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The Racer (Hannes De Maeyer)

Coinciding with the film’s release to Benelux theaters on September 9, MovieScore Media once again teams up with Belgian composer Hannes De Maeyer (Torpedo) on the Irish-Belgian co-production The Racer. Directed by Kieron J. Walsh, the drama takes place on the notorious 1998 edition of Tour de France also named as Tour de Dopage following a number of doping scandals. The film is about Dom Chabol (Louis Talpe), a season cyclist who experiences the most dramatic three days of his life as he faces the end of his time with his team during the unusual Irish prelude of that year’s Tour de France.

“I think we were on the same wavelength with Kieron and I quickly understood which direction he wanted to go music-wise,” recalls Hannes about the score. “The repetitive, minimalist character of the music – in notes, motifs and percussion such as marimba or electronic percussion – reflects the repetitive pedaling of the bicycle, the cadence. The 3 ‘Stage’ tracks have a solid electronic basis and illustrate the adrenaline that the riders feel rushing through their bodies at the start of each thrilling race. As both the electronic and the orchestral aspects of the music are important to this film, the intention was never to make a purely orchestral score, but rather to search for an original sound and atmosphere. The acoustic instruments, against a background of electronic sounds, give certain scenes the necessary emotion. It was important to emphasize Dom’s human character and his emotions. At times also a slight Irish ethnic touch, although this is certainly not a big characteristic. But a nice addition, since the director is Irish and the film is set in Ireland.”

Hannes De Maeyer is one of Belgium’s most versatile composers. After obtaining his Master’s degree in ‘Music Production’ at the School of Arts of University College Ghent, Hannes worked as an assistant to Steve Willaert, one of Belgium’s most prolific screen composers. He is best known for his collaboration with director duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, listed among ‘Variety’s 10 Directors to watch’ with their third feature Gangsta and widely known for their US debut Bad Boys for Life. His score for Torpedo (U-235) has been released by MovieScore Media.

MMS20020 THE RACER (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Music Composed by HANNES DE MAEYER
Release date (digital): September 9, 2020

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