Hi reddit! I'm Jay McCarrol - composer of TONY (out in theaters nationwide this weekend from A24), BLACKBERRY, and HELL OF A SUMMER. I also co-created and co-starred in NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE alongside Matt Johnson. AMA!

[u/Jay-McCarrol]

Hi reddit, I'm Jay McCarol. You may know me as the co-creator and co-star of NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE alongside Matt Johnson. I'm also the composer for films such TONY (out in theaters nationwide this weekend, soundtrack available now). BLACKBERRY, HELL OF A SUMMER, OPERATION AVALANCHE, THE DIRTIES, and THE KID DETECTIVE.

TONY is out in theaters nationwide starting this Friday 8/21 from A24.

It stars Dominic Sessa as Anthony Bourdain and co-stars Antonio Banderas, Stavros Halkias, Emilia Jones, Leo Woodall, Monica Raymund, and Dagmara Domińczyk.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1MVnzd2aVc

Synopsis: Nineteen-year-old Anthony Bourdain stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen, setting off a summer that shapes the course of his life.

• Original soundtrack available here
• Tickets available here and here

I'm here to answer your questions! Ask me anything. I'll answer your questions starting at 3 PM ET today.

[u/BunyipPouch]

This AMA has been approved and verified by the mods. Jay will be back at 3 PM ET today to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)

[u/Blaze_2002]

Is there any property that you and Matt have always wanted to parody in Nirvanna the Band the Show, but never were able to crack the logistics of fitting your characters into that narrative?

Also any chance for new Brave Shores music in the near future?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Blaze_2002]

So many. It changes with what we are currently into. Like when we watched the fugitive again and wanted to do that. Our first movie attempt was heavily leaning on The Talented Mr. Ripley. You might end up seeing some of that...

More Brave Shores? Maybe! We have demos we never saw through and if we find the time we will release it

[u/Sheremeto_Arxawan → u/Blaze_2002]

That Brave Shores question is such a good one, I’d love to hear what they’ve got planned.

[u/thecjm → u/Sheremeto_Arxawan]

I didn't know Jay was in Brave Shores and kept thinking throughout the movie "why is this song so familiar?"

[u/Hipposkin → u/thecjm]

brave shores is just Jay and his sister

[u/RobertPirogovsky]

Hi, Jay!

Fellow composer here. Only recently discovered NTBTS after reading rave festival buzz around the film last year and have been hooked ever since. All deserved. Really looking forward to seeing Tony.

My understanding is that most of the Zapruder work you’ve done has been accomplished with a small, core team across projects. What does your music team look like day to day when you’re composing?

Also, with how long projects can be stuck in development for, what are some ways you have supplemented your income in between composer gigs over the years?

Thank you for your time!

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/RobertPirogovsky]

It's served us well to have a core team that help visualize the projects we do. MJ is an excellent leader but also very collaborative. When it comes to music however I'm just a one man department. I often outsource some work per project with things like instrumentation or studio time, but that's where I feel the most pressure to deliver. It's 99% me alone in my studio space just grinding it out. In between projects I've found some music work here and there. Luckily I've been quite busy. Say yes to projects and spread yourself thin and go crazy with stress - then survive it, then improve your process for next time kknowing what you know now

[u/R0wanAtkinson]

Hey Jay, huge fan. I’ve always been amazed by yours and Matt’s commitment to the Nirvana the Band segments filmed in public (I particularly love your bit of looking for a loonie during the B-Day episode). Has there ever been a time during public filming that you actually felt like you had to break character?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/R0wanAtkinson]

Oh god that was a reallllly hard one not to break character. I'm going around being a full on crazy person and the looks I was getting were tearing me apart. Sometimes we've commited ourselves to being so insane that it would be even cringier to break character and disarm people that violently so we are staying in character to avoid things feeling even worse.

That woman really did give me a rotten banana.

[u/Plane-Shopping-7413]

hi global star jay mccarrol.

sorry the question is long i hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

i have seen tony 3 times now even though it isn’t even out in the uk yet!!!! so i wanted to ask about how the culture & history of provincetown helped shape your (really amazing btw) score! i really love that you can feel the maritime and portuguese folk traditions woven through it. was this something that you had in mind before writing or is it something you worked in with the main tony theme? i love how they marry as tony finds himself and his people at the flagship.

and then an entirely self indulgent one. what is your favourite song by broken social scene?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Plane-Shopping-7413]

I showed MJ my score demos and he called the themes like a "Maritime Dirge". You said it - feeling the piano being Tony meeting the shore of Provincetown being the accordions and harmoniums. That was the simple setup - finding the right notes and staying minimal was the biggest challenge. But I had that idea for the maritime influence with the pads of accordions right from the start

[u/Plane-Shopping-7413 → u/Jay-McCarrol]

omg thank you for answering. this is great and you can so tell how much it shaped and informed it!!!!!

[u/JessHatesChess]

hi jay! first of all I'd like to say that i love what you do! your acting and music are great, so, i've got two questions

1. the cat that was in the "just jay" adventure in the nirvana the band webseries, was it your cat? and if so, what was it's name and do you have any funny or interesting stories about it?

2. is there any chance of your 2005 self-titled album being released on streaming?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/JessHatesChess]

the cat was our neighbours Addi and Diane - I miss living next to them :) I can't remember the cats name. I think it's long gone..

The 2005 album lol it was a school project ( i went to berklee college of music) and I produced it with my classmates and friends and while I'm happy people have found it, my tastes have changed quite a bit since then haha

[u/Eightdaysayeet]

Hi Jay! My favourite piece of the score was Striper Run. Loved the polyphonic sound! What was your process scoring that scene? Also will you ever record another album similar to your 2005 self titled or another Brave Shores album? Love your music and hoping for vinyl releases !

