In Conversation With Jonathan Newell

Welcome to an exclusive look into the world of news music composition. In this interview, we'll hear directly from Jonathan Newell, the composer behind the Innovation News package. From initial collaboration to the intricate process of crafting each track, we'll learn about how a unique blend of classic and contemporary influences came together to define Innovation's modern news sound.

Tell us the story - how did your collaboration with the WCPM News Music division begin, and what was your creative process like when developing tracks for the Innovation News package?

Working with WCPM has been a great experience. I met Aaron (Aaron Gant, SVP Production) through a mutual friend and fellow composer who suggested we connect. After I completed a few smaller projects, an opportunity opened up in the news division for a composer with a background in both the classic art of composition and the state-of-the-art production techniques used in electronic and pop music. That was 2017 - we’ve been working together ever since.

Can you walk us through your process for carrying the feel of the main theme through to the deeper cuts in the news package? Were there any tracks in particular that stood out to you—whether as a creative challenge or a source of inspiration?

The key to consistency in a package like this is a strong set of notes for the logo. Revoicing those notes to bring the right emotion to each track is the fun—and challenging—part! Before the first note was composed, I worked with Aaron to create a palette of sounds that would set the framework for the project.

That exploration involved tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of modular synths, vintage analog gear, and modern, state-of-the-art synthesis. The guitars were played by Ron Robinson, using his private collection of world-class instruments and amps. I love how the AM package feels like a smile to start your day—it’s so flexible and useful.

Where do you feel the "Innovation" lies in Innovation News Music Package?

Innovation is a balance of clean and fresh, modern and accessible, important and exciting. I love how successfully this package incorporates modern scoring approaches while still communicating the significance of the local broadcast.

Innovation News has a distinctly modern feel - where did the inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from influences as far apart as neoclassical composer Philip Glass and pop super-producer Max Martin. I was also inspired by the new scoring work coming out of Scandinavia - its layered, electronica-influenced sound combined with organic instruments was definitely on my mind throughout the process.

Listen to Innovation News Music Package here, and learn about Warner Chappell Production Music's News Music division here.