😆 that's mine too!!!

[@zed6740]

Personally I really liked Bear McCeary's version better because it stays more true to Ifukube's score while at the same time sounding more modern and epic. The big chants in the theme especially make it seem more primal which I think fits better for Godzilla. Just my opinion. Also can I have a timestamp when he said Godzilla vs Biollante was his favorite G film?

[@ChadHolzhuter1288]

@@zed6740 And people will have that opinion, this is just mine. I still love McCreary's entire score and I love that he used Ifukubes theme. But for me, again, personally, it didn't fit... fully. It was a step in the right direction but I think a full on use of THE Ifukube theme was too on the nose. Something modern, yet has a very inspired sound from Ifukube was what was needed, I think. And Tom nailed it. Also... its somewhere at the beginning he mentions Biollante is his favorite.

[@zed6740]

@@ChadHolzhuter1288 Yea man I get you, I'm not trying to bash you or anything for your opinion. I just wanted to give mine since I'm so used to hearing Godzilla's original theme since it has only played whenever he made a appearance.

[@ChadHolzhuter1288]

@@zed6740 All good, I knew you weren't. Just wanted to clarify. Some people don't fully read responses 🙄 😆

[@therocketman8933]

@@ChadHolzhuter1288 im with u man, i fuckin love this new soundtracks

[@marcusnguyen6282]

Really wish this suite was included in the OST release🥲. But either way, spectacular job on the score! I was looking forward to it and it didn’t disappoint👍 ...holding out hope that the Godzilla suite and/or any extra songs get released down the road

[@Xenosaurus]

I just released this full suite on my channel! You can check it out if you want!

[@Falxifer95]

Knowing Tom is a Godzilla fan and saying his favorite movie is Godzilla vs Biollante makes me so happy and glad he got the job for GvK.

[@raycreationstv]

Can't believe this is free...and on KZbin. Junkie this is invaluable and amazing.

[@theblade1251]

Junkie xl is really having a time of his life right now im happy for him

[@BlueOysterStan]

how to make a good film soundtrack: Step 1. Hire Junkie XL Step 2. Repeat Step 3. Profit

[@maxfordgaming9278]

So much rage and anger in this music , love it.

[@LukeBroadhurstfilm]

The Godzilla theme never gets old but how come your album didn't include the soundtrack from the opening credits? that score was amazing

[@TheDoc.]

Just wait till Junkie XL and McCreary collaborate

[@sxdrujandis]

I get the sense Tom is a very visual composer? Not only does it sound cool, it looks cool too.

[@robinator789]

I don't care what anyone says, this man cooked real hard with GvK and especially GxK.

[@akidoma5914]

I miss the work of Bear McCreary and the OG Akira Ifukube's Godzilla theme, but you do also a good job 🤝

[@macabrevoid]

Amazing stuff! I’ really love the original Akira Ifukube version of Goji’s theme but this has this raw, ruthlessness that really fits with this film. I love some of the slower, emotional parts, gives almost an Invasion of Astro Monster/Destroy all Monsters-esque mystery that feels haunting. Also that 15 minute suite really made me appreciate all the beats of this theme much more! Please do one for Kong!

[@officiallyunprofessional8011]

I really wish this suite had been included in the album...

[@cannedplacebo3198]

Hopefully, he uploads the entire suite on his channel. The part from 5:16 to 6:30 is just so pretty and bittersweet for a Titan. I think it definitely shows Godzilla's quiet little heroic side in this film, and showing that his heroic side is still hidden deep inside him despite him being interpreted as an antagonist in GvK.

[@Composer_DanielPerez]

This was a very cool example of motivic development. Hopefully we see more of this for other scores that you have worked on. It's very interesting to see how the one theme can be used in so many creative ways to enhance the emotion that is needed on different scenes with counterpoint and development.

[@MrAndrewHowes]

It's these pieces that make me want to hear a Holkenborg choral symphony in the vein of Shostakovich or Orff. The orchestral colours in this are insane.

[@JavadKarimabadi03]

Didnt like it at first, but it’s grown on me. Good stuff as usual!

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Same. Heard it here on KZbin before film released and I was unimpressed at how it mimics the original theme without being it. Then in the context of the film I now love it. It really gives off the vibe of a pissed off Godzilla.