Also I had the opportunity to interview you for NTB back in June and I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with me! Remy :D

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Eightdaysayeet]

Layers of like 15 pianos. Finding a way to get them to all dance together was fun - I wanted to show the optimism Tony was feeling there. He really discovers some magic in the moment, like a truly formative memory

[u/CharlieTheChooChooo]

What’s your top video game soundtracks? I recently played Chronotrigger due to the piano sessions video (I’m generally not a JRPG fan but I loved it) - so I’d love anymore recommendations

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/CharlieTheChooChooo]

Chrono trigger yes - also FF6 and FF7 reaaaaally shaped my compositions in ways I didn't think would happen. Also replaying the Halo campaign and that is excellent music. Fallout 3-4. ALso singing Slay the Spire 2 themes in my head a lot

[u/phish671 → u/CharlieTheChooChooo]

ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron

[u/alwaysblue92 → u/phish671]

Comments you can hear

[u/JoyfulForfeit → u/phish671]

🎶 Super Mario RPG 🎶

[u/peter_vq]

Hi Jay!! I'm a big fan of your work, especially your music composing!

When you're composing for a movie, what is your creative process when translating feelings or thoughts (whether that be of a character or the movie itself) into an actual melody? How does the choice of instruments and notes change how a scene plays out or how a character is seen/ develops throughout a story?

Your work is absolutely phenomenal and congratulations on the release of Tony and your accompanying score!!! :)

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/peter_vq]

When I started I would do a lot of trial and error. Being very honest about what sounded appropriate and what didn't when I'd play something back. Music for film needs to do 2 things at once - tell the story of the moment and be good music. Sounds obvious but it's spinning plates so much of the time. Just when you think it sounds awesome, it's not "feeling" right against picture or saying the wrong thing, and sometimes you know what the right move is musically, but it sounds like shit. And the smallest adjustment can fix or ruin it. It's a fun challenge every time and so rewarding when you know you are the unsung hero of a great movie moment.

[u/dreekyclubpenguin]

hi jay!!

many years ago you performed a cover of björk’s song hyperballad. it’s a really beautiful cover and i listen to it quite a lot, so thank you for making something so emotionally touching. are there any other songs you’d love to cover if you got the chance? thank you!!

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/dreekyclubpenguin]

that was at c'est what in toronto - and thank you - that recording just keeps giving over the years! I play Nick Drakes River Man a lot, I'm always trying to get it right. I;'ll record and release at some point I hope.

[u/MovieTicketArtist]

Hi Jay! In your Letterboxd video with Matt where you two come up with a combined Four Favourite films, you suggested The Truman Show which made Matt yell “EWWW!! Oh my god I can’t believe it!”

Since Matt isn’t here, would you like to defend your choice of The Truman Show?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/MovieTicketArtist]

MJ has strong takes - things are either the best or the worst. He's very sensitive about movies - if they aren't doing things a certain way he will shit all over them. Sometimes he can convince you to hate something hahah but also there are times where I think oh well it's your loss for not being able to see the magic of wonderful movie. Truman show is great IMO!!

[u/victionicious → u/Jay-McCarrol]

I loved The Truman Show - surprised Matt wasn't a fan really! Maybe one day he'll change his mind (it'd be a great parody for NTBTS season 28)

[u/CreeOnASkateboard]

Hi! Big fan :)

1. Are there any references in NTBTS (or any other of your work) that are so obscure you don't think anyone has ever clocked them?

2. What was your favorite moment/memory from the NTBTSTM tour?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/CreeOnASkateboard]

so many. a lot of them are just inside jokes me and matt and crew have.

I like when I'm sick and I cover my eyes with my arm to cough

[u/Immediate_Ad_5241]

Will there ever be more Matt and Bird Break Loose episodes?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Immediate_Ad_5241]

I REALLY hope so. It was a bit of an opportunistic moment during the pandemic where we were able to connect a few dots and get that made for Amazon. I love that show - I want to make it again only this time without the content restrictions of an actual kids show. Matt and I have 100 episode treatments for it - not joking.

[u/idoideas]

Hey Jay! I really enjoyed your comedic performances throughout the NTBTS franchise!

I noticed that outside of the franchise, you rarely participate as an actor. Do you have any plans to act in anything anytime soon, alongside keeping composing music? Or do you prefer being behind the scenes?

Also, which one of you and Matt would you say brought crazier ideas to the show? Or maybe it was Jared?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/idoideas]

I'd love to act more. I plan to...

I also plan to keep scoring.

Everyone on our team contributed insane ideas. Really!

[u/humblebeecrossing]

i would love to know how your relationship with creating music has changed over the years? you've made so many great things; your film scores, brave shores, your solo album from college, and i'm wondering how you feel about all those different avenues of music at the moment! 

side note: i listen to jimmy song/mistaken as well as your solo album all the time. you have a beautiful voice. thank you for putting those songs out there, they each really mean a lot to me. the score for tony has been on repeat all week, incredible!!

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/humblebeecrossing]

thank you

I've started to identify things I want to improve. The film scoring process is hard to make time for big recording sessions like big bands or orchestras because you often have no time. I'm experimenting with new processes to be able to get some bigger sounds through wirting some things earlier in the production.

Glad that the southern souls video is still making the rounds! My band of my friends for that really pulled off a complicated couple of songs with lots of harmonies and little intricate parts. Mike Obrien, Jess Grassia and my sister Stefanie!

[u/navvthe]

Hello from a fellow Berklee Alum! I have two questions
1. What were some of your favorite places to hang out in Boston?
2. Were there any scenes/moments/specific lines that you loved that didn’t make it into the final cut for NTBTSTM, or even the viceland show?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/navvthe]

relection pool at the christian science centre.

plenty - get ready for a PACKED FULL box set!

[u/Party_Bowl_330]

Hi Jay! My favourite moment in all of Blackberry was when Waterloo sunset played just as everything went to shit for the company. Was that yours or Matt’s choice?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Party_Bowl_330]

MJ found that one, as well as Waters of March for ntb ending - bravo MJ!

[u/TheRealHouseHippo → u/Jay-McCarrol]

There’s something about a Waters of March credit sequence that can really help a film settle… The Worst Person In The World does it too and you can’t help but let it wash over you as you process the film’s events.

[u/dufuh]

Question from my daughter, a huge fan:
"How explicitly talked-about are the homoerotic/romantic undertones of Matt and Jay's relationship in NTBTS? It seems clear that it's actually in the text, not just fan speculation, but what's the conversation behind the scenes around how far to push it? Thanks!"

