FEATURED LABEL: LA RecordsJune 30, 2011
LA Records is responsible for the original Transformers theme song, ‘The Touch’ and as the 3rd installment of the Blockbuster series is released, Valleyarm team members Tom and Carmen from the New York office chat to Stan Bush of LA Records about what it’s like to be at the forefront of such a huge cultural phenomenon. We also found out who his favourite Transformer was.
You wrote the original Transformers theme song, ‘The Touch’. Now, 25 years later, the third installment of the Transformers Movie Blockbusters has just been released. How does it feel to be an icon of such a popular cultural phenomenon like Transformers?
It’s really exciting! I have had so many fans over the years tell me how “The Touch” inspired them in some way. It’s very cool to be a part of the brand. Hasbro used “The Touch” in two Transformers toys. My song “Til All Are One” (Transformers Theme) is featured in “Transformers: War for Cybertron” Game. Both “The Touch” and “Til All Are One” are on my “In This Life” album (‘voted album of the year’ at Rockunited.com). Also, “The Touch” was featured in the film “Boogie Nights” (Mark Wahlberg), on Chuck (NBC) and American Dad (Fox).
Do you still enjoy performing songs like ‘The Touch’ or ‘Dare’?
Yes, both songs come off great live! It always amazes me how many people know “The Touch”. “Dare” is a great song too!
You’ve been a recording artist since the 80’s. How has your success with songs like “The Touch” affected your music/style over time?
“The Touch” was the beginning of a style for me of ‘go for it’ anthem songs. I’ve always loved songs that are really positive and inspiring. I believe there’s no limit to what we’re capable of if we really reach for the stars. Anyway, I have released 12 albums with many other styles, including love songs, and other songs about life and dreams, etc… My website has all of my albums listed.
You’ve obviously embraced digital technology by distributing your music worldwide to your different fanbases. Being that you’ve been a recording artist since the “Analog” days, do you prefer to record using analog or digital?
I have always loved the sound of analog tape. All of my earlier stuff was recorded on 2-inch tape and it has that fat, warm sound. The main thing that can make digital recording also sound great is using high-end A/D (analog to digital) converters and great mic pre’s. Using Pro Tools HD sounds just about as good when using high-end gear. It’s a lot easier to record and edit too.
How did it feel when you found out that your 2007 version of “The Touch” was going to be released for the video game “Guitar Hero World tour?”
It was very exciting when “The Touch” came out on Guitar Hero World Tour. I was playing the Guitar Hero game with fans at the Transformers Convention (BotCon). It was really cool! “The Touch” is also available for Rock Band as well.
Finally, one silly question. Do you have a favourite Transformer?
I like Bumble Bee.
Check out the original video for ‘The Touch’ in all it’s glory!
Stan Bush \’The Touch\’ Transformers
You can listen to the award-winning album here:
Tags: american dad, boogie nights, bumblebee, chuck, guitar hero, la records, mark wahlberg, stan bush, transformers
