Spotlight on the LUMINA soundtrack: Tim Be Told

LUMINA Websiode 4 is my favorite webisode in the entire series.  I felt like we truly captured that magic moment in a relationship, when things could either go completely wrong or blossom into the most wonderful experience ever.

I remember combing through hundreds of songs looking for the right one to end Webisode 4.  I found many that I enjoyed listening to, but somehow they didn't quite capture that feeling of being on that narrow ledge between amazing and frightening.  Then my producer Sommer Nguyen mentioned this up and coming band called Tim Be Told from my homestate of Virginia and the rest is history.

The band is comprised of singer Tim Ouyang, guitarists Andrew Chae and Luan Nguyen, drummer Jim Barredo and bassist Parker Stanley.  Tim Be Told's soulful music transcends the pop genre that people will inevitably classify them in - the music is timeless and true, in the moment and heartfelt.

And.  They.  Rock.  Live.  Go check out any of the numerous videos on YouTube and even though the audio quality varies greatly according to which audience member recorded it on whatever phone or handycam, the passion and raw musical talent of this five piece band shines through.   Just read through the comments on any of the forums and fanpages they have, and you know they inspire everyone who listens to them in concert.  In an age of digital everything, this band still has the real in-person magic mojo.

LUMINA Writer/director Jen Thym sits down for a chat with Tim Ouyang, lead singer of Tim Be Told.

JT: Where did the name "Tim Be Told" come from? 

Tim:  This is a common question.  I want to say that my last name means "Be Told" when translated in English.  But the truth is that it comes from the expression "truth be told."

JT: Talk a little bit about "All of Me."  What's the song writing process for you like?  How long does it take and what inspires you?

Tim:  I wrote "All of Me" during a time in my life when I was doubting a lot of things. Writing the song was a way of dealing with it. When I write music, I have to have something to write about. I generally don't write unless I feel like I have something to say or express. So that means I can sometimes write multiple songs in day, or sometimes I won't write a song for months. It can be unpredictable.

JT: What attracted you as a band to the LUMINA project?  Do you have any favorite web series or TV shows?

Tim: We were really impressed by the care that went into creating the LUMINA project.  I also like the way Jennifer Thym directed it with the Internet in mind and the depths she went to combine the video elements with music that really brings out the story she was looking to tell.  My favorite TV show right now is Law and Order SVU which I happen to watch on Netflix.

JT: Name your five top musical influences. 

Tim: My top five musical influences at the moment are Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Kirk Franklin, Aretha Franklin and Disney movies.

JT:  Any recent news to share with your fans?  Any info on upcoming concerts?

Tim: Right now we are on the road heading to play a show with the band Reilly who are close friends of ours.  We just put out a brand new EP called "From The Inside," which is available for sale on our online store at www.tbtstore.com.  We hope to see you all out on the road.