[@thestealthyartist6248]

@@RangerMcFriendly On it's own it feels bland. In the movie itself, however...HOLY SNAP DUDE IT'S AMAZING

[@RangerMcFriendly]

@@thestealthyartist6248 Agreed 100%. My G-Fan buddies and I initially thought “What gives? Junkie XL couldn’t get the rights from Toho for Ifukube’s themes??” Then we saw the film and thought “Oh, ummm, glad they didn’t use those themes as they would have been too tame!” Lol

[@thestealthyartist6248]

@@RangerMcFriendly cool

[@mistercuddlywomp15]

@@RangerMcFriendly "It really gives off the vibe of a pissed off Godzilla" Oh absolutely! It really does capture the whole "Pissed-off Godzilla" vibe. *Especially* at (7:04)!

[@ramoneprakash8694]

hey xl, i remember listening to your "today" album in high school and it really helped me a lot during those times ! it had a wistful vibe to it, anyway glad to see you are doing more cool things now, all the best !

[@jamesvarela233]

Holy cow this is the best theme ever dude I love this, the theme sounds so intimidating and gives you chills it’s awesome I love it!

[@Raijin_1702]

If Anyone Who's Wondering Where The Soundtrack Starts & Ends: 2:50 - 20:50

[@nextel94]

This is great! I love episodes centered around harmony and theory! I've had to learn music mostly myself and through a few private lessons, so seeing you talk in detail about your arrangements and techniques just fuels me with inspiration. Thanks

[@gforever]

Thank you Tom for making such an awesome score for GvsK and also for sharing the in depth details on how you went about creating the new theme. Godzilla's theme is very precious to the GFans and from the previews I've heard so far, I feel you've done it justice! While I love Akira Ifukube's and Michiru Oshima's themes, your new theme perfectly fits and feels like Godzilla. I look forward to seeing the movie next week on opening day and hearing your full soundtrack in the theater.

[@nannamatt0844]

Hey man! How are you?

[@gforever]

@@nannamatt0844 Jamming to the GvsK soundtrack and the complete G2019 album. Lots of Godzilla items coming in for KZbin reviews so see you on the Luminous channel!

[@nannamatt0844]

@@gforever LOL same I’ve been playing the track and playing with my toys and I’m excited 😛 especially for that gvk sh monster arts figure review from you guys, there was kong and Godzilla for sh on eBay and it was in stock but the sale ended, idk if u got them or not, cya soon buddy!

[@v.mongoliensis5138]

Thank you so much for making these videos. I absolutely love getting insight into your thought process and the methods you use to create these incredible soundtracks. I really hope we get an extended version of the GvK soundtrack at some point! This Godzilla suite is darn cool!

[@ownlifedanny]

Wow, love your videos and your music! Thanx for sharing all your knowledge. Love that you're still so down to earth to even bother with effort of showing everyone what you do and how you do it!!!

[@guillaumetiger-isothesis5791]

This episode is just great. The way you explain the uses of short themes' variation is very clear and effective. Also, can't wait for the "sound design" episode ! :)

[@dudeitsdavid2117]

It’s a cool episode. Been a fan since fury road and love hearing the mentality of how it comes together. I don’t compose myself, I just enjoy the process.

[@davidefant3045]

One of the best episodes yet! Thanks so much for spending time talking about how you approach harmony and giving away some real-life-arrangement tricks. 🔝 Looking forward to see the episode where you’ll talk about other software you use for sound design. 🙏🏻

[@gamingthatsall4253]

The theme is starting to grow on me

[@PereRevert]

Thanks so much Tom for kindly sharing your knowledge and the insights of your work. It's an awe-inspiring legacy. Respect.

[@Tonny_synth]

Yeeeees, that reminds us of the iconic classical Godzilla theme from Akira Ifukube, but with the modern hybrid twist. I cannot wait to hear it in the theater and watch more on the StudioTime. Congratulation, and thank you so much for sharing!!

[@sw-gs]

I got GMK and Return of Godzilla (1984) vibe from this theme.

[@anthonyworthydaretodreammu2451]

Junkie, the knowledge the experience the creative process is so inspiring for music making... thanks. Please continue providing content like this.... learning so much from these videos.

[@KM-tv5km]

This is exactly the kind of episodes I want!! Thank you, Tom!!

[@yadinmichaeli12]

Thank you tom thank you so much that you are showing your work for us and actually explain the piece and the sound! we can learning from you a lot thank you!!

[@AM-nz6pn]

Love this theme!!!!

[@greyanaroth]

Wow this is absolute genius. Fantastic job, Tom! Very inspiring. Hope the movie matches up to how awesome the soundtrack is. And such amazing insights. Brilliant.

