Will Bates, known for his extensive work in film and television composition, has ventured into new musical territory with the release of his album, The Pirate Album. This project emerged from an unusual beginning, involving a fifteen-foot balafon and sketches from a buried project. The collaboration with his friend and percussionist, Mathias Kunzli, initially intended for a blossoming film score, faced an unexpected twist when it became a pivotal release from the acclaimed composer.
What followed was a fortuitous turn of events. With the film project shelved, Bates reclaimed the balafon sketches, planting the seeds for what would become The Pirate Album. After years of focusing on scoring for motion pictures, Bates sought to create something entirely his own. He recruited a talented ensemble of musicians, including his childhood friend and London-based jazz musician Quentin Collins, and long-time collaborator, drummer Spencer Cohen. Their contributions helped shape the initial sketches into fully-fledged songs.
The Pirate Album sonically draws from diverse influences, imagined to sit somewhere between the realms of Eden Ahbez and Talking Heads. However, the album’s journey was not linear. Over eighteen months, Bates balanced his composition commissions with periodic revivals of the album. A breakthrough came when music supervisor Lucy Alper, from Bates’ own production company Fall On Your Sword, secured a sync for one of the tracks. This propelled Bates towards completing the album. Finally, The Pirate Album is unveiled to the world. It stands as a testament to Bates’ creative spirit, born out of rejection but ultimately transformed into a joyous studio collaboration. The album features nine tracks, each one beautifully diverse and sonically striking, reaffirming Bates’ status as an important artist in today’s music scene. The whole project is incredible, unique in its sound design and atmosphere, and makes for a sensational listen no matter the setting.
Reflecting on the release, Bates shared, “I know how lucky I am to have a career in film music, being able to make music every day. But it’s been a long time since I worked on music that isn’t against picture, and any insecurities I may have had about it were quickly cast aside with the help of my collaborators.”
Will Bates, a London-born artist and the son of Hammer Horror actors, began his eclectic musical journey as a jazz saxophonist. His early career saw him closing down bars in London, playing on a BBC1 game show, and earning a music degree. Transitioning to composition and production, Bates has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Roy Ayers, Steve Hackett, Pussy Riot, and Bishop Briggs. After releasing several records on UK dance labels, Bates moved to New York in 2003, where he began composing for Amber Music.
In Brooklyn, Bates formed The Rinse, a pop-punk band, and later co-founded Fall On Your Sword with producer Lucy Alper. This company, initially a video art project, gained significant traction on YouTube. Bates’ collaborations extend to two albums with Electric Six frontman Dick Valentine under the name Evil Cowards, with a third album pondered.
As a film and TV composer, Bates has created scores for directors such as Mike Cahill, Alex Gibney, and Craig Gillespie. His recent projects include Immaculate and Blackout. Bates’ television credits span popular series like Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, The Devil in Ohio, Unbelievable, Away, The Magicians, and The Looming Tower.
With The Pirate Album, Will Bates returns to his roots, delivering a captivating collection that showcases his versatility and passion for making music purely for the love of it.
Listen to Will Bates on SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