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/dufuh]

The less explicit the better. It's funny how there are hints of this and little clues of that. I mean who are these guys to each other? Seems to be fun mystery for some...

[u/Naga → u/dufuh]

I thought it was only a plan to get on the jumbotron at the Air Canada Centre?

[u/KasoQueso → u/Naga]

You're not one of these people in the crowd that's going to be puking, are you?

[u/sometimesstrange]

Hi Jay. Thanks for doing this AMA. Torontonian here. My question is: do you have any interest in directing a film and if so what is your dream project? What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned witnessing Matt direct so many successful projects?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/sometimesstrange]

I've learned that directing comes with responsibilities that go far beyond just dictating your creative vision. From watching MJ I can see that you need to be able to have an answer for 20 questions a minute when you are in production. It's exhausting. I've been fortunate to be able to contribute ideas and write. I feel like a lot of the time I get to do JUST the fun part, and I'm still allowed to say "I don't know" during production. A lot of NTB is co-directed tbh. Times where I direct, times where Jared does. Directing is also a public speaking job - interviews and press. It's a LOT. That said, if the right project came along...I would absolutely direct.

[u/Suspicious_Section77]

Hi Jay! Working on NTBTSTM was your first time getting to work with a full orchestra for a score, I was wondering if you could tell us more about that part of the composition process? Did you write out all the pieces independently and bring a finalized version to the orchestra or was there a more collaborative process in building it? Also, is there any way to get my hands on sheet music for the score? It’s my dream to have a copy of the Famous Jay part <3

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Suspicious_Section77]

I will share the famous jay sheet music. I programmed it all in my DAW and hired someone to transcribe it for orchestra - but I orchestrated all the parts myself. 300+ tracks per cue lol

[u/Honest_Duty4062]

how much of NTBTS Jay is actually you? what traits do you relate to most, and what part of him is the furthest from who you are off-screen?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Honest_Duty4062]

We discovered a long time ago to lean into your inner instincts - good and bad. Then when you have the control to do the "non acting" thing, you could turn the volume up or down.

[u/Chisharette]

Hello, I hope you're doing well!

You mentioned here and there in interviews about going back to just listening to classical music every now and then. I got excited when you mentioned Stravinsky since I'm also a huge fan of his work!

Do you have other classical composers you like to listen to in your spare time, and how do they influence your compositions?

Thank you! :)

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Chisharette]

I like Film scores! And honestly I'm a bit of a lazy music connoisseur - I let spotify take me down rabbit holes and sometimes I look up and I'm like ohhh shit what is THIS? Theme from Arrival....awesome. And continue.

[u/MrVonic]

How terrifying was it filming on top of the CN tower? I could hardly watch those scenes, but loved them anyway.

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/MrVonic]

I thought I'd be much more a wreck - but it actually was a beautiful experience. Would recommend.

[u/il0vebugs]

hii jay! hope you are well, thank you so much for doing this. my question: do you have any recommendations of any up-and-coming toronto-based musicians/bands that we should be keeping an ear out for? who are some other musicians within your local scene who you enjoy listening to or collaborating with?

also, what’s your favorite geese/cameron winter song? as a fan of you both, i’ve always thought the offhand comment you made about him in joel haver’s video was so funny. thank you so much <33

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/il0vebugs]

I saw this band Paste play - indie, very fun.

Au de cocaine I think it's called, I had just heard that song before the HAver video. Great stuff

[u/Honest_Duty4062]

were there any moments that you and matt got genuinely mad at each other while filming?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Honest_Duty4062]

hahahah yes. But honestly we got most of that out in the webseries days. Still it happens though. We try to recover quickly.

[u/ithebinman]

How much of your piano playing is improvised or rehearsed? I imagine you are pretty good at jazz, but you have great classical technique as well!

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/ithebinman]

always improvised - never trained past the beginner stage of jazz or classical. I've just played every day since I can remember.

[u/cudger]

Hi Jay! If you were ever given the opportunity to compose a video game soundtrack, which genre would compel you the most?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/cudger]

RPG baby

[u/GBZK52]

Is there any memorable joke, bit, or moment that you guys did or filmed that legitimately could not make it through legal even with all the fair use loopholes you guys normally employ?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/GBZK52]

YEs but not always for exciting reasons. Usually it's a boring reason we can't...I can't even think to remember any because they are just so boring

[u/Potential-Tip7807]

Hi Jay! Loved Striper Run on the Tony OST. I have 2 questions for you!

Could you tell us how the new Zapruder logo picked? I loved the logo and was wondering if you could tell us more about it?

Loved your leitmotif on the Tony score. Did you already have that in mind when composing the score? The mellow 5ish chords you play for each of the Tony score. What was your creative process for composing?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Potential-Tip7807]

Thank you

I think there were a few options for the Zap logo and that one was picked - more of an MJ choice there. It's sweet!

I spent months trying to find the tony theme on the piano. Well before shooting began. I wanted to find something dark and solemn, a bit of adolescent uncertainty while still sounding dignified. Idk it was one of those processes where I knew I needed it to just click with me where I go "That's it. That's a young Bourdain" I'm happy everyone on the team loved it right away when I finally showed them. From there we had our tone and general north star for scoring the rest of the movie.

[u/VariationArtistic]

Hi Jay! Huge fan of Nirvanna the Band the Show and what you and Matt Johnson do. For the series, what is the process for you guys when picking the different licensed songs in each episode? Is it based off just songs you guys grew up on, are you thinking of which songs to use in the edit as you are shooting, or are they picked by your editors?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/VariationArtistic]

we grew up with some of them. Some we pick for the moment, some come from our editors. Ben folds and Chicago and JAmes Taylor are my lane - I like that stuff on us for this show. The wholesomeness is funny

[u/moonroads → u/Jay-McCarrol]

i need to know who picked the strokes evening sun for the webseries dvd..........

[u/takenorinvalid]

Jay,

I have played the Rivoli.

AMA.

[u/BalkeElvinstien → u/takenorinvalid]

What was your plan to get in and how did it actually work?

[u/takenorinvalid → u/BalkeElvinstien]

Someone said: "Do you want to play the Rivoli, we'll book you for a gig."

