Experimental hip hop artist Dan “The Automator,” Nakamura, has recently teamed up with acclaimed actress Olivia Wilde, to release two scores for the upcoming film BOOKSMART, an Annapurna Picture’s film that will be released on May 24. These two scores will be released on the same date digitally, off Lakeshore Recordings and a various artist vinyl release which will be sold exclusively at Urban Outfitters some time in the future.
Wilde’s film stars Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, in a coming of age story which discusses the friendship and bonds people make while attending high school. The film is an original comedy and is being discussed as “a coming of age story for a new generation.”
“Working on BOOKSMART with Olivia was an amazing experience,” Nakamura stated in a press release. “With the release of the soundtrack, people can get an insight on the score and an expanded look at where some of the tracks could end up outside the context of the film.”
The upcoming theatrical film is Wilde’s full-length directorial debut, and was first screened today at the annual South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas. This is the first time Wilde has collaborate with Nakamura, who was also very influenced by film scores himself using many samples of films and Bollywood throughout his early 1990s work.
“Collaborating with Dan Nakamura on our score was an enormous honor, and I’m elated to announce the digital release of our score,” Wilde voiced in a press release. “Dan is a creative genius who added multiple dimensions to our film through his complex, emotional, and beautiful compositions. He is very much a part of the DNA of BOOKSMART, and I’m extremely proud to have partnered with him on this labor of true love. “
In addition to her role as director, Wilde also helped curate the music for the film, which has received rave reviews from its premier. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes currently holds the review at a perfect 100 percent, from 43 critics.
“Curating the music for this film was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I’m thrilled to offer audiences a chance to own this collaboration on Vinyl,” Wilde continued. “BOOKSMART is a love letter to the emotional roller coaster of young-adulthood, and this soundtrack is a chance to relive the film the way I’ve relived so many of my favorite movies, from the comfort of anywhere with a kick-ass record player.”
Nakamura is an eclectic and prolific producer, who has helped the Gorillaz, Cornership, Kasbian, Kool Keith and Del tha Funkee Homosapien, throughout integral parts in their career. In addition to Blur/Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarm, Nakamura was an influential voice behind the Gorillaz debut record, and was one of the main inspirationjs behind its sonic sound.
In addition to his solo career and prolific discography Nakamura is also part of Deltron 3030 with Kid Koala and Del tha Funkee Homosapien. Read our interview with fellow Deltron 3030 member Kid Koala here.
BOOKSMART Tracklist
01. Full Star
02. Amy Devastated
03. Broke a Couple of Rules
04. Molly and Nick Sance
05. Handjobs / Graduation
06. Amy Molly Fight
07. One Night Left
08. Ryan
Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat