Michael Bishop's rich, eclectic musical background ensures he is equally at home writing a quiet nocturne for piano and strings as he is a full on, teeth shattering, volume eleven rock monsterpiece. After studying guitar and classical piano, he misspent his youth in a diverse spectrum of bands whose musical styles ranged from jazz, rock and hip hop, to Spaghetti Western themes. The latter, inspired by the music of Morricone, Hefti Barry and the Giallo composers sparked his passion for film music and a desire to compose. Check out Michael's rich beats!
From the commercial to the unexpected, Michael Bishop has worked with many high profile film and art directors on a variety of TV commercials and film scores, including Steve Geilinger (B.B.C), Das Petrou (Saatchi and Saatchi), Ross Boyask (independant), and experimental film maker Fiona Geilinger. He is currently writing the score for a commercial promoting tourism in the Far East, directed by Adri Berger.
Big sky melancholy blues. An aching Cooder-esq acoustic slide guitar is joined by haunting cello over an eerie atmospheric soundscape. Smoulderingly powerful, whether your'e in Paris or Texas. Western, road-trip, crime, love scene/romance, murder mystery, urban, suspense, natural world, documentary. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Sad Music
Bullit meets Morricone. Edgy electric guitar, bass, hi-hat and congas build under smooth strings. An unexpected lone, Leone whistle cues a classic Spaghetti-Western guitar riff beefed up with dramatic brass and drums. Spaghetti Moderno. Perfect for a Carbonara Car chase or bank heist preparation. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Impending Buildup (pending)
A slow paced, evocative, atmospheric theme perfect for cold war spy or Mafia movie or documentary. The eerie piano tune is joined by legato/pizzicato strings and harmonium until a haunting gypsy guitar takes over the theme. Suitable for drama, travel, romance, culture, cookery, jewish history, war. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Sad Music
Mellow and relaxing acoustic guitars and double bass chill out in this sublime summery open air vibe. Natural positive and wholesome. You can almost hear the birds tweeting. Great for nature documentary, travel, 60s culture, cookery, yoga, meditation, exercise. Instrumental, New Age Music, New Age Acoustic
Mellow and relaxing acoustic guitars ambient piano and double bass chill out in this sublime summery open air vibe. Natural positive and wholesome. You can almost hear the birds tweeting. Great for nature documentary, travel, 60s culture, cookery, yoga, meditation, exercise. Instrumental, New Age Music, New Age Acoustic
Creepy yet etherial, strings, synths and choir build to create a foreboding mystery. Haunting, beautiful and a little bit terrifying. Good for drama, horror, psychological thrillers, war, vampires, science-fiction and anything that goes bump in the night. Instrumental, Dangerous Music, Dark Music
Brooding and suspenseful synths gather and ratchet up the tension in this haunting yet ethereal piece. Listen out for the shock ending. Only for the fearless. Great for psychological thrillers, drama, cops, horror, spies, vampires, spoofs, science-fiction, ghosts and Halloween. Instrumental, Dangerous Music, Edgy Music
Haunting piano based piece with synth atmospherics, mallets choir and orchestration. Glides to an eerie state of expectation and contemplation. Horror, crime, vampires, goths, and psychological drama. Be aFreud. Instrumental, Horror Music, Horror Edgy Music
Beautiful, romantic whimsical solo piano tune suitable for a silent movie or love story. Classical in nature and so sentimental you may need a handkerchief. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Ethereal Music
Magical, wistful piano based tune charting the progress of rain turning to snow and finally back. Pizzicato drips of rain sounds evolve into beautiful swirling flurries of piano notes with synth and string backing. Think 'The Snowman'. Great for fantasy, kids adventure, travel, documentary, weather. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Magical Music
This piece accelerates from a gentle piano start to a crescendo of drums strings and synths and cruises effortlessly to the finale. Dynamic contemporary and urgent with a hint of exotic menace, great for car-chases, road movies, sports or news features. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Hectic Music
Strange etherial and haunting this atmospheric piece uses synths, strings and choirs to create a lush and foreboding underscore. Perfect for creating strange and ominous atmospheres. Thrillers, horror, science-fiction, psychological drama. Beautiful and damned. Instrumental, Dangerous Music, Mysterious Music
This quirky, contemporary piece has a cool, modern, ironic vibe great for a whimsical sitcom or rom-com. Unusual synth sounds overlay tight sampled acoustic guitar chords, firm bass, drums and wistful harmonica. Teen or adult comedy or drama, travel, black humour, art-house, anything odd or strange. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Whimsical Music
Romantic orchestral take on the same tune. Cello repeats introduce the solo cello theme, joined by swelling strings and a beautiful counterpoint violin melody. A plaintive oboe completes the enchanting, melancholic atmosphere. Travel, romance, mystery, nature, culture, drama, historical documentary. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Sad Music