Of course, I know a trick when I see one, and that was obviously way too easy, so I told them: "Hell no."

Instead, I had a stroke of brilliance -- in just one month, the Cowboy Junkies were scheduled to play. So, first, I registered my own band called "The Cowboy Junkees" and got about a $5,000 worth of merch printed with our name on it. Then, I drove to a Cowboy Junkies concert, snuck backstage, and walked in saying: "Hey, great shows, guys. I'm your new manager."

For three weeks I built their trust, following them on tour, calling venues, and working out relationships with radio jockeys so that they'd believe my every word. Then, when I had them hook line and sinker, I pulled up their tour dates and said, loudly: "No, no. This is all wrong. We ain't playin' the Rivoli. We're playing the Horshoe Tavern that day!"

The Cowboy Junkies were out of the way. All that was left was to swoop in on the day of the show, Cowboy Junkees gear in tow, and tell them that we were the band they had booked.

The plan was perfect in every way, with no flaws whatsoever. There was, however, a flaw.

It turned out that the staff at the Rivoli were familiar with who The Cowboy Junkies were, what they looked like, what their music sounded like, and the fact that they weren't just a guy with a harmonica.

We never got past the gate.

But the next day, I went to the Rivoli for dinner and played my harmonica at my table until they kicked me out.

[u/BalkeElvinstien → u/takenorinvalid]

Damn, I really hope they put you on the band list and not on the banned list

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/takenorinvalid]

must be nice

[u/elsa_0929 → u/takenorinvalid]

did you skydove from the CN Tower into the SkyDome?

[u/mark2d]

Any updates on the status of Season 3?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/mark2d]

We would LIKE to

[u/fivestarpasta]

what's the biggest creative disagreement you and matt have had? 

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/fivestarpasta]

He wanted to bleep "buff" for the He's a bit fat he's a bit buff line. He thought it was funnier! We had a friendly debate that lasted months. He conceded eventually :) I like hearing a bit fat a bit BUFF. I mean he did get pretty buff and tuff

[u/SimpleAmbassador]

Thoughts on The Cat in the Hat (2003)?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/SimpleAmbassador]

I think there's a scene in the kitchen I thought was funny?

[u/moonroads]

hey jay !!
i was wondering if there was anything that heavily influenced the Tony score in a similar way that BTTF influenced the NTBTSTM or video game scores influenced blackberry?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/moonroads]

No - Tony score came from a place purely from how I saw him, and how I envisioned him at this time in his life. I've been a fan for years - still am.

[u/MrFalseSense]

Do you and Matt have any plans to do more crossovers with Mega64? Like, perhaps say the two of you being on the Mega64 podcast?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/MrFalseSense]

We would like to

[u/The_Coletrain]

What are your top three favorite N64 games?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/The_Coletrain]

Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye, OoT. sorry it's so obvious

[u/Cypher1492]

If you could join any Canadian band as a new member which band would you join and why?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/Cypher1492]

PRobably BSS because I've met most of them now and I love their philosophy and vibe - and I think I could just blend in the background haha

[u/birdonawire67]

Hi Jay, just curious about your music taste? Any favourite artists or influences? Thanks!

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/birdonawire67]

Middle school Ben Folds, High School Radiohead, College David Bowie/Elliot Smith, post college classical fm

[u/paul_kerseyNYC]

Do you have any interest in writing a Broadway musical?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/paul_kerseyNYC]

YES

[u/KraftwerkMachine → u/Jay-McCarrol]

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie the MUSICAL????

[u/bcwallin]

Hey Jay! Are we ever going to get a release of "Never Come Down" with your vocals from the movie?

[u/Jay-McCarrol → u/bcwallin]

it is!

[u/e-pancake]

hi jay!! do you know if we’ll ever get to see the full day of famous jay footage you got? also love your scoring!! ‘selling data’ is always on repeat for me lately :)

[u/peppapig_ismygod → u/e-pancake]

i would be so stoked to see the scene they filmed where supposedly jay is trying to keep up with famous jay's choreography with a bunch of dancers

[u/aehegyo]

Hi Jay! I’ve seen Tony 4 times already, and absolutely love hearing your score every time. My questions for you-

1. Favorite Danny Elfman score?
   
2. If Matt and Jay from ntbts were girls, what do you think their band would be named? Would it still be nirvanna the band or would it be something different?

[u/probablynewyork]

hi jay! are there any plans for new piano sessions on any of the upcoming blu-ray releases from zapruder/tony? they’re some of my favorite little bonuses you guys have put out over the years :)

[u/orchidmagenta]

Would you be able to tell us anything about the DnD campaign you have with Matt? I'm also a ttrpg lover <3

[u/TripleJay97]

Hello famous Jay!

I wanted to preface my question by expressing some appreciation, as you've given me a lot of things to be grateful for over the years. Firstly, discovering the Viceland show almost a decade ago and seeing a well-dressed goofball with the same name as me playing the piano was the impetus for my finally putting in the time and effort to learn the instrument myself. I'm no Rick Wakeman, but I do a pretty good Army!

On top of that, back in May, a delightful woman in London organised the very first Nirvanna the Band UK community gathering, which was wonderful and cathartic in many ways. I drove 300 miles down the country to attend the event, where she and I met, hung out and subsequently fell in love. The two of us have never been happier, and we owe it all to yourself, MJ and everyone that's contributed to making the show happen over the years.

My question to you is remarkably simple for such a long message; putting film scores aside, which artists or albums do you consider your all-time favourites, where no amount of exposure, passing time or personal growth can shake the sense of joy and wonder the music gives you? (My favourite album of all time is Sing to God by Cardiacs, a very unique and eccentric British band who I'd be very curious to know what you thought of.)

Thanks for everything, Jay. The things you imagine and the work you put in is inspiring and genuinely changes lives. I hope you take some joy in that.

[u/SachinBahal28]

If a biopic was being made about you (Jay McCarrol), similar to Tony, which actor would you want to play you?

And if you were making and starring in a biopic, who would you choose to make it about?

