Thom Yorke on writing the Suspiria soundtrack

Mary Anne Hobbs interviews Thom Yorke about writing the soundtrack to the horror film Suspiria for BBC Radio 6 Music
Thom also performs 3 tracks from the soundtrack live at Maida Vale studios, London. Subscribe to the 6 Music KZbin channel to watch all of the performances & discover more incredible music
/ @bbc6music

[@Peter-vc5ut]

"Are you happy?" "Yeah, I'm alright. And you?" "I am. Today". That's a lifelong Yorke fan there. Grateful, genuinely happy to talk to him and to hear he's doing alright.

[@Iam_diny]

Happy b'day thom yorke🎉🎉

[@Iam_diny]

I love you thom yorke from radiohead❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@axwell52]

thom yorke is happy. thom yorke is alright. this is everything i need to know

[@joxelizartza2783]

😄

[@patriciashearouse1449]

And all in the world is right.

[@Lellos_]

Everything is in its right place...

[@craw_daddy97]

Fitter, happier...

[@Puru370]

yes

[@crowkangi]

one of the greatest musicians on the planet, " i can't read music". "it was more like drawing or painting"....i fucking love this.

[@zaxapitsa]

"Taking the melody somewhere it doesn´t want to go" there´s a great songwriting lesson right there, perfectly voiced.

[@Sound8VisionVibe]

Absolutely, that entire section was full of them.

[@Al-cy9qn]

Like I've said since I was 8: This guy is brilliant. Me - 1993

[@SammyCee23]

i never heard a quote like this

[@jonjon11882]

liquid metal probably meant making melodies with a lot of tension and dissonance instead of resolve

[@joeessig3550]

liquid metal-it’s a more emotional/narrative-driven way to talk about Music Theory, like an evolution of saying a Dmaj makes you feel happy or an Amaj makes you think of royalty. Ultimately he’s just saying the music itself should reflect the story (in this case, the songs internal narrative as well as the film it accompanies). If you’re just jamming and seeing what comes out, then this doesn’t matter much, but if you need/have a specific vision, then each component of the music ideally helps convey that-just like how the small details of paintings or poems or books or movies (should) still point back to “the main thing”.

[@higherground337]

What a beautiful person Thom Yorke is. He creates gorgeous, otherworldly music despite not even knowing how to read music. He's childlike, but also wise. Emotionally open, yet strong. A true artist and an all-around wonderful human being.

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

2:23 " You realize I've never done this before, right? " * Continues to write one of the best movie soundtracks of recent years *

[@GooGuGajoob]

Its really not. Even if you're Radiohead fanboying, you really going to dismiss Johnny's work? But I guess you aren't listening to it cuz his soundtrack work doesn't include a vocal melody so EW!!

[@ThomasBrubach]

@@GooGuGajoob what a strangely passionate response to somebody's opinion...

[@rupe82]

I wouldn't say it's one of the best soundtracks of recent years, but it's an excellent first soundtrack by Thom. Johnny has more experience in the soundtrack department tho.

[@channelname1562]

GooGuGajoob techically it is one of the best soundtracks of recent years because a soundtrack has songs with vocals. Jonny’s work is a score. He scores movies. Thom did both half score half sountrack for suspiria, so its’s not in the same category as jonny’s work which isn’t even some of the best scores of the last few years

[@Vishnu-xn4vx]

@@channelname1562 What? Have you heard The Phantom Thread, There Will Be Blood, You Were Never Really Here, Norwegian Wood? I love Thom's soundtrack, it is pretty good and how he managed the combination of choirs, pianos and synths is so good. But Jonny is still the master of composing for movies .

[@soyescarlata]

“I started with a script, well no, I started with evading luca for about a year” He’s so cute, I love him ❤️

[@ScarKev1314]

*evading

[@SunnyBear]

I really liked that last question, though. And I think it's because I believe that it came from a place of caring and actually wanting to know, rather than just churning out the same old questions artists answer all the time. She felt sincere and his answer, although reserved, also felt sincere. I got a good vibe, anyway. I hope that he did as well because I know he's not too fond of interviews most of the time.

[@maxibenavides4008]

The interviewer seems to have watering eyes at that last question

[@marcegm7253]

He once said "people ask me if I'm happy, and I tell them to fuck off". So I think he probably doesn't like that question... it's kinda personal.

