My first project of 2008 was Chris Purnell’s ‘Don’t Look At Me (I’m Ugly in the Morning)’, which was also my first feature length project. It is a drama with elements of black comedy, focusing on three siblings suffering after the death of their abusive Father. Here I had a really defined sound, with more experimental sound design pieces for the intimate scenes, and more pop/rock orientated pieces for the rest, including two original songs. With a great cast including stand up comic Ed Byrne, as well as the very capable Chris Condie, this was one of my best projects to date.

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Dez is currently wrapping up the scores to two films. Firstly there is the feature film ‘Don’t Look At Me (I’m Ugly In the Morning)’, a superbly dark but emotional drama and Dez’s first feature length production. The film follows the lives of 3 siblings as they cope with the aftermath of their father’s death and features Irish stand-up comic Ed Byrne. Secondly there is the romantic short “On Friendship and Fidelity”, a beautifully shot piece exploring the boundaries between friendship and romance as the characters question their lives and morality. Both films feature Dez playing to his strengths, with intimate use of piano, guitar and solo strings, through to electronic ambiences and dark sound design pieces.

This track became the closing piece for the 2008 film ‘Don’t Look at Me (I’m Ugly in the Morning)’ by Chris Purnell. Originally this started out with dark ska influences, and evolved in to the funky and slightly sinister rock track you can hear below. I was particularly proud of the lyrics, with which I tried to capture the emotions and self-image of characters who had suffered abuse from their family. I also performed the vocal on both tracks in this film.

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This track was one of two songs written for the 2008 film by Chris Purnell ‘Don’t Look at Me (I’m Ugly in the Morning)’. The scene accompanies a contemplative car journey following Sarah’s self-harm. The song itself, influenced by 60s soul, is actually just one verse long written to fit the length of the scene. You can see a section of this scene currently in the 2009 film showreel.

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