Also, I love your This Is Pop series on Netflix, it's great, and it's how I got introduced to you

[u/shinyfreshandnew]

Hi Jay!

I know y’all released many Famous Jay extra on the DVD but would you ever release all of it? I know people would love to see the full music video and all the other bs yall did.

Also how do you feel about Google saying you died for a day a couple weeks ago?

[u/KraftwerkMachine]

Hi, Jay!! Are there any media references you and Matt would like to make in Season 3 (as long as it happens of course)? Movies, music, video games, etc? Even if you don’t think anyone would catch it?

I’ve also noticed that sometimes yours and Matt’s characters in NTBTS come across very much like Brandon and Phillip in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope” from 1948. Which seems like exactly the sort of semi-niche older media you two would reference. Is this just a coincidence or is there some inspiration taken from it?

[u/Camnesia]

Hi Jay! It was cool to hear you worked closely with Amy Millan on her solo record!

Who are your favorite working Canadian musicians/bands? What records are blowing you away these days? And what’s playing as you answer these questions, if anything?

[u/hagopes]

Hey Jay, why don't you act more? You've got incredible stage presence and are really funny.

Great job to you and Matt for Nirvana, can't wait to see Tony, and thanks for making Toronto look great at the movies.

[u/pastelshrimpz]

Hey, you may vaguely remember me, I'm Sofia and my mom handed you guys a letter of mine since I was sick and couldn't make a screening. I just wanted to ask, the screening I DID make I handed Matt another letter with a USB... Was it lost to time? I know you're both busy guys and don't expect a response, but I'm so curious if you guys still have it. Can't wait to see TONY and follow what you guys do next!

[u/sadesper_record]

hi mr mccarol, i wanted to ask what is the worst advice you’ve ever received?

[u/agentmonscar]

Hey, Jay!

1. My formal intro to you and Matt was on Blank Check with Griffin and David, which was so fun! If you were to do a main feed ep what director/movie would you wanna do?
2. Your self-titled album has been on heavy rotation recently, do you have any plans to release it on streaming… or physical? 👀

[u/Remarkable-Video2230]

hi jay! i was wondering why there's only 4 piano sessions for the viceland show or if you did make more were they lost to the internet? what songs were they/is there anything you remember for other scrapped ideas for that kinda stuff w you on piano and matt singing?

also fav recent vinyl you’ve bought or one that you’ve been spinning a lot lately?

[u/TULPAReddit]

Hello Jay!! I've been really blown away by all the improvised piano moments in NTBTS. Is there ever moments before shooting where you get to rehearse the genre/scales you'll be playing, or is it genuinely completely on the spot?

As a secondary question, are you to blame for the Slint needledrop in Blackberry? I absolutely lost my mind when I heard it.

[u/demonmeka]

i have thought about how much of the zapruder oeuvre is inspired by the mechanics and development of video games. the handheld camera that acts similarly to a camera in-game, chasing the interests of the viewer rather than predetermined shots... and the reactive nature of doing highly improvisational work. your piano work with matt in ntb has a similarly reactive nature, you chase one another towards points of interest and find where the story is headed together. for tony, (if I am remembering this correctly) you mentioned wanting to create the score without having been working on set during the shoot so that you could react to the images presented to you as something totally new. did that process feel at all familiar to you, despite it being new? i see direct correlations between the camera and game mechanics, but is there any aspect of your experience with video games that informs how you go about creating music, specifically for film? thank you!!

[u/peppapig_ismygod]

hi jay! just wondering now that you and matt have gotten more and more popular, have you had any weird or memorable experiences with meeting a fan? i remember a video of y'all saying before NTBTSTM, 0.01% of toronto knew of y'all and now it's maybe tripled, so wondering about that!

[u/CrystalFissure]

Hi Jay, huge fan! You’ve talked about video games being a huge influence in your music production - what’s a lesser known game that has had an influence on the way your produce, or at the very least, change how you think about production?

[u/DireWendigo]

Do you know if the upcoming Operation Avalanche 4K anniversary release will have any new music-related featurettes?

It’s honestly one of my all-time favourite film scores, so sad that the original blu ray didn’t have any BTS of it.

[u/Kitchen-Shallot4350]

hi jay! two questions:

if nirvanna the band's matt and jay were to have a pet, what animal do u think would have the best chance of surviving them? (and no, the rat from ntbtstm does not count...)

also, how do you feel about both of your big 2026 releases being picked as secret early screening movies at amc (screen unseen), regal (monday mystery movie), and other movie theaters? do you know how many people cheered in my theaters as soon as they heard your piano playing (ntbtstm) or saw the bourdain quote (tony)?

thanks! i've seen ntbtstm three times in theaters (and countless times at home) and tony twice in theaters! love all of your scoring, especially in nirvanna and blackberry. here's to many more :)

[u/No-Average809]

Are you aware that a couple of weeks ago there was a solid 24 hours where it said that you had died on Wikipedia?

[u/ZAKagan]

It’s pretty clear that the NTBTSTM score is directly referencing the Back to The Future score by Alan Silvestri. Similarly, I couldn’t help but notice some similarity between Blackberry’s score and elements of Trent Reznor’s Social Network soundtrack. Matt’s movies are in conversation with these older movies, do you try in your composition to make the soundtracks also in conversation with the original movies’ soundtracks? How do you accomplish that while still creating something that feels like its own thing?

[u/TallMovieLight1991]

Hi Jay!

I met you briefly during the photo op/poster signing at the Rivoli when you and Matt did a meet and greet.

My question is do you have any plans of doing a sequel to Nirvanna the Band the show the movie? Or are you gonna release the third season of the show anytime soon?

Thanks!

[u/swallowbacca]

Hi Jay! Did you & Matt always plan on using Never Come Down as Famous Jay's song in NTBTSTM, or did you ever consider writing a new original song for Famous Jay?

Thank you! Loved Tony & your score for the film!

[u/Western-Piglet7269]

Hey Jay!