[@bogdancapitanoiu]

the most awkward thing I've watched on yb...very weird q.... most defensive answ (swift w'about u, x reasonings, decomposing answ., closed eyes on the last words)...now I would need to ask Tom if that is true..&no I won't geez..I should't have watched this neither creativity, music, movies, scary movies, pianos, smart q, emotional vampi-journalism, etc. should make you happy..weird q (they can, but they shouldn't; only people should...and all those maybe should only charge you to bee positive and attentative to others...maybe @least4me)

[@YesPlease1]

You can tell that she can tell she's in the presence of greatness. And that it's a bit surreal to be sitting with a man like Thom and getting a glimpse into his mind

[@SunnyBear]

@no ! you seem like a fun person to hang around with

[@LeadSalad99]

You know how it is hard to explain color to a blind person? Well that's how hard it is for me to explain how much I appreciate Thom Yorke. What a gorgeous soul. A lifetime devoted to expression. Neat.

[@surroundgatari]

I agree. Very tired of the endless analysis of his work. It was never meant to be put into words, it's something that sears right through your heart in a way unlike anything else. Just like we can't comprehend the 4th dimension, we can't just comprehend why what he does is so great. And I don't think he does either, he just feels it and knows it. He's a beautiful man who makes beautiful music, and I'm happy he doesn't seem like he's gonna stop until his time here is over.

[@surroundgatari]

I want to add that I'm a musician and not just an ignorant fan who's condemning all music theory. I highly respect music theory and all advanced musicianship, but you simply have to recognise the transcendental qualities of Thom Yorke's music.

[@gunksmiles1218]

idk if you meant it but that's basically saying that you experience music on an entirely different level than the rest of us mortals with you being so incapable of expressing your utter depth of feeling and then you go on to state how Thom overcame that and spent a lifetime doing just that. I'm probably reading too much into it but your comment erked my lazy ass enough to write this.

[@gunksmiles1218]

@THX11003 absolutely this. Minus the having stopped listening to music bc other people like it too

[@gunksmiles1218]

@THX11003 you're talking in non-sequiturs

[@Filip6754]

"Can I ask you one final question?" "No I won't" Typical Thom

[@AlejandroShredderDJ]

She better wouldn't...

[@acttragic]

play creep . . . . no I wont

[@reahthorolund8373]

@@acttragic Lmfao

[@sunnysyl7]

Chvocht - such a tease , your sucha flirt

[@Mamse]

What did he mean by that, btw? :D What was he referring to?

[@Atlas65]

Am I the only one that thinks his speaking voice has a very comfortable and welcoming tone to it..?

[@Seraphii874]

Stefán Atli Jakobsson I totally agree! One of the biggest reasons I love listening to his interviews

[@Atlas65]

@@Seraphii874 Yes, I bet if he would do ASMR it would blow through the roof. Edit: He would be next Bob Ross.

[@xieze]

Stefán Atli Jakobsson his speaking voice always melts my heart

[@Atlas65]

S S Yes he really has a good one. I bet he doesnt even realise it. That would really match his character.

[@patriciashearouse1449]

Stefán Atli Jakobsson Absolutely!

[@Benjamin-om3ih]

Holy shit, i got really emotional when she asked him if he was happy. Thom, we love you so much

[@kiteracer]

Mary-Anne Hobbs has had a long, storied career and has interviewed Thom many, many times. I reckon they’d consider each other as friends. That last question came from a place of empathy and love. Thom replied with clarity and concision; if you can occupy your time with doing what you love, and the people with which you keep company are healthy and prosperous, well, that’s a good starting point for happiness.

[@patriciashearouse1449]

DEEP SOAK I totally agree.

[@ItsMisterEp]

What other interviews? Can't find them

[@viviana4731]

He's more comfortable than previous years but he continues looking somewhere avoiding interviewr's eyes, and that's so cute.

[@rupe82]

He does seem more comfortable and open in recent interviews.

[@lifemusic1980]

I have social anxiety and he really does handle it well.

[@rupe82]

@@lifemusic1980 Me too, but mainly in groups. He could also just feel better in these kind of situations, just talking to someone one on one in a quiet setting or being able to connect with the person he's talking to.

[@lifemusic1980]

@@rupe82 you are absolutely right. I do better one on one as well, but I guess I was just talking about opening to someone. 🙂

[@horrorfanandy4647]

Thom’s score for the Remake and Goblin’s score for the Original are so utterly separate from each other in every way and I absolutely love both of them. Incredible.

[@roasty80]

same. and love both movies

[@Kaisersozze]

I loved that last question and the way she asked it.

