Meet the master of ominous synth cinema
bringing darkness to The Neon Demon

From Drive to The Knick, composer Cliff Martinez is now bringing his unique darkness to The Neon Demon

Whereas most film composers assemble orchestras, Cliff Martinez just needs a laptop and a keyboard (although he’s playing a Cristal Baschet here, above). The former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer’s stark, synth-heavy soundtracks for the likes of Sex, Lies and Videotape, The Knick and Drive have made him a go-to for directors with a dark side. Martinez, 62, has just completed the score for The Neon Demon. Out on July 8, it’s his third film with Drive director Nicholas Winding Refn. Here Martinez talks to WIRED about composing, Kraftwerk, and the value of long-term creative collaboration.

Read the full interview by Olly Richards at WIRED