Tag: matt damon

Ben Affleck Reveals the ’80s Classics That Inspired His New Movie, ‘AIR’

April 10, 2023

For all that Michael Jordan accomplished on a basketball court, his signature sneakers are an equally important part of his legacy. And in the new movie AIR—which Ben Affleck directs and stars in alongside Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and Jason Bateman—fans can discover how one of the world’s most legendary shoes came to be. 

But more than just exploring the mythology of Air Jordan and his game-changing kicks, the movie also stands out for its soundtrack. Featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Run-D.M.C., REO Speedwagon, and Chaka Khan, the AIR soundtrack is a non-stop parade of iconic ’80s hits.  

To celebrate AIR’s release, Ben took the nostalgia a step further and created a playlist of the ’80s classics that inspired him during filming. Jumping from pop to rock to hip-hop (and everything in-between), 1984 includes tracks from Prince, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Van Halen, Sheila E., and more.

For the Record had the opportunity to speak with AIR’s music supervisor, Andrea von Foerster, who gave us the inside scoop on how she and Ben helped bring the movie to life through its music. 

Were there ways you used the soundtrack to enhance the narrative? 

Ben directed an amazing film that feels authentically ’80s, visually and musically. There was so much good music from that time, and we used many of the songs from a narrative point of view. Using lyrics that matched what was happening in certain scenes was a great way to add energy and comedy. For example, Run-D.M.C.’s “My Adidas” plays as Michael Jordan meets with Adidas, and REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” helps set the tone as Nike CEO Phil Knight goes on a run and decides whether or not to make an offer to Michael. 

Were there any songs that became a must-include for the soundtrack?  

Right at the start of the process, Ben sent me a 1984 playlist as a jumping off point. As we got closer to the final edit, the song choices evolved. Sometimes we decided we could beat what we originally had in mind, and other times we needed to pivot due to budgetary restrictions. “My Adidas” and “Born In The U.S.A.” are discussed in the film, so we definitely wanted to keep those. 

We also didn’t have a composer on this film, so we licensed existing scores from other ’80s films. Seven of those were from the electronic group Tangerine Dream. But then we needed to find the right music for two spots in the film, so we commissioned Paul Haslinger, a former member of Tangerine Dream, to compose music for those moments.

Andrea von Foerster

Are there any songs on the soundtrack that you consider deep cuts or forgotten gems?

I think it depends on how old you are. I’m not that far behind Matt and Ben in age, so we have the same consciousness of music. But if you’re younger, you might not know all the songs. So I think most people will know “Born in the U.S.A.,” but they may not know the Violent Femmes’ “Prove My Love.” Rufus and Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” is also an amazing song that some people might discover for the first time. There was a moment when it played during the premiere and everyone in the theater started singing it. It’s such a good song.

If you had to guess, what would Michael Jordan have had in his Walkman in 1984? 

I think it’s safe to say he was listening to Prince, like any self-respecting human alive at that time. 

And then I’d guess Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Van Halen, Run-D.M.C., Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Whodini, Kool & The Gang, Fleetwood Mac, and The Sugarhill Gang.

Check out all the sights and sounds of 1984 in AIR, playing in theaters now. And to discover more classics of the era, check out our playlist ’80s Hits.

‘Armchair Expert’ Hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman Celebrate 500 Episodes With a Playlist of Their Top 10 Guest Appearances

October 6, 2022

Photo Credit: Michael Friberg

 

Not so long ago, comedian Dax Shepard and producer Monica Padman set out to explore the “messiness of being human.” In doing so, they’ve spent nearly five years promoting personal growth and betterment through their podcast, Armchair Expert. And now, the two friends are about to hit a huge milestone: 500 episodes. 

Lauded for its hilarious spin on the challenges and shortcomings people encounter in their lives, Armchair Expert has become one of the most celebrated podcasts around, landing a spot on numerous “best of” lists and attracting a fan base of devoted “Armcherries.” 

To celebrate their big achievement, Dax and Monica have rounded up the 10 most-memorable episodes they’ve recorded since the start of the podcast in 2018. And with a guest lineup that includes everyone from Matt Damon to Stacy Abrams to Dax’s Mom, it’s a playlist that doesn’t disappoint.

Dax and Monica’s 10 Favorite Episodes

  1. “Dax’s Mom (Laura Labo)”
  2. “Matt Damon” 
  3. “David Sedaris Returns Again”
  4. “Awkwafina”
  5. “Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly)”
  6. “Stacey Abrams”
  7. “Jerod Carmichael”
  8. “Roy Choi (chef)”
  9. “Molly Shannon”
  10. “BJ Novak”

For the Record also sat down with Dax and Monica to discuss the evolution of the show, their most memorable guests, and what lies ahead for Armchair Expert. 

How has the show changed between Episode 1 and Episode 500?

In a nutshell, Monica talks more, Dax talks less (although there’s still room for major improvement on this front). We have also acquired a confidence that has allowed us to throw the game plan out the window more and more. Many things have changed, but still no bathroom door. 

When you think about your favorite episodes that you’ve picked, is there a quality they all share that makes them special?

Yes. Each of these episodes has a profound level of vulnerability from the guest—the kind of trust and openness that is truly humbling. It’s episodes like these that keep us pinching ourselves with gratitude. 

Of the episodes on this list, which one caught you most off guard, or defied your expectations of how the interview was going to unfold?

Dax: It would be Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly). I did not see any of that coming when I first saw him on the schedule. But almost immediately upon meeting him, as I watched him scan his environment/the attic for exits and threats, I knew I was meeting a beautifully tender person that I was going to have a lot in common with.

Monica: For me, it’s Roy Choi. I knew he was an incredible chef, but I was shocked by the complexity of his story and his beautifully soft nature. I thought the whole episode would be about food, but we barely touched on food at all because his life journey was so compelling. 

What’s it like to reach Episode 500 of this podcast? Were you expecting the show to have this level of traction and longevity when you launched it?

Of the many things we didn’t dare dream of, 500 episodes was one of them. I don’t think we’ve ever let our imaginations run away with us, so each milestone has come as a surprise, which has made it infinitely more fun. 

What would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned about podcasting and interviewing since you started working on the podcast?

Everyone has a story. And if you listen with an open mind to (almost) anyone’s story, you will find yourself moving away from judgment and toward understanding. We’ve also learned that there is always an alternative angle on how to approach an issue. We’ve had many of the smartest people in the world on the show and they often have conflicting opinions. There is absolutely nothing with 100% consensus, which is both liberating and humbling. 

Now that you’ve reached this big milestone, what do you have planned for the show going forward? Are there any new directions you’d like to take it in?

We are already in the middle of taking them, adding more shows under our umbrella and continuing to expand the world. We launched Armchair Anonymous recently—a show that lets us hear insane stories from the very same Armcherries that got us to this milestone. 

Whether you’re new to Armchair Expert or a self-proclaimed Armcherry, catch up with all 500 episodes of the podcast, below.