Craig Wedren, the musical mind behind the acclaimed song “No Estoy Triste” from the comedy How to Be a Latin Lover, shares his creative journey. From his punk rock roots with Shudder To Think to scoring iconic films and TV shows like Wet Hot American Summer, School of Rock, and United States of Tara, Wedren’s career is a testament to his versatility. This article delves into his unique approach to composing, the creation of “No Estoy Triste,” and how his early experiences shaped his success in the entertainment industry.
alt text: Craig Wedren posing for a photo
From Punk Rock to Film Scores: A Diverse Musical Journey
Wedren’s passion for music ignited at a young age, fueled by a diverse range of influences from Elton John to The Clash. This early obsession led him to form the hardcore punk band Shudder To Think in high school. While the band became his primary creative outlet for years, his love for film remained a constant. This passion eventually led to collaborations with filmmakers, composing music for their projects. These early partnerships laid the foundation for his transition into film scoring, culminating in work on films like First Love, Last Rites, and High Art.
alt text: A screenshot of a digital audio workstation
Crafting “No Estoy Triste”: A Celebration of Family and Love
The creation of “No Estoy Triste” for How to Be a Latin Lover was a collaborative effort with director Ken Marino, a longtime friend from college. Marino envisioned an upbeat end credits song celebrating family and love, a thematic counterpoint to the melancholic Mexican classic “El Triste” featured in the film. Wedren drew inspiration from universal anthems like Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and aimed for a joyous, communal sound reminiscent of The Specials. The result is a vibrant track infused with Latin influences and a celebratory spirit.
The Art of Composing: Blending Vision and Inspiration
Wedren’s composing process involves understanding the director’s musical preferences and vision for the project. He then combines these insights with his own interpretations of the characters, relationships, and overall narrative. This collaborative approach allows him to create scores that seamlessly integrate with the film’s emotional landscape. He describes his current composing team, Pink Ape, as a realization of his early aspirations for Shudder To Think.
alt text: Craig Wedren playing a guitar
From ‘School of Rock’ to ‘Adult Desire’: A Continuing Evolution
Wedren’s contributions to School of Rock included composing the hard rock ballad “Heal Me, I’m Heartsick” for the battle of the bands scene and working with the young cast on their musical performances. He reflects on the film as a magical experience. His latest solo album, “Adult Desire,” explores themes of age, sex, and family with a unique blend of melodic songwriting and experimental arrangements. The album’s genesis lies in music initially composed for films, demonstrating how his work in cinema often informs his personal projects.
Looking Ahead: New Projects and Enduring Collaborations
Wedren’s future endeavors include live choral meditation music (“Sabbath Sessions”), scoring for the Netflix series GLOW and the continuation of Wet Hot American Summer, and potentially revisiting his Shudder To Think roots. His ongoing collaboration with long-time friends and creative partners underscores the importance of strong relationships in his career.
