SCRIPTWRITER - VIDEO PRODUCER
STAN GINSEL
Instrumentals
Theme From Starship Exeter
It had always been a dream of mine to compose the theme song for a movie or television show. Although technically neither, “Starship Exeter” is close enough. With production values rivaling that of network programs of the '60s, including the original "Star Trek," I jumped at the opportunity upon hearing that the creators were looking for a composer to produce an original theme song for the show. I met with the show's producers who wanted a theme that reflected the feel of “Classic Trek.” Something that sounded like it was written in the mid 60's, with bongos and all.
​By the time I had driven home I already had a tune playing in my ear and began setting it to music that night. I spent the next five days recording and mixing the song until I felt it was perfect. I played it for the producers who, to my dismay, "liked it but didn't want to use it" as they felt it sound too much like the original theme from "Star Trek." One of the creators and the fellow who portrays Captain Garrovick gave me a tape containing a song named "Space Radio" from one of the classic Trek episodes titled "I, Mudd." He asked if I could write a song with a similar tune, which I did and that version became the official theme song. Although I didn't write it, I'm still proud of my arrangement and delighted to have had my dream come true.
A zillion thanks my great friend Larry Seyer for all his help. His mix made both songs come alive. Thanks again, Mr. Larr!
Theme From Galaxy-One
It’s the year 2525 and these are the chronicles of Earth's Intergalactic Cruiser, "Galaxy-One."
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After writing the script I was inspired to compose and perform the theme song for the opening credits. It’s a blend of the song “In The Year 2525” with an obscure John Phillip Sousa march titled “Battaglia.” After a bit of rearranging, I came up with a theme that I feel is very majestic and memorable.
I also borrowed some computer graphics from a very well done, but obscure sci-fi show from 1999 to create a faux opening sequence. Click HERE to watch it. Hope you enjoy!
Sunset
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This is an oldie but goodie that was recorded at my studio, TMPS Audio, in the late ’80s. This tune came to mind while I was out at the Oasis, a beautiful restaurant overlooking Lake Travis, having a drink and watching the sunset. Later, I went to my studio and recorded the piano phrase that had been rolling around in my mind for hours. While there, my great friend Larry Seyer stopped by and added some licks of his own. (Thanks Mr. Larr!) We finished the song in about an hour and this is how it turned out.
My Songs
Six More Nights
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This is one of the first songs I wrote. In my youth, I was a Combine Operator and for those that don’t know what a combine is, it’s one of those giant machines used to harvest corn, wheat and maize. Harvest season in Central Texas usually consist of 15 hour days for 4 – 6 weeks without a single break. During the harvest I hadn’t seen my girlfriend for several weeks due to my hectic schedule, which gave me the idea for the song. But I didn’t think a song about a fellow missing his girlfriend because he was busy harvesting corn would be very interesting. So I changed it up a bit, tried to give it the “Ghost Riders In The Sky” musical feel, made the harvest a cattle drive (although I’ve never been on a cattle drive) and wrote it while in the middle of a corn field. That’s my lovely sister Gilda, singing along with me.
Calm Surrender
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Here’s an original song I recorded about many years ago, after moving TMPS Audio from Austin, to the farm in Manor. I wrote and arranged the music. The lyrics were written by a fellow named John Gideon, a friend at the time, whom I haven’t seen in quite a while. It’s an upbeat song I enjoyed doing.
Favorites
How was I to know?
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Soon after I met my wife, Cindye, I was transferring files and came across this song which I had recorded nearly 20 years earlier. I had mostly forgotten it, but when I listened to it again, the song described perfectly how she and I became a couple. She totally agreed after hearing it for the first time and we adopted it as our own. Later I discovered that she had been quite taken with the song and with me as well. Little did I know when recording it all those many years ago that a single song would make a profound and life-changing impact on my life. For that, I will always thank my lucky stars!
Unchained Melody
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Between 1981 and 1996 I had the privilege of owning an outstanding recording studio – TMPS Audio – my hang out in north Austin for many years. Lyle Lovett and Hal Ketchum are a couple of folks of notoriety who recorded at TMPS. For a while, my great friend Larry Seyer worked as an audio engineer at TMPS. I learned a LOT about creating music from Larry. We had some great times in that studio and produced some great music as well.
This is a piece I did back in the late ’80s at TMPS. It’s just me and some new-fangled equipment called “Midi.” Years later, in 2016, my bride, Cindye, walked down the aisle to this recording.
Trying To Get Over You
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Here’s a song I recorded quite a few years ago at the request of my father. He really liked the song, originally recorded by Vince Gill. For me, it was a little on the sad side, but, then again, so are break-ups.
Ghost Riders in the Sky
After watching “Ghost Rider” with Nicolas Cage the other night I kept humming that dang song over and over for days. So while it was freezing cold and I dare not step outside for fear of instant death, I decided to warm up the studio. Before you know it, I had recorded my own version of this Johnny Cash classic, written by Stan Jones. I did not use any kind of auto-tuning device. It’s just me, a microphone and about a half a dozen takes. And that is me playing all the “instruments” using my trusty Yamaha keyboard. I hope someday to replace those fake instruments with real ones.
Rock ‘n Roll Dreams
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This is my own rendition of a great song from the entertainer, Meatloaf. It’s the last song on one of his albums and I just loved it. So, I made a “Stan” version. That lovely female voice singing with me is my wonderful sister, Gilda. Without her great harmonies this song would be “Rock ‘N Roll NIGHTMARES.” Thanks, sis!
I’m a Believer
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Here’s my version of an old favorite. "I'm a Believer" is a song composed by Neil Diamond and recorded by the Monkees in 1966 with the lead vocals by Micky Dolenz.
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Just by happenstance in 2004 I had the good fortune to meet the talented Peter Tork.
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Christmas
Dash Away All
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Still a great believer in Santa Claus, I put the poem by Clement Clarke Moore, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, to music during the 2020 holiday.
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NEW!
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He's an Old Trekkie
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A tribute to a great song by a great band, as well as an ode to my favorite television series, Star Trek. Dedicated to all of those who love classic Star Trek but aren't real impressed with the new iterations of today. I'd like to thank the Bellamy Brothers for a great song and hope they don't mind the changes I made to their lyrics. I'd love for them to sing it! A sequel to their sequel of "Old Hippie," one of the greatest songs ever!
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I'll Still Be Loving You
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This was a surprise birthday gift for my wife, Cindye, in January 2023. The song was recorded by the American country music group "Restless Heart" and released in January 1987. It was written by Todd Cerney, Pam Rose, Mary Ann Kennedy and Pat Bunch, and was Restless Heart's second number-one country single. It went to number 1 on Hot Country Songs for a week.