When film director Jeffrey P. Nesker wanted to make a movie about awkward teen love at the end of the world, Chicago’s dreamy indie-pop act Panda Riot was the only logical choice for the soundtrack.

Nesker began working on the short film, titled Apocalypse Story, last year, which is described as a “Post Apocalyptic Adolescent Adventure” on the film’s Facebook page. At that time, he already had a working history with Panda Riot.

“I’ve developed a relationship with the band over the past few years,” Nesker said via e-mail. “It began when I first heard the track “She Dares All Things” and decided immediately to do a spec video for them.”

Nesker contacted Panda Riot through e-mail and social networking sites soon after the release of their 2007 LP She Dares All Things, and a dialogue developed between the band and him. Eventually, Nesker directed two music videos for the group including a clip for melodic garage rocker
“She Dares All Things” and fuzzy-synth groover “Marker”.

Nesker was keen on having Panda Riot create the score from the moment he started to develop Apocalypse Story because he’s a shoegaze fanatic. And while Panda Riot’s music mostly floats in the dreamy pop genre, their material does have characteristics of shoegaze including a true “Wall of Sound” approach.

When Nesker inquired with the band about film project, they were immediately interested.

“Some of our favorite films are post-apocalyptic such as Blade Runner, the Quiet Earth and Aguirre: The Wrath Of God,” Panda Riot guitarist, drum machine-er and manager Brian Cook said. “So, we were definitely on board.”

For the band, writing a film score is far different than writing a regular song. The creative process for composing a soundtrack is a more interpretive one according to Cook.

“When we write a panda riot song, it is intended to stand alone. But in the soundtrack, the role of the music is to compliment the mood, the arc of the plot, and the interactions of the characters.” Cook said. “So, it’s a completely different approach.”

Nesker plans on premiering Apocalypse Story on the festival circuit in the next month or so.

As for the soundtrack, an official release is still up in the air.

“We’re thinking about releasing the soundtrack as a free digital download for people that buy the physical version of the Far and Near EP, but no promises just yet,” Cook said. “Maybe it will turn into another album. Who knows?”

Panda Riot recording the score for Apocalypse Story Pt. 1


Panda Riot recording the score for Apocalypse Story Pt. 2

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Catch Panda Riot Sunday, April 18 at the Empty Bottle. Tickets are on sale at Ticketweb.com right now for only $3!
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