Max Martin, Elmo, and Broadway with Dominic Fallacaro (& Juliet)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: Dominic Fallacaro
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Topics discussed
Host note
Dominic Fallacaro won a Grammy in 2015 for Best Children's Album, received an Emmy nomination for his 2019 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade composition, and is the Musical Director for *& Juliet* on Broadway, the show that turns Max Martin's catalog into a live theater experience. He's also placed work on *In the Heights*, *Tick Tick Boom*, and Sesame Street.
The episode moves through all of it: the specific challenge of writing for children ("a double-edged sword... one of the few kinds of music that will remain timeless"), how the Max Martin catalog demands a "best idea wins" approach ("If we're going to go close to the source material let's go all the way"), and what he's most direct about, setting up vocalists. "The biggest thing is really setting up your vocalist for success... how are you going to get the performance that you want?" That question is the job, whatever room he's in.
Selected moments
- Dominic's Transformation into a Producer 1:39 Dominic shares how he transitioned from performing in bands to working in the studio, highlighting a key moment that led to his Grammy win.
- Challenges of Writing Children's Music 2:56 Explores the complexities of writing music for children and the unique responsibilities that come with it.
- The Impact of Live Performance on Music Creation 8:33 Discusses the importance of live audience feedback when creating children's music, emphasizing the spontaneity required.
- Approach to Arranging for *& Juliet* 9:52 Dominic elaborates on the process of arranging classic Max Martin songs for a live musical, blending tradition with innovation.
- Understanding Vocalists in the Studio 29:52 Reflects on the importance of supporting vocalists during recording sessions for optimal performances.
- Adapting Arrangements for Live Broadway 11:13 Dominic talks about the unique considerations when adapting arrangements for a live Broadway setting.
Selected excerpts
I really found a passion in being in the recording studio and I really loved producing music... it was amazing, it's sort of been all my sort of development.
...it's interesting because it's a double-edged sword in the sense that it's one of the few kinds of music that will remain timeless.
There's a sort of Pixar split of age gap where it's for kids but if you're really listening it's for adults too.
It has opened so many interesting doors and we've made so much great music together, from playing Lollapalooza to Sesame Street.
If we're going to go close to the source material let's go all the way... it's a body of music that's unbelievable and so celebrated.
It's a best idea wins situation... his career is built on collaboration.
The biggest thing is really setting up your vocalist for success... how are you going to get the performance that you want?
I don't think anyone who can play the piano or strum the guitar regrets that time spent.
FAQ
What is Dominic Fallacaro known for?
Dominic Fallacaro is a Grammy-award-winning producer and composer known for his work on Broadway, particularly as the Musical Director for *& Juliet*, which features the music of Max Martin.
How did Dominic Fallacaro get involved in children's music?
Dominic became involved in children's music through collaboration with artist Tim Kubart, which included creating music for Sesame Street and earning a Grammy for a children's album.
What is *& Juliet* about?
*& Juliet* is a musical that reimagines the story of Romeo and Juliet, featuring iconic songs by Max Martin, and is celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.