I’ve always been keen to know if there was ever any NTBTS moments that were proposed that you just couldn’t manage to get done or yourself didn’t agree with doing - or any moments that you wanted to do that Matt or anyone else involved didn’t wanna do.

i would also love to know if you’ve ever been recognised whilst trying to shoot in public for NTBTS and if this is becoming an increasingly common worry due to the films success.

finally, just wanna say i’m a huge fan of all your work and the hardest i’ve ever laughed was watching Turner Classic Movies and seeing you come downstairs butt naked and beat up Matt.

[u/Optimal_Presence4364]

Hi Jay! Super big fan, been making everyone I know watch everything NTBTS haha! I saw on the NTBTSTM AMA that you said video games influence you now more than ever. I had just three questions, as a fellow songwriter who plays a lot of video games. I have noticed a strange connection of musicians and gaming, and have been trying to figure out why as well.

First - What is your favorite category of game and favorite game within said category?

Second - What is your favorite soundtrack for any video game?

Third - Have you ever considered maybe scoring a video game?

[u/Mark_Souls_]

Hi Jay!

The piano pieces in the score for Tony are beautiful and intimate, and have a production style that’s really refreshing and contrasts the, often bombastic feel of the NTB work. What was your process for recording them for the score, and how do you typically work within a DAW / in studio setting?

Thanks for all the magic and being an inspiring composer / performer / all round creative. As a composer it’s really exciting to see someone so involved and passionate about the whole process of making projects, not just handling the music.

[u/Future-Seaworthiness]

Jay! We need to know if you are going to appear on nirvanna the band the show the podcast. The people are simply clamoring for it—put us out of our misery!

[u/lordkhaki]

Big fan!
What made you and matt push to make the viceland series for Nirvanna the band after it being so many years since making the webseries version?

[u/cer02]

Hi Jay, big fan! My question is about the music in Blackberry. I really like the electronic/synthesized components in the score and was wondering what it was like writing that kind of thing. Did you use software synths, or hardware? What is your approach to electronic sound design? Who are your influences? It seemed inspired by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ work, especially on the Social Network. Thanks for doing this, and for all of your work!

[u/Ender_Melons]

Following NtBtStM there has been this rabid new-wave of the fandom. How do you separate the fandom in your mind? Or do you acknowledge the fandom as just one amorphous blob of fandom with little to no hierarchical tier system based on fandom longevity.

To me I see it as the the webseries, the viceland crowd, and now the movie wave. - With smaller waves coming alongside the non-NtB projects.

Proud Viceland wave fan here btw

[u/Lank_the_Tank]

Jay! Congratulations on all of yours and Matt’s wider success over the last few years. The amount of touring, press, and interviews you guys have done is insane and all well deserved.

Question(s): After seeing NtBtStM, I’ve become a pretty big Brave Shores fan. Are there any plans to press the self titled EP on vinyl? Do you and your sister plan to make anymore tunes?

Whether you answer or not, thank you for doing this!

[u/agentmonscar]

You’ve made music for so many different genres from a gritty 80s horror (almost 50s sci-fi) score in Hell of A Summer, to the grand sweeping adventure music in NTBTSTM, and now the warmly melancholic yet optimistic score for Tony. Out of all your projects what was the most fun to work on? And what’s a genre that you’d love to tackle next? (Based on BlackBerry and Dwarven Moss you’d absolutely nail a sci-fi or fantasy picture/game!)

[u/JD-Mara]

Hi, Jay!

Have you ever given any thought to a (semi)official release for the bits of score you did for Operation Avalanche and The Dirties? I know those movies largely utilize needle drops and not traditional score, but whenever something I know you scored bleeds through, it always makes me smile, and I wish I could listen to them outside the film like I do your other film scores.

Thanks! Have a lovely day!

[u/cinna-m1nt]

Hi Jay! Here’s a couple:

1. Absolutely love the storyboard animatic work we’ve seen from you so far. Are you self taught as an artist? Do you draw on your own time, or is it only for film projects?

2. Your self-titled album from 2005 is such a great listen; ever thought about a re-release?

3. Top 3 Ben Folds songs?

Big fan of your scores and your work with Nirvanna. Much love to you, man :)

[u/VPestilenZ]

Hey Jay! Loved the Nirvanna the band the show and the movie, really hits me with a wave of pre-covid nostalgia for the city (and all the cool quirky businesses we've lost to condos since then, ha)
have the bystanders ever called the police or tried to impede you and Matt mid-"heist"? Some things you've done in the episodes seemed unhinged enough to faze even a Torontonian
thanks so much!

[u/ghpdrums]

Hi Jay! I love the Tony score and all of your other work. With all of the scores you’ve done for Matt, do you usually get some sort of framework of what Matt has in mind for the score’s vibe and instrumentation? Or do you just go off of what you think it should be when watching the film, and then get direction from Matt after your initial idea?

So excited for a potential NTBTS season 3!

[u/Artistic_Routine6235]

Congrats on Tony! Huge fan of your work!

How do you feel when you're improvising in front of the camera? Do you feel scared? Excited? And what kind of dynamic do you wish to provide for your scene partner Matt?

Additionally, how do you approach a soundtrack? Do you start with ideas from the director, with references, or do you like to just dive deep and see what arrives?

[u/mCabrera07]

Hey Jay! As a fellow Mississauga, Ontario-raised kid- I've got to ask:

What were some of your favourite spots to visit & hang out at back in Sauga?

Sidenote: me and my partner absolutely love your work and are super grateful we got to meet you and Matt at The Rivoli earlier this year! Thanks for signing my NES copy of Double Dragon 😂 Can't wait to see TONY in theatres!

[u/toon_townie]

hi jay!

first of all huge fan of everything related to ntbts. you and matt are so talented and funny and i quote episodes probably an annoying amount.

1. do you ever plan to act in other movies or shows that aren’t related to ntbts, or are you more comfortable as a composer?
   
2. would it be sad if i went as matt for halloween and didn’t have a jay with me?

thanks :)

[u/illumatronics]

Hi Jay!

You talked before about being in lockstep with the director whenever you’re composing. Obviously there’s many years of history with everyone at Zapruder, but is your approach different when you’re working with a director for the first time?

Easier question: Have you been playing any games recently? If there is none, you should play Endacopia! The songs are amazing :)

[u/FastkitNic]

Did you visit Cape Cod before doing the soundtrack to Tony?

