In honor of Halloween, my favorite “holiday” of the year after Christmas, I present an exclusive interview with composer John Massari. Massari is best known for his score to the 1988 cult classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space, but he’s also written and performed music for The Wizard of Speed and Time, The Cell 2, Retro Puppet Master, and the theme to The Ray Bradbury Theater. He’s worked with HBO, MGM, Disney, and Sony Pictures and owns his own sound and music production company, Cinematic SteamPunk.
Although I’ve never met Massari, a few months back I had the pleasure of meeting some of the people involved with Killer Klowns From Outer Space including the Chiodo brothers who conceived of and wrote the film and designed the Klown masks. I also met the men who played the Klowns in the film along with the three main stars! Now, on with the interview…
Peter: Your audition for the Killer Klowns composer job was more like a contest, wasn’t it?
John: “It was indeed a unique audition process. The Chiodo brothers held auditions where multiple composers submitted their interpretations of what the music for Killer Klowns should sound like. It was competitive, for sure. I fell in love with the film when I saw that gorgeous spaceship in the forest. I’m grateful that my particular musical interpretation resonated with them.”
Peter: I read that the Chiodo brothers asked you to approach the music for the film differently…to use different instruments than you would typically use for certain types of music. Did that take you out of your comfort zone?
John: “It was such a relief NOT to emulate another composer’s horror score. They needed me to distinguish my music for this film. The Chiodo brothers wanted to achieve a particular sound, which involved using unconventional instruments to create a unique atmosphere. I was free to explore new creative avenues, resulting in a score that defined the film’s quirky and otherworldly tone.”
Peter: The Chiodo brothers were pleased you took their film and the music seriously. Why did classical music heavily influence your compositions, especially considering the kind of film it was and that a punk rock band recorded the title track?
John: “Classical music has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and I felt that incorporating classical elements into the score added depth, richness, and, most importantly, contrast to the overall sound. While the title track by the punk rock band was a defining aspect of the film’s fun identity, I wanted to approach the score with a level of seriousness, that extra something that creatively works with the campiness. The juxtaposition of classical influences with the film’s crazyness (sic) creates a unique experience for the audience.”
Peter: What was the most challenging aspect of developing the soundtrack besides the low budget and very short time frame?
John: “My first step was composing all the thematic material. I originally wrote the piece known as ‘The Killer Klown March’ for my band in high school. My band mates thought it sounded too Jazzy, but it worked for the film. Then one to programmed totally original sounds on my synthesizers. One of the most challenging aspects of developing the original soundtrack was balancing the film’s playful and comedic [side] with its darker, more sinister undertones.”
Peter: You’ve recounted some great “Klown” stories for liner notes, personal appearances, and other interviews, but is there anything about the Killer Klowns soundtrack or the movie you’re aware of that few if any people know about?
John: “Besides me composing ‘The Killer Klown March’ when I was a teenager, there is this story: ‘As John Massari returned the music master tapes to the studio, people in the accounting and legal departments completely dismissed Killer Klowns as ‘A complete failure that will die a quick death.’ Massari responded: “Well… YOU don’t get it! There are people who will LOVE this movie.’ Then, this gem: ‘John Massari‘s music for the entrance of Klownzilla was originally composed a year earlier for the Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives movie trailer. Massari’s music for that trailer was rejected in favor of a more cliche musical approach.’ Lastly, The Chiodo Bros despised all the scores from 80s horror. So, I had the rare joy of creating my score. To this day, I am still expanding the score. Follow me for more updates.”
Peter: Are you surprised at the huge following Killer Klowns has amassed? Why do you think the movie continues to be so popular? It’s supposedly the most requested movie on Svengoolie.
John: “I believed in this movie from the very beginning. It was just a matter of time. We have the fans to thank for all of this popularity. There is a subtext of creativity that resonates with audiences. Hence, it rises from the ashes like the majestic Phoenix! LOL”
Peter: Why did you decide to release a “reimagined” Killer Klowns soundtrack in 2018?
John: “The decision to release a ‘reimagined’ Killer Klowns soundtrack stemmed from a desire to revisit and revitalize the music for a new generation of fans with a real orchestra. Since the score is based on classical music, we can approach the music with fresh eyes and ears.”
Peter: You’ve accomplished much in your career and are still very active. Does it bother you that you’re known as the Killer Klowns composer by many?
John: “Not at all! While Killer Klowns holds a special place in my heart, I’m proud of the projects I’ve composed throughout my career.”
Peter: If you were a zombie, who would you want to eat first and why?
John: “Ha! That’s certainly a unique question. As tempting as it might be to sink my teeth into the brains of… YUK! I prefer to stick with a more traditional nutrition plan.”
Peter: What was your favorite Halloween costume when you were a kid and what was your favorite Halloween candy?
John: “Astronaut and Snickers.”
My thanks to John Massari for taking the time to answer my questions and sign my CDs. Happy Halloween!
Trivia (from halloweencostumes.com): The 2024 top trending girls costumes this year are witches, Inside Out 2, Minions, and Disney Princesses. The 2024 top trending boys costume are Spider-Man, Sonic the Hedge Hog, Minions, and Transformers.
Trivia (from candystore.com): Halloween candy sales for 2024 are expected to reach $3.5 billion, which is actually down from last year. The top 5 trending Halloween candy for 2024 includes M&Ms at the top spot followed by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, and Starburst. Last year saw Reese’s in the #1 spot.
Trivia (from hers.com): The three healthiest Halloween candies are Jolly Ranchers, Salt Water Taffy, and tied for third place are Blow Pops and Hot Tamales.
More about Killer Klowns From Outer Space