[@alejandromorales9516]

I rarely buy film score soundtracks but this one is a stunner.

[@travellingshoes5241]

£28 though on vinyl. Too expensive. I did go see the film though.

[@Christian-97]

This and the Blade Runner soundtrack are on my list if I ever really decide to buy either of them

[@AlejandroShredderDJ]

5:35 thom laughing is the most beautiful thing in the world

[@TheAngus1980]

I love his old-witcher laughs in this, and his little voice in his head going 3:03

[@crowkangi]

agreed. very cool to see him open up like that.

[@ErickArpeggi]

10:04

[@rosedavey519]

He is so gently spoken, I adore him. Talent oozes from every part of him......

[@scabbedwings691]

8:53 and here

[@parkourjaguarfreerun1518]

I actually cried when thomyork said he is alright.

[@ZacO8965]

This interviewer is so sweet: "Are you happy?" What other interviewers asks that? You can tell she cares about him.

[@ishaanthewonderboy]

She has interviewed Radiohead for a while now, she knows what she's doing people don't fuss about the last question.

[@janwilliams3624]

I really don’t think he knows how great his work is to so many people. He is shy about his work which makes him a remarkable man.

[@erlineandrews]

I understand why she asked that last question. It's because of the music he makes. Considering how often rock musicians die of suicides and drug overdoses you do have to wonder if they're happy. Looks like he understood the question as well. He gave a good, clear answer. EDIT: Also his long-time partner and the mother of his children died a couple of years ago. I know they were separated, but it must have been a tough period.

[@RayMcNamaraMusic]

He's smiling and laughing through the whole interview! I remember thinking "Is that what Thom's laugh sounds like? Awesome." He seems better than I've ever seen him. I'm very glad.

[@erlineandrews]

Smiling and laughing politely with a stranger is not an indication that you're generally happy. And I do like his laugh.

[@Saurkraut_6]

I wouldn't think answering the question in that context is much of an indication either. he looked a bit annoyed by it to me. If you weren't really happy that simplistic question isn't going to help much surely. I'm sure her intentions were kind though and its fair to wonder, but i feel sorry for famous people constantly having their emotional state or personal life disected on screen...

[@erlineandrews]

He did look taken aback and a bit affronted at first. But then it looked like he thought better of it and decided to give a straight answer. I like that answer he gave. I am concerned about the state of mind of the musicians I listen to. The suicides of Kurt Cobain, Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell showed that the pain they expressed in their music was not all performance. I do want some kind of reassurance that my favorite musicians are all right. Even though yes of course it's just words.

[@herkuskaminskas1409]

Thom Yorke doesn't strike me like the suicidal kind.

[@CalumnMcAulay]

Mary-Anne Hobbes has the most beautiful voice - i could listen to her forever

[@deadlight100]

The last question was the question we all wanted to ask him. Thom's alright, that it all that matters ❤

[@sneedsfeed5752]

All of you attacking the interviewer for the last question and I'm here like, well I think the way she smiles as thom answers her questions and the way she does her expressions made me realise that she maybe deeply overwhelmed by thom's presence. It's like an old lover sincerely looking out for you. I think a friend or an admirer or a lover asked thom that last question!

[@reahthorolund8373]

It was actually quite a moving question, though I think it was something that was supposed to be answered internally in some kinda way.

[@bernlin2000]

She did a great job and the question was honest and sincere, and Thom answered it accordingly. People in the comments here are idiots...

[@ellenmeilee]

Mr TY the world is better for you being in it. Your music soars the heart.

[@lozzybozzy234]

What a lovely interviewer. The perfect interviewer to interview Thom. She provides a comfortable space for him to express his interesting insights. Mary Anne Hobbs is a hero

[@joann-ij2zw]

Thom plays the piano beautifully. Love listening to his creative inspiration.

[@leedavis8300]

The way he answers the last question hit me hard.

[@catface]

I am very thankful to people, who gave Thom the opportunity to write this sountrack and to Thom himself for blessing us with his music.

[@SaiyaraLBS]

Me too.

[@srsjackson]

I was really impressed with Jonny Greenwood's score of Phantom Thread last year! This year I'm astonished by Thom's brilliant score!

[@HQBacon]

You should check out Jonny's score for the film "You Were Never Really Here." Listen to the track "Tree Synthesizers" or "Tree Strings." Unbelievable stuff.

[@srsjackson]

@@HQBacon or There Will Be Blood!

[@joshbuechler4867]

Check out Greenwood's score for You We're Never Really Here from earlier this year as well.