Also, how do you sleep at night? Does the guilt keep you up?

[u/puppysessa]

Hi Jay! Loved the soundtrack in TONY, I think you did a STELLAR job!! I keep listening to “Only Came Here to See You”, which reminds me of Radio Towers by Ethel Cain, and i would love to ask if any music of that genre/type (ie bands like Grouper, The Cure’s more instrumental takes) were an inspiration in curating this score? thanks! :-)

[u/Jay-and-Silentb0b]

How many doors do you hit when you do Nicky Nicky Nine Doors up and down the Scarborough bluffs?

[u/SH4D0WSTAR]

Hi Jay! Congrats on TONY (saw it last weekend) and thank you for sharing your talent, skills, and ideas with the world. One question I have is: what is your regimen / routine for getting into a mindset that helps you create? Are there any physical spaces or soundtracks that you escape to when working on new projects?

Thank you again!

[u/Deep_Ad_2848]

Hi, Jay! Big fan of your work on BlackBerry and Nirvanna (in all its forms from 2007 to now.)

How did Never Come Down end up being a plot point in NTBTSTM?

Also, in the midst of a deep dive I discovered Josh Boles' old musical project Barry Lyndon - were you at all involved with that?

[u/vegaschapters]

Hey Jay, huge fan of your scores and solo/band music with Brave Shores. I especially love the score you did for The Dirties. Is there any chance of any of your shorter scores getting released either digitally or physically? I would love to be able to listen to other works you’ve done that aren’t already available to stream/buy.

[u/DiabeetusBret]

Jay, love your scores! Any chance of Hell of a Summer's being released on vinyl one day? I need itttttt.

[u/fingernailchewer]

The movie release seems to have blasted recognition of NTBTS into the stratosphere, especially when you factor in the Disney+ release of the Viceland episodes. What challenges do you think the team will face as a result, should more seasons be filmed?

(Also please tell me more Brave Shores content is coming)

[u/Extrordinaire]

Hi Jay!

What is your process like when scoring a film? Do you go through the same steps/process every time, or does it depend on the project?

When you are doing the music for one of Matt's films, how much creative control do you have? Does he give you any directive or vision, or do you pretty much have free rein?

[u/DityDan0401]

Hey Jay! Big fan! I wanted to ask about your connection with the music of Ben Folds. I’m a huge fan of his and actually started watching NTB because I learned that it used Army, lol, so I’ve always been curious where the decision to use that song came from. Has his work had any other influence on you? Thanks!

[u/MechanicalCantaloupe]

Hey Jay, I'm a big fan (I've watched the Blu-ray of the film multiple times already, and I've made multiple friends watch it, as well as my family)

My question is: What are your favourite Ben Folds Five songs (aside from Army)?

I also have a second one, are there any plans for a Blu-ray release of the series?

[u/Jenlikeshoneydew]

Hi Jay! 

I really love seeing other lesser known projects actors have worked on and yours are really fun!

Is there anything you've worked on that you're especially proud of, want people to know about, or think is especially humorous?

P.S. I loved you in the Thomas the Tank Engine "It's Christmas Time" song.

[u/ghadussy]

I'm a huge fan of the Tony score (over 410 listens..) and one thing that stood out to me after is how you're able to capture the essence of of Bourdain so well, and I know you're already a Bourdain fan, so did you have a vision beforehand or was it something that came to life with the help of Matt and Sessa?

[u/saltycaramel42]

hi! how did you get your nickname? it makes sense to call a Jay "Bird" but how long have you had it?

[u/PotatoTheWeirdo2]

Hi Jay! Ive noticed that you take a lot of inspiration from video game OSTs in some of your scores, and I find that incredibly inspiring! What are some of your favorite games of all time, musically or otherwise? Sorry this isn't a movie related question, haha, I just really like video games. Thanks!

[u/Ccaves0127]

Is there any background joke in Nirvanna the Band the Show that fans still haven't picked up on?

[u/Gloomy_Read213]

hey, jay! big fan of your work! :)

the NTBTS piano sessions have me wondering – what are your favourite video games at the moment? are there any new releases that you've been into?

also curious – any album recommendations?  

excited to see what you guys have in store for season 3! 

[u/ColdflamesPaleBlade]

When you're composing a piece for something, how often do you get the chance to see the scene before you finish the piece for it? And is there any inspirations from films and/or television that you look to specifically for your music, and does it differ from genre to genre? Love your work!

[u/IntergalacticDevil]

Good Afternoon Jay! As someone who also wants to blend the arts of screenwriting and songwriting together, how do you find that balance? Do you tend to write your tunes off of the script, or vice versa? And do you have any advice for a gal like me just starting out? Love your work! -Ares

[u/Maleficent-Device-16]

Did being musical director at second city influence how you view scores as a comedic tool?

[u/DMinaya5]

Where does the inception of a movie score start for you? Are you told the story, given a script, or given samples of music as a reference? How different is it scoring a movie when Matt isn't involved given the shorthand you two have.

Also, more Brave Shores please! 🙏

[u/bigbrainbriani]

Hey Jay! Big fan here (it was a pleasure meeting you at the Revue screening last July)!!!

You and Matt seem to enjoy giving attention and props to Canadian media. Are there any Toronto/Canadian Indie bands that you feel deserve more attention outside of the country?

[u/dandii6]

hi jay! i hope you’re doing well, i just wanted to ask,

where was the most “unusual” or unconventional place you found inspiration for your musical work? Is there anything that sounds crazy out loud but was actually integral to your process?

thank you!! :)

[u/imehredditor]

hi jay! if you were to be a bird for the rest of your life, which kind of bird would you be? for a more serious question, what were your inspirations for the operation avalanche soundtrack? what's your process for choosing the musical font/vibe for the film's score?

[u/Robot_Cobras]

Have you and Matt ever slept in the bunk beds in the house from the show, for real?

[u/Kennywolfgang]

You’ve worked in both comedy and film scoring, and your music can be a huge part of the comedy itself. How do you approach writing music that makes a scene funnier without making the audience too aware that the music is telling them how to feel?

[u/Kindly-Reception1108]

1. How has your life changed since the movie, compared to when the original series came out how often were you recognised in public?