Imagine 'The Italian Job' set in the far east. A hard driving riff full of suspense builds with kalimbas, synths and drums to a rocking guitar crescendo brimming with edgy drums. On the way a cool eastern tinged jazzy electric piano brings a touch of 70s cop drama. It's so good its criminal. Instrumental, Chinese Music, Chinese Dramatic | Edgy
Similar shortened version. A romantic cello theme over haunting piano introduces a classic twangy guitar riff followed by a heartrending, searing stratocaster solo, soaring over cello stabs to an awesome climax. A showdown for real and urban cowboys, crime, nature, documentary, sport, military, art. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Adventure Symphonic Rock
Funny song about aliens, alienation, and tolerance. Lugubriously sung, it tells of disappointed with Twitter and Facebook and going of into space to find new friends. Then describes all the different types found. The backing is a simple gypsy guitar waltz. Ideal for comedy, kids, ads, shlock horror. Male Vocals, Comedy Music, Comic Song
The subtle eastern influence of the kalimba and percussion meeting the western synths gives this track a positive, uplifting vibe, completed by the backwards psychedelic guitar solo. Documentary about Asia, health and spirituality, travel and adventure, fashion and catwalk, culture, cookery, sport. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Happy Music
Something's going down. An urgent Stanley Clarke-esq bass riff sets the scene countered by euro-cool Giorgio Moroder style synths, topped with searching spacey guitar action. A dramatic cross-continental mix. Fantastico! Cops, murder mystery, travel, corporate, teen vampire, road-trip, news, war. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Impending Electronic
Uplifting strings gradually build in power and grandeur to create a positive yet sympathetic atmosphere added to by horns and choir. Like completing an epic journey the final feeling is one of achievement and pride. Scenes of affirmation, nature, overcoming adversity, charity, personal development. Instrumental, Classical Music, 21st Century
A quirky, haunting piano line builds as interweaving strings complete this mysterious classically based piece. A great musical backdrop for suspense, mystery and psychological themes. The poison is carefully mixed and slipped unsuspected into the glass.
Drama, history, culture, spies, thrillers. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Theme Crime Music
Cuban edged industrial funk! Ominous synths, explosive beats & a cool fender rhodes solo introduce a hot sexy piano groove which builds with keys & brass to a hypnotic climax. Late night cop-car cruising. Crime pimps lap dancing mystery sports action preparation, fashion/catwalk, dance workout. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Impending Buildup (pending)
Same emotive tune as 'Moneypenny' but with a Cooder style Paris Texas vibe. Played on searing electric slide guitar with ominous synthesised atmospherics, the theme builds as a plaintive harmonica and bowed bass add to the big sky haunting quality. Roadtrip, nature, drama, cowboy, crime, history. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Sad Music
A dreamlike Satie-esque tune begins this wistful, haunting, ethereal piece. Atmospheric pizzicato, legato strings and synths swell as the piano rings above. An aerial view of a beautiful lake, a sailboat striking out from the shore, wonder, snow. Nature, romance, drama, history, culture, travel. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Theme Crime Music
A boarder town, a lone hombre in black. Spanish/Gypsy jazz version played on maccaferri style acoustic guitar with double bass and percussion featuring a fast Al Di Meola style solo. Could be used in conjunction with other mixes at different points in a film. Romance, travel, nature, drama, history. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Romantic Music
It's happening! Driving piano, kicking double-bass as the main theme gains strength with strings and brass. Part 2 joins a semi-tone up, lifting, weaving & building to a whirling climax. Fun playful romantic comedy sitcom adventure travel news romance fitness fun fashion road trip, teens tweens, Instrumental, Action Music, Action Adventure Music (pending)
Crying Time. A gradual intense welling of emotion as an awesome throbbing delayed guitar builds the tension. Tragic strings, grungy guitar riffs and killer drums kick in to complete this dynamite rock track. The camera zooms in on a lone face at a funeral. Two lovers part forever. Bravery. Action. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Impending Buildup (pending)
Peace Love and Wellbeing. A beautiful mellow contemplative acoustic guitar piece reminiscent of British folk rock heros Nick Drake and John Martyn. Guitar and bass double up on the tune while romantic strings add a hint of nostalgia. 60's documentary, nature, teen/adult drama, health, travel, art. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Heartwarming Music
From the innocence of childhood to 60's 'backwards guitar solo' freakout in about 4 minutes. A sweet musicbox tune turns dark, preluding a rocking 'Kinksy' organ riff with seriously heavy backbeat. Cue insane reverse guitar solo a la Hendrix.