[@shirleysiqueira723]

Is wounderful...thank you Tom !

[@thenoble39]

These two should be in a band together😊

[@grimly105]

I honestly just want to thank thom Yorke. Thom your music has reached parts of my heart no other person has ever been able to reach.

[@lucamaori7777]

me too

[@midkay]

Never seen Thom laugh so much before, I love all his giggly moments throughout!

[@yechin06]

I love this interview. Oh my, why do I feel like crying after that last question... 😢

[@eracli0]

I love how she asked if he was happy. That was so genuine. You can tell she cares. We need Thom happy!

[@Nolee93]

God! How I love that man!

[@sidney8675309]

Unmade is probably the most hauntingly beautiful pieces I have ever heard. If I was still in choir, I would be requesting this as a piece to perform

[@Alien--eh2yh]

Fantastic interview and interviewer! That last question was very unexpected but greatly appreciated and had a fantastic reaction. I've always wondered if Thom has been happier since his earlier depressed state. Glad to hear he is! Living happily is the key to life. Living any other way isn't living at all.

[@booled1]

I just love the fact that Thom seems happy.

[@craigmurdock4740]

What an awesome interview. I haven't seen an interviewer get Thom this comfortable and open in forever. She was great!

[@TheAnthraxBiology]

It seemed like Thom actually really really enjoyed the interview which is rare. Lovely to see. The interviewer was fantastic!

[@KristaWaple]

That's so cool that Noah contributed his drumming to the soundtrack, and that Agnes inspired some ideas that Thom and Stanley used for the album's artwork! I wonder if both kids will pursue careers in the same fields as each parent of the corresponding gender. And what a variety of awesome laughs Thom has! They're all so distinct!

[@akf2000]

[narrator] They did

[@helgamelody4980]

we need to be proud to have the opportunity to see him live at a concerts. someday people won't have that opportunity anymore.

[@GandalfGreyhame3]

He involved his family in this record!? Such a cool dad, and what a great interview!

[@tasman006]

What a gentle talented awsome gentleman. Not a Creep at all.

[@nightynightshade]

I think he hid a lot of the true meaning behind the song Suspiria. The subtlety in the message of death and becoming one with it like a Waltz does with the body. Maybe even possibly alluding to his ex wife who passed away from cancer “when I arrive, will you come and find me? Or in a crowd be one of them?” When he gets to the afterlife, will she remember him as a conscious being or be a part of the faceless people throughout his life? A figment of his memory? I only ever found one article where someone thinks the same thing about the song but I never spoke to anyone else who shares this opinion. Maybe I’m reading to deep into the lyrics.

[@cringlez1096]

wow, what a hauntingly but powerful interpretation. I really like that man, could you link the other article you found?

[@kevinfrancis6033]

Thom Yorke continues to make amazing sounds..incredible music

[@diafenix]

i think i just went thru all the laughs of thom yorke. "Unmade" is so hauntingly beautiful.

[@TimStanley1978]

Nice work Thom, happiness isn't everything but it helps once in a while

[@lucanreynolds947]

It kinda is everything

[@someguy6345]

@@lucanreynolds947 nah.

[@MissionMike]

Everything he writes is timeless.

[@mikekin5806]

It feels soooooooo good to see Thom happy... makes me smile. 😊

[@Al-cy9qn]

Thom Yorke is a legend. Paranoid Android is one of the best songs ever made

[@viviencharrier1984]

What a humble and true human being ! Absolutely touching

[@brazilcreative1063]

Wonderful music, amazing show 👍🇧🇷

[@vampir8107]

them Yorke is honestly one of the most beautiful guys in history. His voice, looks, and everything about him is haunting, like he captures so many things in one second. he'll forever be in history. The day he passes will be the coldest day in history my friends.

[@debbie3081]

Thom Yorke is the most inspiring human being on earth after Michael Stipe. Love them both.

[@smits98]

Are you happy? You could tell that was not the question Thom was looking for. But I liked his answer: when I'm working. True artist.

[@ilyachigrin4334]

a very sweet interviewer. Thom is awesome

[@bhamacuk]

Thom's soundtrack is beautifully melancholic and graceful. It fits the tone of the film so much. When I listen to it, I'm reminded of scenes from the film and the overriding sadness within the story.

[@Hanner_Tenry]

That last question started some serious emotions with me. It made me think that she was following up with the passing of his partner Rachel.. I love Thom and I’m glad for all of you reading this to be able to love him too. Love yourselves and live with purpose. ❤️

[@yourpalfred]

Loved LOVED this score. Just incredible and totally unexpected. It added so much to the film.