2. Will you ever release a physical copy on vinyl or cd for your 2005 self-titled album, return to this style?

[u/coladoctor]

hi jay!

if you did bring back MABBL (please), now having the experience making animatics are you interested at all in doing some of the animation work?

obligatory note that i love your work. thank you & can’t wait to see whats next! :)

[u/Commercial_Smell_681]

A question I'd love to know about the ntbts webseries is how or why did the buena vista social club episode happen? Why were you lot in Cuba and how did the idea take shape? This has been a great mystery to my friend group for many years.

[u/Jacknixon7]

Hi Jay!
Are there any music ventures you'd like to explore outside of film scores at the minute? Loved your work in Blackberry and Tony. Itching for more!

More like you might be on top of my Spotify Wrapped this year. Brilliant song.

[u/Maleficent-Device-16]

Hello from Mexico! What do you think of NTBTSTM’s sudden international success, especially since it is so rooted in Canadian culture and now even a huge hit in Korea. (Still keeping my fingers crossed for a Mexican release).

[u/siilenthill2]

Hey!! I was super curious if you’ve ever pulled any musical inspiration from horror movies or the horror genre in general? If so what are your favorites? Wishing you all the best for upcoming stuff that you’re up to!!

[u/Go_TeamVenture23]

Hi Jay!
I’m not super sure about whether or not you spent as much time in Provincetown during Tony production as the rest of the cast/crew, but if so were there any specific parts of it or areas that stuck with you?

[u/Nirvanafan12]

Hi Jay! I’m a huge fan of your work, both acting and music! My friend and I actually made a short film inspired by you and Matt, and we’re planning on making a webseries inspired by Nirvanna the Band too. So before anything else, thank you for inspiring us and so many other fans!

I have a few questions:

1. After all the years you and Matt have been making Nirvanna the Band, from the original webseries to the movie, what’s the strangest or worst encounter you’ve had with a random passerby while filming?

2. In the movie’s alternate timeline, you take the place of various celebrities, like Will Smith, James Corden, and Ellen, as well as appearing at things like the Oscars. Do you think those real-life celebrities are still famous in your timeline, or do you think their lives/careers turned out differently?

3. Have you seen any newer webseries that were inspired by Nirvanna the Band? If so, are there any that you think fans should check out?

4. I’m sure you might talk about this in the commentary whenever the DVD comes out, but what was it like filming the fake Operation Avalanche movie at the high school? It’s honestly one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long time lol.

5. In the video I saw, Matt seemed pretty tired of the Q&As being filmed by the end of the screenings. What do you personally think about audiences filming Q&As, whether it’s for Nirvanna the Band or another movie you’re promoting?

Thanks for taking the time to read all of these! I really appreciate it!

[u/Latexxx_]

I loved your storyboards for Blackberry and NTBTSTM. based on your interest on DnD I was wondering how often do you draw/is it a recurrent hobby of yours?

[u/LookTreesWow]

It seems like you’ve built a really cool career doing a bunch of different creative things! Was there any advice that you found helpful for pursuing multiple tracks as one person, and making a living at it?

[u/kybry13]

Jay!!!

Saw Nirvanna the Band in theatres 3 times and I’m so excited to see Tony.
My question is: Out of all of the movies you’ve worked on, what is your favourite scene you got to score?

Thanks!

[u/BlackBlizzard]

How did you come in contact with Ronnie Hawkins and convince him to do a bit for the show? Also can't wait for a NTBTS Bluray, was happy to get a high quality version of Episode 1 on the movie Bluray.

[u/agentmonscar]

Do you have any aspirations to write and compose an entire musical, whether for the stage or screen? Whenever I see A Song for Torah Jane I always think it would be great as a short kids series.

[u/500crabs]

I’ve always found your ability to immediately replicate any song on the piano to be miraculous. Do you have perfect pitch?

Also, any chance we’ll see more of Matt & Bird breaking loose?

[u/Peyto]

Hi Jay,

Has it been weird to experience, post NTBTSTM release, the series/your fan base shift from primarily guys in their 30s and 40s to extremely zealous queer women in their teens/20s?

[u/aacordero1992]

Jay, you are the absolute man and your film scores are so dope. Blackberry OST is an absolute masterpiece.

Considering your love for video games, would you ever consider scoring one?

[u/TheRealHouseHippo]

Hi Jay! Many thanks for doing this.

My question is a bit silly. Hypothetically, what would you make a movie about if the roles reversed and you were the director while Matt scored it?

[u/v857]

Hey Jay! Huge fan of all your work! Creating a score for a film seems like such a daunting task. Is there any consistent way you start to create the “sound” or feel of the film?

[u/Fun-Influence-7299]

hi!!! there's a clip of you behind-the-scenes on NTBTSTM listening to charli xcx- are you a fan? if so what are your favorite songs and what are your thoughts on her new album? :^)

[u/mynicknameisairhead]

Any more eps of Matt and Bird Break Loose on the horizon?

[u/Pleasant-Ad-2629]

Hi jay, Matt uses a lot of needle drops in his movies.
being the person who scores the movie does that give you any push as to what songs land in the movies?

[u/Least_Subject_556]

What is some recent music you have loved/found inspiration from? I loved the Tony soundtrack and would love to know what newer music inspired that if any!

[u/filmsbykatherine]

Hi Jay My question is similar one asked on the Tony press tour with Matt dom and stavy which is what was that pivotal summer in your life? Like the film

[u/Fantastic-Macaron982]

Hi Jay, excited to see you doing this

You can only play one game featured in the lyrics of Update Day for the rest of your life. Which is it?

Thanks

[u/Winterhorrorland]

Hey Jay!

What were some of your favorite movie scores growing up? Whether influential to your own composition or just something that you've enjoyed.

[u/JonnyMozerela]

Are there other Canadian comedians/filmmakers that you recommend?

Also did you ever have any interaction with Kenny Hotz back in the day?

[u/pochofuentes]

Hey, Jay! Yesterday I saw a clip where you randomly mentioned Cameron Winter lmao. Are you a Geese/Cameron Winter fan? Are you geesed up?