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In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Kirst and Page Hamilton.
Patrick Kirst is an acclaimed film composer with over 120 credits, best known for scoring The Kissing Booth trilogy, critically acclaimed documentaries, and independent films. In addition to his work in Hollywood, Patrick is a professor at USC’s prestigious Screen Scoring Program, where he trains the next generation of film composers.
Joining him is Page Hamilton, a legendary guitarist, vocalist, and founder of Helmet, the band that redefined alternative metal in the early ‘90s with its groundbreaking precision and heaviness. With a career spanning decades, Page has also played lead guitar for David Bowie and contributed music to major films and TV shows. Over the years, he has transitioned into film scoring, bringing his signature raw energy and texture into a completely different creative arena.
Together, they have composed scores for projects like the Netflix thriller Woman of the Dead and the crime drama Inherit the Viper, seamlessly blending orchestral richness with distorted, visceral soundscapes. In this conversation, we explore:
The challenges of integrating heavy guitars into cinematic scores without overwhelming the storytelling
Page’s ventures into film scoring and what surprised him most about the process
Patrick’s experience scoring everything from romantic comedies to dark thrillers and how working with Page expanded his sound
What it’s like composing for directors who request constant changes—and how they navigate creative differences
Behind-the-scenes stories from working with Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, and legendary musicians
This episode is a deep dive into the creative process of two musicians from vastly different backgrounds who found a way to complement and challenge each other in unexpected ways. Whether you're a film buff, a music fan, or someone curious about the art of scoring, this conversation will take you behind the curtain of one of the most fascinating parts of filmmaking.
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