[@theubiquitousanomaly5112]

I wasn't prepared to hear that last question :'(

[@stephene.5247]

So happy that Thom Yorke had this opportunity. How fortunate for us to continue to grow through his ever expanding artistry. Just love his talent and his humanity. 🙏

[@tuskoyy]

Thom Yorke’s humor and laugh brought me so much happiness

[@RDHD2099]

E’ incredibile come è riuscito a ricreare quelle atmosfere tipiche di una nicchia anni 70’! Davvero speciale! Genio Thom

[@user-lr3zx9qi8t]

Thom's work is always welcome and will have a place in generation's hearts.

[@Who-qn5fl]

Such a privilege to listen to thom talking calmly about his music. i have a good life. 10:21❤️

[@alienboiloic6676]

he seems relaxed here. nice to hear him talk

[@TheGVA94]

What a lovely interview and interviewer. It's rare!

[@Dipsxi]

I adore this soundtrack. It's eerie, ominous, and enthralling.

[@henryfraser2792]

Really enjoyed this. As a painter I always find comfort in hearing that I'm not alone in the creative process. Thom is one of the best. Feel I should mention that the last question he was asked overstepped a boundary which made me feel uncomfortable.

[@AngeleDeux1]

every time i love one of his songs i think This is It..nothing could b better than this song ..then he sings another... 'unmade' new fave of all time till next recording.. lol

[@gunrodoplu]

OH MY GOD THAT LAST QUESTION WAS BEATIFUL

[@colinwilliams4636]

. Marys last question was from the heart .Beautiful !

[@ho-iw8ft]

My heart!! He is the whole universe to me, what a magnificent, unique being...

[@Ro-nz1jf]

Gracias Thom Yorke por dar luz a tanta oscuridad.

[@foreoW]

What a genuinely lovely interview.

[@i_DONT_get_IT]

Thom Yorke is my musical inspiration

[@ImagineGTAVI]

I don't think that I ever get to hear Thom like this, so it's so neat and I'm grateful.

[@waynedobie]

The interviewer has a beautiful voice! Really enjoyed the whole interview and liked the last question too❤️

[@leanajohns2670]

I love him. ❤️❤️

[@User-xw6kd]

It's great to see him so chill and loosened up. That's a big one at the end too.

[@PsychedelicDug]

Amazing production value in these interviews, for a radio show - amazing lighting and camera work.

[@DangDangPictures]

Such a lovely interview.

[@Harlin67]

Don't think I've heard a more sincere 'thank you' from anyone. All he said was thank you, but it was a very honest moment. Love the Yorke and the song.

[@theworkerhours3141]

we have the duty to take care of this guy. no matter what. He is our hero.

[@ajaypoudel9659]

I love this man, god bless him

[@lifemusic1980]

It's so amazing to see how much more comfortable he is and how much he has grown over the years. So happy for him. Seeing him in 16 days. 😌

[@ricardosamayoacastro3344]

Thom Yorke a truly artist.

[@Xrad-jv3gi]

This is an amazing soundtrack that largely deals with death and loss. His lyrics are deeply personal portraits of his thoughts on these subjects. By asking if he’s happy, she’s basically applying social group pressure for him to conform to the superficial narrative that if you’re not happy, something is wrong with you. She obviously caught him off guard and I wish he would’ve been honest and said no I’m not happy and neither should you. Life’s a raw deal, the biosphere is f’ed, humans are violent destructive creatures and love is a contract with the universe that requires you experience great loss at some point.

[@venicebitchh4844]

Oh my God, What a legend, what a voice, and a Piano player.. he takes us from reality everytime. Sublime !

[@danielakerman8241]

A creative GIANT.

[@michalpitowsky6157]

Great video. He's so chill. People commenting about the last question, stop being so overprotective, this man is doing interviews since 1993 at least.

[@jonasosa5126]

One of the greatest Musicians ever.

[@QKvox]

This is a really good interview

[@nelsongeada4930]

I felt The last question.. be able to finish what the creator made by yourself its a brave choice.. i felt he isnt happy at all.. deep sadness.. I hope he stay well and be positive.. Respect

[@Roger_Ramjet]

What in incredible human being...

[@travisroth670]

" ... primary instinct ... just making noises! ... " has created such beauty!

[@sichard.rimmons]

I love when Thom is in a good mood. So much warmth