Steve Gernes

Lately I’ve been thinking about how life has a funny way of coming full circle. Ten years ago, when I was fresh out of USC, my friend and classmate Duncan Thum asked if I wanted to help score a new docuseries. I said yes, having no clue what it would turn into.

That project became Chef’s Table (now Netflix’s longest-running original series!) and it ended up shaping so much of my career. It also kicked off some of my most cherished creative partnerships. Duncan, Tyler Sabbag, Sebastian Ornemark and I have worked on a number of projects since then, but those early days of Chef’s Table will always hold a special place for me.

Sharing a short clip here from the early days. This is the cold open of Season 2, Episode 2, featuring the incredible Alex Atala. The music is a piece I wrote called Circles, inspired by ideas of movement, connection, and return. It unfolds gradually, but something special happens as it draws you in.

As Atala tells his story of a revelatory acid trip about the meaning of life, I started the cue off with some very vibey/trippy synths and subtle reversed effects. All very floaty and somewhat psychedelic. As he starts talking about circles, a plucky synth motor circles round and around (heyooo Moog Sub 37!). Cello layers sneak in as the cue progresses to bring some more emotion and weight.

This is such an incredible cold open and episode as a whole. Atala is fascinating to watch and even more fascinating to listen to.

Now, a decade later, I’m honored to return to work on Chef’s Table for the 10th anniversary season, co-composing the Thomas Keller episode with Duncan.

It premieres April 28 on Netflix. I can’t wait for you to see it!

@house_of_duncaroo @seabasse @tylerdrums @clayjeter @chefstablenetflix
#netflix #chefstable #composer #netflixdocumentary