Records
Solo
BEING
25 MARCH 2022 - Kim releases his second solo album BEING. This neoclassical record follows the successful release of his previous album SKYLIGHT: Notes from a Logbook in 2019.
Inspired by the exploration of what it truly means to be human, BEING is Kim’s most intimate work to date with 50 minutes of music for intimate string orchestra and electronics by expressing vulnerability through the voices of solo violin and cello in conversation and conflict.
The manipulation and distortion of sound, transform from a thundering stampede of horses to the haunting wail of a siren through an overwhelming suburban jungle. Granular synthesis freezes time and draws us in to slow us down.
“Hypnotic repetition and holding space for the listener is entirely intentional, an invitation to pause and question. The message is simple, to encourage compassion and empathy for each other and oneself. “ - Kim
Kim composed BEING in his studio in Los Angeles and completed writing during the pandemic. Taking the world’s situation into account, the recording session was held remotely via the internet with the renowned Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
Credits: Violin Solo by Román Oszecsinszkij, Cello Solo by Mayas Olveti, Score Advising by Tim Davies, Score Engraving by Ben Shirley, Composer Assisting by Alexander Schwarz, Mastering by Götz-Michael Rieth at Eastside Mastering Studios Berlin, and Artwork Design and Photography by Christo Downs.
CATACLYSM
“Cataclysm opens with sensory overload in a chaotic world in crisis. A sudden vacuum of silence stills the mind and a cathartic conversation between the solo strings invites the listener to reconnect with compassion for the self and for humanity.” - Kim
Cataclysm is the first single from Kim’s second solo album BEING.
“Cataclysm was written for a world marked by a pandemic and the destruction of our planet.” - Kim
Released February 25, 2022 and recorded with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
Credits: Violin Solo by Román Oszecsinszkij, Cello Solo by Mayas Olveti, Score Advising by Tim Davies, Score Engraving by Ben Shirley, Composer Assisting by Alexander Schwarz, Mastering by Götz-Michael Rieth at Eastside Mastering Studios Berlin, and Artwork Design and Photography by Christo Downs.
DAWN
”We have an opportunity at a new beginning and to reinvent ourselves like dawn rising from the darkness!” - Kim
Dawn was written in the beginning of 2021and recorded with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
The piece is accompanied by a music video, directed by Timon Birkhofer, starring Kurt Yaeger, Tamara Mena, Madisyn Taute, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and Natalie Trevonne, has also become the launch video for Ability in Progress: Create An Opportunity – because ability deserves opportunity. The video is produced by Father & Sun Productions and Thorny Devil Productions.
Cover Art by Christo Downs.
LUX EX TENEBRIS (Light from Darkness).
With the Latin translating as ‘Light from Darkness’ the piece sends its message of healing and light even in the darkest of times. LUX EX TENEBRIS was recorded in isolation during lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Its release is a message of hope, to encourage humanity to see that the light is within all of us and united we can shine brighter and stronger even on the darkest of days as we leave 2020 behind us.
Kim Planert: ”It’s as much an appeal to the listener to find the light in the darkest of times as a protest song to unite and fight division amongst us.”
LUX EX TENEBRIS is an epic orchestral, electronic hybrid track. The piece was recorded remotely by the artists from their home studios in Los Angeles and remotely with the excellence of The Budapest Scoring Orchestra (Parasite, Get Out). Artists include members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Soprano Kelci Hahn (Los Angeles Times Faces of 2020, Mulan, Frozen 2), Solo Cellist Ro Rowan (Vikings, The Lion King).
The music video, directed by award-winning directing duo Timon Birkhofer & Jørg M. Kundinger (James Arthur, Travis Barker), featuring Tayliah Simone, Anna Christensen, and Angela Taylor, was produced by Father & Sun Productions and Thorny Devil Productions.
Cover Art by Christo Downs.
Skylight
An ambient, spiritual hybrid sound mixing orchestra, with synthesizer, SKYLIGHT is melodic string lines reminiscent of Elgar with the minimalism and emotional depth of Craig Armstrong and Michael Nyman combined with the cutting edge synth programing of Daft Punk and epic synth pad’s a la Vangelis, SKYLIGHT bridges the gap between song and film music.
Kim’s deeply personal account embodies his love for wing suiting and how the beauty and peril of flying through the air from 13,000 feet at 120+ mph led him from addictive highs of free flight and feeling invincible in the moment, to a dangerously dark and isolated place where the ultimate price can be paid when the boundaries of fear are pushed to the limit and life turns on its axis in a split second. Kim has the rare combination, a skydiving film composer who has pushed those boundaries and suffered the consequences.
Featured Musicians: Lisbeth Scott (Vocals), Keeley Bumford (Vocals), Waterson (Vocals), Kelci Hahn (Vocals), Laura Ellis (Vocals), Nikola Bedingfield (Lyrics+Background Vocals), The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, Mariann Pleszkan (Solo Cello), Janos Madaras (Solo Cello), William Close (Earth Harp), Jörg Hüttner (additional synth programing), Chris Bleth (Duduk), Benoit Grey (Bass), Ian Forbes (Guitar)
Round and Round (Single)
A timely message from “EAIR” (Enlightened Artificial Intelligence Robot). Created by humans the peaceful and androgynous being, EAIR has developed a higher intelligence with a more enlightened path than the human species. As EAIR orbits our world, we see the beauty and perspective of our planet, that we are so often lacking.
Credits: Vocals by "EAIR", Lyrics by Andrew White, Trumpet solo by Chris Tedesco, Budapest Scoring Orchestra, Additional Orchestration Benjamin Shirley.
Animated Video by Beard Brand, Produced by Kim Planert and Tim Rowberry, Animated by Mitchell Guarente
Mellon Udrigle
Named after the beach on the West Cost of Scotland.
Scores
Skid Row Marathon
The award winning music score for the international festival favorite documentary. Skid Row Marathon
Chasing Grace
A tragedy sets into motion a complex betrayal between two brothers, while exposing a secret no one wants to face. A moving score featuring George Doering on Guitar (Lincoln, Skyfall) and Chris Bleth (Star Trek-Into Darkness) on Woodwinds.
A Reason
A dreaded family gathering at the house of elegant elderly Aunt Irene to hear the reading of her will. Featuring the voice of Lisbeth Scott (Avatar, Munich).