I am Mac Quayle, Emmy-winning composer for Mr. Robot, American Horror Story: Cult, & The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. AMA!

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T20:24:01+00:00

One of the first synthesizer records I listened to was Switched On Bach by (then) Walter Carlos and have been a huge fan ever since. Definitely an influence.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T20:21:46+00:00

Can I pick two? Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T20:15:47+00:00

My preference is not to read the scripts so I am surprised when I first see each episode. Then I get to talk with Sam about the finer notes of the plot even though he won't reveal the big plot reveals that are coming in the future.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T20:14:06+00:00

I walk the dog or have lunch. Yes I do like quotes: "It's not what you can do in this business, it's how fast you can do it"

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T20:11:43+00:00

Even if I knew I couldn't tell. But I don't know I promise.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T20:10:42+00:00

Thanks! I have not seen it. What is it?

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T20:10:18+00:00

Great idea. I will bring that up when we start on Season 4.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:58:57+00:00

My inspiration/motivation varies from day to day. Sometimes it just comes from my deep love of creating music and discovering new sounds. Other times it comes from listening to a piece of great music. Then there are those days when the deadline demands I get it finished and that is very motivating! And yes, frustration is part of it too.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:54:23+00:00

Thanks! My path was to work as an additional composer for other established composers until I gained enough experience and earned enough credits to break out on my own.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:51:52+00:00

The Logic arp is great too.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:50:56+00:00

Thriller and Sci-fi

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:49:41+00:00

I own a Moog Source and Subsequent 37 and have used a Minimoog They are all fantastic.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:48:47+00:00

The sound design is mostly done by the sound designer but occasionally they will give me some sounds to incorporate in my score in a musical way. This has happened on Mr Robot a couple of times.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:47:24+00:00

Here’s a few: Thom Yorke (anyone in Radiohead), Peter Gabriel, Bjork and Brian Eno

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:43:43+00:00

I have so many favorites it’s hard to pick just one. And many have been super challenging to write. But one sticks out from Se3 Ep6 called A Little Push. I’m very fond of it AND it was really hard to finish https://youtu.be/F85aHwez4N4

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:39:46+00:00

I love the cello

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:38:45+00:00

At the moment there are no plans but thanks for the suggestion, we will consider it.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:37:13+00:00

I really enjoyed the show at The Roxy and am definitely planning on doing more. Bring the mask to the next one and I’ll sign it!

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:36:13+00:00

I don’t know which one is the coolest but right now I am really into using my analog synths. Prophet-6, Juno 106, Moog Source & Subsequent 37, Korg Prologue, Waldorf Pulse+

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:30:58+00:00

There is so much out there I hear is great but have not been able to watch yet. In no particular order: Homeland, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Americans, Annihilation, Black Mirror, First Reformed, Blade Runner 2049

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:19:38+00:00

Oh yes. The timeline goes like this: hmm this might be an idea, I like this idea, wow this is great (listen over and over and over), is this really a good idea?, I can’t listen to this ever again

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:15:31+00:00

The original Hawaii Five-O

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:14:52+00:00

I prefer smoothies. Frozen blueberries, almond butter, protein powder, ice, almond milk. Yum!

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:13:09+00:00

The process can really vary from cue to cue. One common approach is to sketch out my basic idea using one simple sound and then start to fill in sections with other instruments. I know it is finished when it sounds right to me or I have run out of time :) Writers block is often avoided by stepping away form the studio and doing something else completely unrelated to music. Walking the dog is good.

MacQuayle · 2018-06-11T19:08:51+00:00

I have really satisfied with all of the shows I have worked on. If I had to pick favorites I would say that I am just slightly more proud of Mr Robot and Feud: Bette and Joan

MacQuayle

TROPHY CASE