Anthony Miranda Talks What Goes Up

Probably the most common question I've been asked since our first public showing at The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival was "if you could do anything over again, what would you do?" I never have an answer, because I do not believe in doing anything over.

We learn from every event in our life and everything happens for a reason. To do over any one thing would change the series of events that have occurred and would affect this wonderful journey we are traveling.

I mean, why would I want to miss out on the amazing experience at The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival? It far exceeded my expectations to say the least. I never expected a proclamation from Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown that declared May 8 as Anthony Miranda Day. But he did. And it was overwhelming.

The best way I can describe it is to say “you really had to be there." Yeah, I know it's cliche, but because of all the support from Buffalo we not only sold out one screen — but two screens!!! When that happened, all of the local news channels covered the event. We had a VIP list that ran up well into the hundreds. The positive energy in the lobby was evident to everyone. And what was really hours, felt like mere minutes. I will remember it for the rest of my life and that's not easily said.

I've been a professional musician my entire life and taught percussion on the college level since 1980. I was 22 years old when I first taught college, and taught privately before that. I've had many unforgettable moments in my life, performing with Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, Robert Goulet, Milton Berle, Natalie Cole, and Madonna. Add to that several hundreds of recordings for television and film over the past 25 years.

The difference between being an executive producer and a musician or composer is tremendous. When in the recording studio working on music for film, you are one component in the entire movie.

The music in any film is clearly very important but is just one piece in this complex movie structure. As executive producer, you have to deal with every component from beginning to end. We’re lucky to have had James Hoke on board. He made it easy!

Of course, I had the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds. The music selection was mainly chosen by Jonathan Glatzer. However, when composing, for example, the rooftop cue, I had some ideas in mind. So I recorded them in the studio and sent the wav files over to Jonathan.

We fine tuned the tracks based on what he was looking for and then repeated this process with the marching drum cadences as well. Of course, composer Roddy Bottum did the underscore for the film. Working with him was amazing. He is such a great talent and a wonderful person. Things just flowed and happened.

One of my other favorite moments, working on the film, was the feeling of the final wrap of the production. It happened on a Saturday morning, after a very long, cold night of shooting.

I was able to enjoy the moment with my partners James Hoke and Joe Nahas; my daughter Lindsay Maureen was there too. For the soundtrack, there was another one.

It was when “I heard the news” (pun intended) that Hilary Duff made the commitment to record “Any Other Day” for the film and soundtrack. David Parker and Lenny Silver of Amherst Records worked so hard in making the entire soundtrack a successful reality. I am very grateful for them believing so strongly in What Goes Up.

I am also grateful for those talks I enjoyed with Molly Shannon on set and that warm smile Hilary always seems to carry around with her. And, I’m also grateful that I had an opportunity to use my Fingerstix invention for the soundtrack. They really create a whole new dimension in sound and creative expression, which was important for a film like this. I included a link to an old clip in this post to give you an idea of what can be done with them. Enjoy it!

All in all, the entire event has been like riding one of the highest, fastest roller coasters around. There are some amazingly fast ups and downs, thrusts left and right. You really cannot predict any of it, but you always want to get back in line and do it again!

We’re lucky, I suppose, because even though it felt like a down a couple days ago, we’re racing back up again. For that, I credit the genius of James Hoke. He keeps the challenges to the minimum and solutions to the maximum. On any independent film, you really need that to keep it together. He keeps it together. Him, and the fans.

I’m grateful to be able be able to share a little slice of my experience with the film and soundtrack with all the people who visit the production. Thank you all for jumping on the roller coaster with us. To me, you are the best!

What Goes Up Soundtrack — May 4

David Parker, co-producer of the What Goes Up Movie Soundtrack at Amherst Records, confirmed that the street date for the soundtrack will be the week of May 4. There will also be multiple release points such as iTunes and Amazon. The international release will follow immediately after.

"We know the actual shipping date will be next week," said Parker. "Our radio promo team is also working hard to make sure it receives play time on radio stations. It would be great if Hilary’s fans could start calling their favorite radio station and ask them to play “Any Other Day” by Hilary Duff, her brand new single from the What Goes Up soundtrack."



"Any Other Day" is an original single by Hilary Duff, which Robert Lawson wrote with her and Jonathan Glatzer. A :30 teaser of the opening was leaked on Monday, which prompted the producers and Parker to officially release another :30 seconds (above), after learning fans wanted to hear the teaser deeper into the song.

"The song came out great and was produced by one of the world’s top remixers, Richard Vission. I can’t wait to hear his remixes!"

Parker categorizes the soundtrack itself as what he thinks is one of the best compilations of artists to ever be released as it contains artists from the past, present and future. Why? Because they aren't just any artists.

In addition to "Any Other Day," the soundtrack features three never released songs by Innocent Bystanders, including “Kidz (Who Never Grew Up),” “Never Comin Back,” and “Teenage Moments.” Those songs accompany "Under Wraps," which was the band's breakout single in 2007.

"As with all things musical, the real excitement for me comes from being able to discover new young talent," Parker says. "And that is why I am so pleased that the director of the film, Jonathan Glatzer, and my co-producer, Tony Miranda, agreed that the song 'Under Wraps' by The Innocent Bystanders fit both thematically and musically in the movie. This song deserved much more attention."

The soundtrack also includes the UK's all-girl band Electrelane with four tracks — "You Make Me Weak At The Knees," "Cut And Run," "Two For Joy," and "Blue Straggler." Rounding out the mix is a 1999 digitally remastered version of David Bowie's hit "Heroes. "

Other artists include Roddy Bottum, Al Sgro & The Brendan Hines, Jeremy Wall, and Anthony "Tony" Miranda. Miranda is also one of the three executive producers associated with Three Kings, which produced the film.

Parker gave high marks to Miranda for his hard work and dedication. According to Parker, Miranda dazzled Amherst Records enough with “fills” for the soundtrack that the entire full length track was added to the CD.

"I think anyone who hears Tony's cut will be blown away," said Parker. " I mean it. Amherst Records has been presented with one of its most exciting projects ever thanks to everyone involved and thanks to Tony Miranda and James Hoke."

In total, there are 17 tracks from three labels — Amherst Records, EMI Records Ltd, and Too Pure Records Ltd.

"Can you imagine Hilary Duff and David Bowie on the same album?" asks Parker. "Then add in great artists like Electrelane; Jeremy Wall, who was a founding member of the pre-eminent jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra; and an entire score composed and recorded by Roddy Bottum from Faith No More."

The street date of the new soundtrack coincides with a special festival premiere of What Goes Up at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at the 3rd Annual Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. The limited theatrical release of the film is scheduled for May, with the theatrical premiere and first run cities anticipated to be announced any day.