If you are in need of something to do this Monday evening then we may have just the ticket for you. The Roundhouse is hosting a one night only screening of Kid Koala’s film NUFONIA MUST FALL. The DJ will himself be in attendance to live score his creation accompanied by the Afiara String Quartet. The quirky fun doesn’t stop there though as the film itself will be performed live by puppeteers with their actions projected onto the big screen. At the helm of the night’s proceedings is production designer KK Barrett who recently worked on both HER and WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
Kid Koala is a world-renowned DJ and music producer. In addition to his albums he has also provided music for SHAUN OF THE DEAD, LOOPER, and SCOTT PILGRIM VERSUS THE WORLD. The film NUFONIA MUST FALL is based on Koala’s own self-penned graphic novel of the same name. The story follows an out-of-work robot struggling to find his voice who crosses paths with a lonely office girl.
Ahead of the event we managed to have a chat with DJ Kid Koala about what audiences can expect from the night.
How does it feel having a whole event dedicated to a story that you wrote?
It’s like a dream! I remember drawing those characters in my sketchbook over 10 years ago. To see them all come to life on stage is truly extraordinary.
For those that aren’t in the know can you give us a brief overview of the story in NUFONIA MUST FALL.
It’s a story about robot who tries to write love songs but can’t sing. He has to survive a bunch of trials and tribulations before he eventually finds his voice and is able to write an authentic love song. It’s kind of a high tech, low tech love story.
When you made the graphic novel you released a CD to play alongside it. Is this the music that will be played at the show or have you come up with something entirely new?
There are a few themes which I kept from that first score. But there are several new pieces that have been composed for the live show. The Afiara String Quartet will be performing the music with me.
You’re obviously a very creative person, where did the idea to reproduce the pages with puppets in real time come from?
Growing up on The Muppet Show and Charlie Chaplin Films I guess.
I’m always interested in hearing how bands and DJ’s come up with their handles/names, how did you settle on Kid Koala?
My original DJ moniker was DJ Shredmaster Evil but the people at the record label thought it would be better to have a name that was less intimidating.
In the past you’ve worked with directors Edgar Wright and Rian Johnson on films like Scott Pilgrim and Looper. How does making music for films differ to making music for yourself?
When I record my own albums I always kind of pretend I’m scoring some imaginary animations in my mind. Working on film music with a director is always a wonderful experience. I’ve been a huge fan of the cinema since before I can remember. Scoring for picture is often a very delicate process. I just try to create some music that serves the story, mood and energy in the scene.
Rian Johnson is set to direct some of the new Star Wars films, should the opportunity arise would you be up for scoring some/all of the film a go? Maybe bring that iconic theme up to date?
John Williams score is untouchable.
What do you hope the audience will experience when they see NUFONIA MUST FALL?
They’ll laugh, they’ll cry, and they’ll be taken on a bit of an adventure. It’s unlike any other performance we’ve ever attempted.
Once this is all over what is next for yourself?
I’m working on some music for Jason Reitman’s new film.
So there you have it if you attend tonight you’ll laugh, cry, and be taken on a heck of an adventure. If this sounds like your perfect Monday evening then you’re in luck as tickets are still available. For all the details click here.
