Cory Stillman
A fascinating blend of live-action and stop-motion animation, Nickelodeon’s The Tiny Chef Show is already both an Emmy and Annie Award-winning series. As a Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated composer/songwriter himself, it is no surprise that Jared Faber is generating further awards buzz for his score on the second season of The Tiny Chef Show. Indeed, Faber and the popular preschool program are a match made in heaven, pairing the Teen Titans Go! To The Movies composer’s commitment to excellence with the show’s authentic and kitschy appeal.
“Tiny Chef has such a wonderful and distinct look, and I aimed to give it a sonic character that matched its visual appeal—tactile and handmade,” says Faber. That sound is defined by an array of acoustic and light percussion instruments, including the banjo and the ukulele. Creator Rachel Larsen always envisioned a Bluegrass-inspired score for The Tiny Chef Show, providing Faber with a strong musical basis upon which he could always build.
“Early videos even featured Chef playing the banjo,” notes Faber.
And for a musician who has collaborated with such icons as Michael Bolton and Lil Yachty, Faber has grown particularly fond of the miniature chef at the heart of Nickelodeon’s hit series, even going so far as to indulge us when we asked about Chef’s own personal taste in music.
“While Cheffy clearly loves his banjo, he also really likes to dance! House music all night long!” Faber suggests.
Check out our full discussion with Faber below.
How does composing for a stop-motion animated series differ from your work on other animated shows like Teen Titans Go!?
I’ve had the opportunity to score many animated series and films over the past several years. While they differ from live action in terms of how and when you play certain moments, animated shows are broadly similar in approach. From a musical standpoint, stop-motion isn’t specifically different from other types of animation. That said, I strive to give each project its own unique sound, with a palette and tone that suit it. Sometimes a project fits within a specific genre. Tiny Chef has such a wonderful and distinct look, and I aimed to give it a sonic character that matched its visual appeal—tactile and handmade. I used small instruments, like ukuleles and small percussion, along with “found sounds” and acoustic instruments where you can really hear the fingers playing them.
The Tiny Chef Show is known for its engaging songs. How do you ensure that the music resonates with both children and families?
I simply try to write the best songs I can. I aim to follow an approach used by the best kids’ shows and films, which is not to dumb it down. There’s no reason to make music overly simple just because it’s for kids. I strive to be as musically interesting and engaging as possible while staying organic and aesthetically appropriate. Mostly, I just try to make it fun.
How do you collaborate with the show’s creators and producers to ensure the music complements the visual style of the show?
It all starts with conversations with the creatives to understand their vision for the music and what they stylistically like for the show. Rachel Larsen, the creator of Chef, felt that a Bluegrass vibe would suit the character. Early videos even featured Chef playing the banjo. Starting there was a great way to begin crafting the sound. I used fiddle, banjo, ukulele, upright bass, and acoustic guitars quite a bit. We always needed to expand the palette for certain instances, but whenever possible, that was the sound we leaned on. Beyond that, it’s about communication—continuing to talk and ensure we’re on the same page aesthetically.
In what ways has The Tiny Chef Show allowed you to explore new musical territories?
We’ve had great fun with broad theatrical musical numbers, and I’ve really enjoyed that. As is often the case with animated series, we’ve had opportunities to explore all kinds of music. But the straight-up Broadway-style musical numbers have been a blast.
Can you share a fun fact or behind-the-scenes story about the making of the music for The Tiny Chef Show?
There have been moments in the show where Matt Hutchinson, the actor voicing Chef, improvised some vocalizing. By the time it reached me, it was locked to picture but hadn’t been recorded with any accompaniment. It’s a wild ride, but actually kind of fun trying to follow that after the fact! I just listen and play along, which has led to some cute moments.
Reflecting on your journey with the show, what have you learned about the power of music in animation?
I don’t think this is news to anyone, but the show definitely feels different without music. Music can truly shape the mood of a scene, making it funny or deeply emotional. While this isn’t a new revelation specific to this show, it’s always evident when you start with a blank canvas.
If Tiny Chef had a favorite musical genre, what do you think it would be and why?
While Cheffy clearly loves his banjo, he also really likes to dance! House music all night long!
Comments
Loading…