Teen roadtrip/party/sex. Or a documentary on the 60's. Instrumental, Rock Music, Psychedelic Rock
This beautifully wistful classical waltz opens with a haunting french oboe tune augmented by strings which gradually interweave and build. Could work in an historical costume drama or documentary, and equally well in a modern drama, romance, or comedy. From Poirot to The Godfather, to Law and Order. Instrumental, Classical Music, Romantic Period
A mellow, wistful, medium paced samba featuring acoustic guitar, piano, flute bass and percussion. Guitar and electric piano take solos and a flute counterpoints the tune at the end. The overall feel is cool, romantic and nostalgic. Travel, cookery, history, culture, fashion, South America, Brazil. Instrumental, Latin Music, Samba
French avant-garde anyone? Beautiful, infectious double-bass and marimba driven piece with Laurie Anderson style vocal 'cut ups'. A female narrator tells the tale of an Angel visiting earth only to be shunned by the people. (translated into English at the end). Art, culture, fashion, experimental. Spoken Word, Dangerous Music, Mysterious Music
Raunchy rock riffing over a crazy 'White Stripes' type drum fest. Lets face it, it's a bare knuckle fist fight or a pretty steamy love scene! Oh and cool duelling guitar solo's at the climax. Extreme sport, teen fun/drama, wild nature, war, work-out, any powerful, aggressive and dramatic action. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Power Play Music
GET DOWN and PARTY. An ultra infectious funky guitar riff and killer bass line set the scene, joined by driving mo-town rhythms, moody harmonica and occasional sampled male and female vocal. Time to BOOGIE. Cops, comedy, fashion and catwalk, dance, gym and work-out, 70s retro, extreme sport, action. Vocal Samples, RnB Music, Funk
Any serious hero/villain would be proud of this bad-boy rock track backing his good/evil deeds. A truck heavy distorted guitar chord feeds-back into a massive spaghetti-western riff, jacked up by killer bass and drums. Not for the faint-hearted. War, sport, thriller, cowboy, cop, suspense, nature. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Power Play Music
Synths and orchestra combine to create a brooding slow build, sci-fi backdrop. The doomed space ship is approaching the planet, uncertain of it's welcome. The Bond villain has his finger on the red button.. Space drama or documentary, spies, science, exploration, adventure, sci-fi spoof, animation. Instrumental, Dangerous Music, Dark Music
A must for plotting, surveillance and chase scenes. Tense ringing kalimbas build rhythmically, overdubbing each other as an urgent bass-line kicks in. Intensity increases with organ, percussion & choir, punctuated by offbeat tom tom and second descending bass-line. Drama, thriller, nature, sports. Instrumental, Action Music, Action Impending Electronic
Be afraid. An eerie piano tune and oboe weave as stabbing strings and looming basses ratchet up the tension to a scary dissonant crescendo and unsettling lead out. Classical sounding piece good for historical drama, ghost stories, teen vampires, horror, comedy/spoof, documentary and anything spooky. Instrumental, Dangerous Music, Mysterious Music
Austen Powers goes to Bollywood. Lighthearted 60's retro, this piece of sitar, organ and plucky guitar fun peaks in an outrageous 'sitar' solo (apologies to Ravi Shankar) backed by infectious tabla beats. Gap year kids partying in Goa, from cooking to the catwalk, all things Indian upbeat and cool. Instrumental, Pop Music, Foreign Pop
Bond reflected in the sexy spy's make-up mirror. A haunting guitar tune moves over major/minor organ and vibes, building a romantic yet ambiguous atmosphere with a hint of threat. Romantic strings, horns and drums complete this Barry inspired epic. Spy, travel, mystery, nature, drama, romance, art. Instrumental, Sound-Alikes Music, James Bond Soundalikes
In the style of John Barry, a sublime violin melody soars over a sensual orchestral build, creating a romantic epic quality, moody horns adding a breath of menace. Bond in the sports car with the beautiful girl. 2001 Space Odyssey moonwalk/docking scene. History, travel, wine, nature, crime, drama. Instrumental, Sound-Alikes Music, James Bond Soundalikes
'Barryesque' in style, this beautiful, deceptively simple piece gradually develops a feeling of waiting and wistful anticipation. The haunting guitar refrain is overlaid with soaring strings and an occasional female vocal as the brass swells. Spies, travel, romantic drama, murder mystery. See Mix. Instrumental, Sound-Alikes Music, James Bond Soundalikes
Morricone inspired high plains drama. A romantic cello theme and haunting church organ introduce a classic twangy guitar riff followed by a heartrending, searing stratocaster solo, soaring over cello stabs to an awesome climax. Real and urban cowboys, crime, nature, documentary, sport, love, war. Instrumental, Action Music, Spaghetti Western Music
