Exclusive Interview: Alan Goldsher on Crafting a Unique Soundtrack, Musical Evolution, and Upcoming Projects

Exposed Vocals: A Soundtrack in Search of a Movie has such a unique concept. What inspired this project?

Alan Goldsher: In today’s music climate, an indie artist dropping a 15-cut, 50-minute album on their indie label is barely a thing. But I like full-blown projects, so I gave myself a challenge: Drop an album with a whole lot of short tracks, all of which have wildly differing grooves. When I put it in the can, I realized the cuts, as a unit, were both different and similar (if that makes sense), but it somehow nonetheless created a unified whole, thus the soundtrack concept.

Exposed Vocals: Your album spans multiple genres—jazz, funk, and hip-hop—how do you seamlessly bring these elements together in your music?

Alan Goldsher: I think there’s a part of every composer that gravitates towards the music they absorbed when they first began absorbing music. As a pre-teen—like most pre-teens—I loved what was on A.M. radio, but once I hit 13, I leaned into jazz, then a couple years later, funk and hip-hop entered the mix. So it’s all in my DNA.

Exposed Vocals: The title suggests a cinematic feel. If this album were a movie soundtrack, what kind of film would it accompany?

Alan Goldsher: Something outside of the norm, like Birdman. The score for that one was almost entirely drums, courtesy of the awesome Antonio Sanchez. Give me Michael Keaton and an oddball script, and we’d have ourselves a winner.

Exposed Vocals: With a career that includes working with legends like Janet Jackson, Digable Planets, and Cypress Hill, what have been some of your most memorable collaborations?

Alan Goldsher: In 1994, I was lucky enough to perform with the Digables at the Grammy Awards, and I was doubly honored that the legendary bebop trumpet player Clark Terry sat in with us. Even though it’s something I never dreamed of, it was a dream come true.

Another magical moment was the night Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel hopped into a jam session in which I was playing upright bass. I mean…damn.

Exposed Vocals: As a bassist, keyboardist, and producer, do you have a preferred instrument or role when creating music?

Alan Goldsher: Full disclosure, I’m a garbage keyboard player, but I’ve been playing bass for decades. So that.

Exposed Vocals: How has your approach to music evolved over your seven-album journey?

Alan Goldsher: Great question. My first records were comprised almost entirely of samples and live bass lines. As I became more confident around music software and MIDI keyboards, I incorporated live keys and beats entirely created on my own. So I went from them doing it to me doing it.

Exposed Vocals: The album jumps through time, pulling influences from different eras. How do you decide which sounds to bring into your compositions?

Alan Goldsher: No exaggeration, I have bass lines going through my brain during most of my waking hours, so when a line sticks, if I’m near my home studio, I’ll lay down a rough version, then figure out what to do with it when I’m able to carve out a couple of hours to work.

The bass dictates the rest of the tune, so if it lends itself to a 1970’s vibe, I might gravitate towards a Mizell brothers groove. If it’s more of an ’80’s thing, I’ll put together some tinny, heavily digital-sounding drums. If it’s 90’s, we’re looking at heavy, echo-y drums and a thick bass. The beats give me the answer.

Exposed Vocals: What challenges did you face while creating A Soundtrack in Search of a Movie, and how did you overcome them?

Alan Goldsher: Keeping it tight. Sub-two-minute songs aren’t in my general wheelhouse, so I had to slap myself if I started getting self-indulgent.

Exposed Vocals: Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or live performances that fans should look forward to?

Alan Goldsher: Speaking of self-indulgence, I’m dropping an album in mid-March called So Low, which is a collection of pop/rock cover tunes performed solo on electric bass. I take on everything from The Beatles, to Lady Gaga, to Foo Fighters, to Carly Simon, and I’ve never been prouder of a project.

Exposed Vocals: Where can listeners best support your music and stay updated on your latest releases?

Alan Goldsher: My stuff is available on all major streaming platforms. And if anybody wants to get on my mailing list, they can hit me up at [email protected].