Seven Deadly Sins

BACKGROUND: Soundtracks for dance productions tend to bifurcate into classically inspired musical traditions and more contemporary sound art experimentation. Whilst some productions have featured a range of genres, often selected from disparate sources, this work provided the opportunity to fuse both approaches - often within the same composition. My involvement was a decision to reposition the EDC brand with an edgier sonic aesthetic, whilst still appealing to their core audience, more used to melody and lush musical instrumentation. CONTRTIBUTION: This work provided the opportunity to test the mutual exclusivity of experimental electronica and classical forms. Challenging this dichotomy, the soundtrack combined a brutally rhythmic approach to momentum and drive, a cutting edge exporation of abstract soundscape, all tempered by classical violin and piano engagement with conservative musical tropes. The distinct sin characters provided emotional covering fire for this approach, as musical fusions and contrasts were inevitably found to bind to the character they were describing. SIGNIFICANCE: Funded by QPAC, Queensland Government, Australian Government & the Australia Council. Standing ovtations at the performances. Enthusiastic reviews in print (including "...Darren Verhagen's soundscape which verges on the brilliant" - Stage Whispers 11/25/2015) A one hour film of the performance (too large to email) is available on request.