Meet Ezra Reich and Nic Johns, ROOM8’s LA-Based Electronic Production Duo

We are Ezra Reich and Nic Johns, an electronic production duo. And together we are ROOM8. At ROOM8 we specialize in analog synthesis and use a vast array of early analog and digital synths. As a duo we are interested in the marriage of image and sound creating an emotion which transcends both. We love a huge array of music and films.

ROOM8, has composed the soundtrack for controversial Alt-Right drama Cuck (2019). Starring Zachary Ray Sherman (Everything Sucks!), Timothy V. Murphy (True Detective) and Sally Kirkland (Anna). The LA-based electronic production duo of ROOM8 have now released their new track titled West.

indieactivity: Is this what you have always wanted to do?
Ezra Nic (E&N): We have always been musicians and film scoring has always been something we love and are passionate about.

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Give us an idea of a regular day at work?
Ezra Nic (E&N): It depends if we are working on a film or a song or album, but it usually involves creating soundscapes with old electronic instruments.

What is the work process on a typical film?
Ezra Nic (E&N): We first map out where the director has placed the temp music to get a sense of how many cues the film will have. From there we go over the cue list with the director and get a sense of what he/she is feeling in those places and why they selected the temp that they did. Then we dig in. We try to establish themes early on which can connect the characters and arc of the film.

From there we submit a draft of the film to the director and usually begin on revisions. If you have a good working relationship with the director then hopefully you are on the same page out of the gate and its more tweaking things then making massive rewrites. A director should trust the composer they have hired just as the composers should trust the directors choices.

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Often from there, additional music spots are found in the films where new cues need to be added. Those tend to have more revisions as the whole film rolls towards the finish line. Finally once all cues are approved it’s time to make time coded stems and get them to the sound mixer for the film. That’s pretty much the process.

What advice do you give to growing artistes?
Ezra Nic (E&N): Stay true to the things in music which you are passionate about and which give you a unique sound. Don’t try to be anybody but you. There are too many people trying to copy whatever is “popular” and it’s boring and pointless.

What is next for you? ILM?
Ezra Nic (E&N): Our newest feature, Cuck is being released in theaters in the US on October 4th and having its international premiere at the Oldenburg festival in Germany in September. Our new album Transduction comes out digitally and on vinyl on October 11th. Other than that we have several short and feature film projects in the works.

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Tell us what you think of the interview with Ezra & Nic. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.

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