The Incredible Music of Hendric Bünck

After interviewing Hendric Bünck one year ago, it is now time to take a look back at what he has been doing in the time since, and what exciting new projects he has been involved with. First of all, I would like to say that I have been a fan of Hendric Bünck‘s work for a while now, listening to all of the pieces he’s put out to the world so far, and whichever he personally sends me to get my thoughts about. I have noticed his ability to compose for any genre, any situation, with a fresh, original style that I can confidently say, I have rarely experienced before. In some of his pieces, for example, fan-made pieces to previously existing work, Hendric Bünck composes in the style of the Composer sometimes, but when he does original work for things that haven’t been done before, for a fictitious film or video game etc, his style is original, or that of many Composers, not settling on one at all, and it just makes it enjoyable to hear.

Towards the Sky: Working for the UNHCR

Since we spoke to him last, he has composed a variety of work, including for example, working with the UN, specifically their Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Composing music for their campaigns, which is very exciting, and proves that he is being noticed for his great work. An example of this can be heard here. His track ‘Towards the Sky’ adds even more emotional power to the amazing people the video shows:

‘Towards the Sky,’ brings out the fan in him. You can hear that he has composed this piece to show his admiration for many of the Composers working today. People like Hans Zimmer, and Steve Jablonsky‘s styles are present here – Hendric Bünck himself called it on soundcloud a “zimmerish-styled” track. The building strings with the background drums is so familiar to our ears in today’s world of Film Scores, and the vocals that come along for the ride are equally as nostalgic. It brings to mind films like Zimmer, Badelt and Gerrard’s Gladiator Score, and Jablonsky’s “The Island” Score, which are two of my all-time favourites. This piece is meant to be blasted out at full vollume, one to give you goosebumps and make your hair stand on end [all featured tracks you find in our playlist on soundcloud].

Locked In – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Joining forces with Marco Willumat

‘Locked In,’ from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Short Film, Co-Composed with Marco Willumat, is an astounding piece of music by Hendric Bünck. So flowing and beautifully written. It has all the class and emotion that would come from someone like Alexandre Desplat or Gustavo Santaolalla. It never stops its wave of calmness and elegance.You could listen to it all day on repeat and it would just continue to flow. It begins with a solo piano that just echoes so many words without speaking. It says so much effortlessly. Just as you’re getting comfy and relaxed with the piano, they throw in a guitar, which interacts with the piano, making the piece come alive with its solemn sound. They both spin around each other, each instrument speeding up to give more of a immediate closeness, like two very loving people, who care deeply for one another. The piece begins to wind down like it is ending, but then your emotions are hit with the quiet strings, that tug at the strings of your heart. The woodwinds are next to come in, until they are all together and playing as one, which completes the piece as the incredible thing it is.

How to Train Your Dragon – First Flight: Tributing John Powell

‘How to Train Your Dragon – First Flight,’ is an example of his playful side. It’s a piece that would have fit well with John Powell‘s Original Score to the film, and carries the same innocence and fun nature of the story. The Orchestration is so enjoyable with every sound jumping and popping up, until it gets to the sweeping portion, which allows you to imagine yourself in the clouds as the strings rise and fall, until finally it goes back into the playful manner, making you smile.

In the Land of Dragons: Stimulating imagination

Although the topic seems simular, ‘In the Land of Dragons Suite’ instantly throws you into a different world. It begins with slowly building and repeating ethnic instrumentation, until the percussion comes in to give it more power. It then disappears, and the piece calms to a meditative state, relaxing you, settling you down for what is to come, which is more power, as the drums return to accompany the recurring motif. As it continues, more and more ethnic instrumentation is introduced, with even a solo voice getting involved to give it a real otherworldly feel. The piece really does stretch the imagination and puts you into the land it is trying to create musically.

The Perfume – Opening Titles: Creating uneasiness

‘The Perfume – Opening Titles,’ when compared with his other works, honestly shows his diversity. This piece would easily fit perfectly with the story it invents. As James Newton Howard did with “Signs“, it suddenly and purposefully throws you in the deep end, and lets you know that the ride isn’t going to be comfortable, and we should all be a little on the edge of our seats with not knowing what to expect. The voice is chilling, and unearthly, like you could be in the middle of a desert with the blaring sun blistering your face and blinding your eyes. Then as the strings come in, you feel even more unsure of where you are and what is happening to you. A truly perfect representation of uneasiness.

Battlefield 4 – Suite: Fighting the enemy

‘Battlefield 4 – Suite,’ which is a personal favourite of mine from Hendric Bünck’s work, is just made to be showcased. It should be in trailers, in films, in video games, on tv, or anything. It really is very epic sounding, and easily the sensational quality of something like Daft Punk’s “Tron Legacy“, Bear McCreary‘s “Europa Report“, Don Davis‘ “Matrix” Trilogy, or Paul Leonard-Morgan‘s “Dredd” Score. Filled with moments that make you want to go out and take on the world. I would advise you to put this piece on in your headphones, lay back, and close your eyes, and picture all the challenges you wish to accomplish, and watch them happen in your mind.

Depletion – Opening Titles: Forming stories

My favourite piece from Hendric Bünck is entitled, ‘Depletion – Opening Titles.’ From the moment I heard it, I was blown away. It is very powerful and filled with raw emotion, one that you could expect from one of the all-time greats. The second it begins, to the second it ends, you can feel the importance of the piece. You can imagine what the music would accompany. A story forms in your head, the people the music could represent appear in your thoughts, and it just makes you believe that there is weight and meaning behind every note.

I hope you have enjoyed listening to these pieces, as much as I have writing about them, and I’m sure we can all agree that Hendric Bünck is someone who HAS to be heard.. He is diverse, original, and just truly outstanding, and so he should be allowed to stand-out. I think every one has to hear a piece by him at some point, and then you will be hooked on his multitude of different styles, sounds, instrumentation, emotion, and fresh talent.

If you wish to hear more from Hendric Bünck, here are some helpful links:

His SoundCloud Page

His Facebook Page

His Youtube Page