On the Couch with Rafael May

Rafael May AAR On the CouchWho is Rafael May?  
I am the composer for the films Hearts and Bones (released only a few weeks ago), I Am Woman (coming out later this year when cinemas open) and documentaries such as Ghosthunter (winner of the Sydney Film Festival documentary award), Vitamania, Australia In Colour and Life After The Oasis.

What would you do differently from what you do now?  
It’s hard to do better than a composer that has a life in great films, lives near a beach and works close to family and friends. It would be nice to always have the resources of our international peers to remove the compromises in recording with fabulous musicians without budget stress… But maybe that tension makes us stronger.

Who inspires you and why?  
Working with story focused, emotionally spirited directors like Ben Lawrence and Unjoo Moon has been wonderful. They are ever encouraging to reach higher and think big, better and clearer. I’m thankful for the musical ideas of David Byrne, Brian Eno, Trent Reznor and John Barry amongst others for showing the way.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?   
I’d love the climate wars to be finally over and let logic, science, economics and sanity determine that you can live well and be economically prosperous without destroying the only planet we have.

Favourite holiday destination and why?  
I’m drawn to water either South Coast NSW quiet beaches, or frozen on a hill like Thredbo, or the French Alps with a large dollop of Paris on the way. Anywhere you can let your mind wander and enjoy endless visual beauty. Trips to France are seldom (particularly in the near future) but the memories go a long way.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Sydney’s harbour and beaches are exquisite for any city in the world: White sand in a thousand places. My favorite small venue for live music, Mamasan hopefully will re-open. Our great fooderies including our local, Bellagio and Kings Cross essential, Fratelli Paradiso can’t be missed. We hope Carriageworks can survive as a great arts venue, while White Rabbit Gallery is always amazing.

What are you currently reading?
Current books are The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a re-read of Life by Keith Richards as a counter balance, Boy Swallows Universe and just gave my copy of Kokoda by Paul Ham to a mate as a must read.

What are you currently listening to?
Been listening intensely to the Hearts and Bones Soundtrack to refine it for release, enjoyed the new album, Fetch The Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple, had intense iso listening to my 16 year old son’s band Alpha Goose along with staples The Harder They Come, and various Miles Davis treats like Ascenseur pour l’échafaud.

Happiness is?  
Music, food, swimming, films, family and love.

What does the future hold for you? 
Looking forward to a red carpet gala for I Am Woman, finishing a project for the Australian War Memorial, more films and a chance to travel in a safer world again.

Rafael is the award-winning composer of Hearts and Bones (starring Hugo Weaving and Andrew Luri) – which has recently been released on digital. Rafael is also composer of the upcoming release, I Am Woman – the story of Helen Reddy (starring Tilda Cobham-Hervey). For more information, visit: www.rafaelmay.com for details.

Image: Rafael May (supplied)