Darren Callahan’s quarantine recommendations
With a resume filled with music, novels, plays, screenplays, film music, directing and other creative pursuits, it takes a lot to slow down Darren Callahan. The Dayton native has been knocked back by COVID-19 but he is still finding the strength and focus for some online promotion for two new archival musical releases.
Callahan is currently battling the virus in Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife and two teenage children. He recently took time from his sickbed to discuss the coronavirus and share a few pop culture recommendations perfect for life during quarantine.
What has it been like fighting through the COVID-19 virus?
It is unlike anything I’ve ever had and it’s physically and psychologically bruising. I’m not on death’s door but, as I’m in the middle of it, keep checking back. Staying at home is the most patriotic and loving thing we can do for each other. Believe me, you do not want to spread this around.
How is the family doing?
2020 is definitely rough, in that all of Hollywood is shut down, my wonderful mother-in-law passed away suddenly and my kids, who are also in the biz, are not able to finish school and graduate normally due to the virus. Luckily, this family is very resilient.
What have you been working on during the stay-at-home order?
I had been producing some tracks with my daughter as well as writing a three-hour fantasy film on spec. I barely got going when the virus hit so now, I’m just sleeping and losing my mind.
What can you tell me about the latest musical releases?
“Filmstrips” is a labelcurated selection of my film scores from the last 10 years, mostly oddball ambient stuff. OO OO WA was my Dayton-based pop band from the 1990s. The song “Smart Girls” was a demo with just a guitar and vocals. I went into a studio and built an arrangement around it to see what it might be like if we had fully realized it in 1993. It’s the first single in 25 years and is the lead track from an upcoming rarities release, “Lost Valentines.”
What is your first pop culture recommendation?
“House of Psychotic Women” by Kier-La Janisse, a nonfiction book that deeply analyzes female-focused exploitation films of the 1970s, while also acting as the author’s cathartic autobiography.
How did you discover it?
Spotted it at The Last Bookstore, an L.A. classic, deep in the shop’s horror vault, which is an actual bank vault where they keep the horror stuff. The cover was a picture from “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” from 1971, one of the most terrifying movies ever made.
What about the book resonates with you?
It treats female horror in a unique way, one that is profound, without apology, while delivering the message that even the most bizarre material can be considered artful and redemptive.
Anything else you’d like to add about the book?
It’s filled with wonderful artwork. Great design but also very heavy!
What is your second recommendation?
“All the Colors of Giallo” from Severin Films.
How did you discover it?
This was released as a companion piece for a reissue of “All the Colors of the Dark,” a 1972 Sergio Martino devil film starring the wonderful Edwige Fenech. This one is three hours of Giallo film trailers with commentary audio.
What about this selection resonates with you?
Giallo films — something you may enjoy diving into during the quarantine — are Italian horror-mysteries made between 1960 and 1980. They feature the same tropes, same actors, same crews. They’re only now coming ashore thanks to releases by Arrow Video and others and they are definitely their own thing — violent, sexy, well-made, lots of fun.
Anything else you’d like to add about this selection?
Yes, start with films like “The Girl Who Knew Too Much,” “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage,” “Blood and Black Lace,” or “Deep Red.” It really is a treasure trove.
What is your third recommendation?
There’s a fairly new, Ohiobased podcast I dig called “Horror Dads.”
How did you discover the podcast?
I was a guest for episode six, where I delved into my top three influential horror film scores.
What about the program resonates with you?
John and Jamie, the hosts, have a serious love for the genre. They treat everyone with great kindness and really know their stuff.
Anything else you’d like to add about this selection?
I guarantee you there is no other podcast out there that would let me talk about Michael Caine’s “The Island” from 1980 for this long.
More info: www.darrencallahan.com.