[@yvanroustan4426]

thank you Tom for this indeep video ! i really like when you give tips about chords progressions with examples onto your keyboard. Really useful !

[@christopherdoucet4112]

Thank you Tom! I really appreciate you talking about Harmony! This is very helpful and inspiring.

[@chucklouis3549]

I can’t have enough of watching this. So many insights ! Thank you Tom !!!

[@EricVera539]

I can't thank you enough man. I love this kind of videos. You are one of my musical heroes. Thank you for sharing this! It means a lot! (:

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Beautiful work! Just lovely suite!

[@Littlekoji-df1cf]

You and McCreary are the best!

[@RCGBlade]

Wow, this extended theme suite is fantastic. I really hope it gets released officially eventually!

[@bigassmonkey1933]

Well the score releases tomorrow so maybe

[@RCGBlade]

@@bigassmonkey1933 unfortunately it’s not a part of the release :/

[@cannedplacebo3198]

@@RCGBlade Maybe he'll upload it on his channel. Fingers crossed.

[@faithslayer202]

I suggest we email him about releasing all the scores, unused tracks & Suites!

[@jchepher]

Yes please Tom, more of this!

[@meghbanerjeemusic]

Brilliant Music. Goosebumps.

[@gonzalozubillaga9341]

This is amazing Tom! Thank you for sharing!

[@Patfriza]

amazing score, amazing different motifs and dynamics wow wow ..congrts

[@juha.takanen]

Really interesting stuff! Definitely looking forward to more this kind of content

[@VisualAudioV]

I would love to see your approach to mixing these instruments, Tom! You have a great stage presence and balance in your work.

[@mego73]

can't wait to watch this in full!

[@ImFigure]

This is so amazing 🔥

[@nathanthauwald2709]

One of the best episodes yet! More theme/harmony/theory content would be great!

[@guitaristfirst9697]

Very cool theme. Sounds dangerous and powerful.

[@edsonalvesdasilvajunior7315]

I love your work Mr Tom.

[@rdru2ner82]

This was a amazing piece of music....we need more! 😁

[@retrodon205]

Beautiful!

[@berndmartin1378]

With one word - awesome! Thank you for the great music!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rogerm4a1]

I'm so happy I subscribed to this page! It wasn't until after ZSJL that I realized he had a channel. Breaks his music down completely.

[@TableTopComposer]

Thank you! This video is incredible! Learning more about your orchestrational process is very helpful. Please continue to make more videos like this one :)

[@MrHunte87]

Wow this sound ace through my monitors I also love the track top you're wearing Tom.

[@oliverpinelli3334]

Great! I love how you explain the difference between"classics" and "monster music". 🙂

[@garfilms]

i just watched it with my daughter we are fascinated with the score!!! congrats!!!! spectacular themes and cues!!!! this is a great master class

[@music-drive]

Love this video. Would love to see more about composing suites and developing themes.

[@Skenderovski]

Fantastic!

[@rdru2ner82]

That was one of the best themes ever created for a iconic picture

[@vulpesmusic2801]

Most helpful episode so far for me!

[@theinevitabletitan8706]

Is it just me or does the part at 8:04 sound like that one part of Godzilla’s theme in 2014?

[@bigassmonkey1933]

Kinda not really for me

[@khoailang9470]

Yeah

[@kiyoshi3313]

Oh yeah, the muto parts.

[@nucygnet5881]

G14 theme: Discovering Godzilla. GKOTM theme: Godzilla as The Hero. G21 theme: Villainous Godzilla.

[@sckap95]

Junkie XL: 22:08 Adam Wingard: Oh ye of little faith 😏

[@SiahKun]

So beautiful 🔥🔥

[@LCMusicTracks]

Wow. So impressed with the score and how you developed it. Bravo 👏

[@KuWota2k]

Good soundtracks! Interesting video and process.

[@joshuaroshan204]

Love this!

[@vleevision7787]

oh the timpani thing is being experimented with right now in my logic pro DAW !!! thank you again I am adding contrabass and french horns transposed down of course . . .

[@martinschweisthal5560]

Thank you for showing us this, it is very interesting, you are making great Music. I love electronic Music, especially Trance with beautiful Melodies and Soundtrack Scores.Greatings from Germany and stay health.

[@phantomraider8383]

Nobody "Junkie xl's dog getting scared of godzilla's theme"

[@glyn5385]

thank you Tom, im learning sooo much from you, God Bless You

[@rebeccal7727]

Really enjoy your music especially for gvk keep up the great music

[@sourcefor]

Great stuff as usual !