Interview: Helen Jane Long

Interview: Helen Jane Long

Helen Jane Long is a classically-trained musician and composer who has worked extensively in the fields of movies, TV and advertising.

She worked on the Lord of The Rings films but is perhaps best known for her work on a VW Passat TV advert which received widespread airplay and helped to bring her into the public consciousness.

She recently released an album of solo piano works and is due to embark on a promotional tour of the States, but not before taking some time out to catch up with us:

1. You’re heading off to the States soon to promote your debut album of solo piano works, Porcelain; how long will you be there for and what will you be getting up to?

For this particular trip I’m out for about two weeks with my musicians. I have two major shows to do as well as radio / TV interviews, an intimate concert and other press related things. I am taking my seven month old baby with me and so on my days off I will be taking it easy.

2. How did you get involved with the Lord of the Rings movies and what work were you doing with them?

I have spent a lot of years working alongside other film composers. I met Howard and he invited me to work with him as part of the music team. My job was to make sure that once Howard had written music for new scenes and the music was transposed onto scores, that all the parts were correctly transposed, all expression markings consistent, make any changes where necessary ready for the RPO that day. A lot of edits were made during the day, all these changes had to be logged because there might be maybe 15 takes of six bars of music and every change had to be logged. I also made chocolate brownies and flapjacks and when I arrived I was a bit like the Pied Piper, being followed until I handed over the tin!

3. Is writing music within a particular remit (scoring a fantasy film, for example) something that you particularly relish or do you prefer to create music from ‘scratch’?

I love both ways of writing. Having the freedom to write anything you want sounds ideal, but actually you still need a structure of work in place for the best results. Therefore, working to a particular goal helps, like knowing you are scoring for a fantasy film, for example. Structure, structure, structure!

4. What film, TV show or advert do you wish you had scored and why?

I absolutely wish I had written the music to the series The Thorn Birds, which was composed by Henry Mancini. Such a simple piece but filled with emotion.

5. Would you like to continue your involvement with scoring films, adverts and TV shows in the future?

Yes. I love scoring to picture, it’s extremely stimulating. This is why my album Porcelain appeals to such a wide audience because it is more filmic and soundtrack rather than just piano pieces. Each piece tells a story.

6. What is your favourite part of being a musician?

Doing what I love and getting paid for it. What better life could there be?

7. Could you have been where you are today without having built a studio at home?

Yes, but it would have taken so much longer to achieve anything. Being able to record live strings and piano, mix it and then put it on the internet for people to hear all over the world in just a few clicks would not have been possible, I’m very grateful for having a studio at home.

8. Who inspires you?

…more a general type of person, then one individual. I am inspired by people who are committed to their chosen field and get on with life. I get very irritated by people who always have an excuse for why something didn’t happen, or talk about doing things and never actually do! A bit like New Years resolutions, you shouldn’t need to make them, you should just do them consistently throughout the year!.... now you’ve got me started!

9. What’s your most prized possession, music-related or otherwise?

My electronic grand piano is a very prized possession for me and I use it everyday. I appreciate it everyday.

10. Do you have any plans to embark on a live tour?

Yes I do, I will be doing both the US and UK this year and then more of Europe next year.

11. Why are royalties important to you as a composer?

Royalties are an essential part of my income. They are also very useful in showing where your key market areas are within your music. Having the statement which shows my music is used in UK, Japan, America, Australia, Canada and many other countries is incredibly useful.