The Kiner family, composed of composer Kevin Kiner and his children Deana and Sean, have made a significant impact on the Star Wars music of this generation. Their compositions can be heard in popular Star Wars series such as Clone Wars, Rebels, Bad Batch, and now Ahsoka. However, even with their experience, they still face challenges when it comes to scoring moments that involve iconic motifs created by John Williams. In a recent episode of Ahsoka, the Kiners had to score a brief but surprising scene featuring the return of Anthony Daniels as C-3PO. Initially, they decided not to include any music, but ultimately found a way to incorporate themes from Williams’ work that fit naturally with the narrative. The moment was emotional and impactful, blending Ahsoka’s thematic work with the familiar sound of Star Wars.
For the Kiners, striking a balance between sounding like Star Wars and establishing their own unique sound has been a longstanding challenge. Kevin, who has been scoring Star Wars for almost two decades, shared that he has been working on refining the sound without simply mimicking John Williams. Similarly, Deana and Sean have spent a decade exploring this delicate balance. They take inspiration not just from Williams’ music, but also from the classical pieces that influenced him. By building on these influences, they aim to create a sound that feels distinctly Star Wars but also unique to their own compositions.
The Kiners have also learned to use John Williams’ iconic themes sparingly, treating them as a powerful spice that enhances the overall composition. By using them strategically and tastefully, they ensure that the impact of these beloved motifs is not diluted. The Kiners see themselves as part of a long tradition of Star Wars music and have developed their own sound that harkens back to Williams’ work while maintaining their own identity within the Star Wars universe. Their approach reflects their deep understanding of the musical heritage and the importance of preserving the magic that Williams brought to the franchise.
Overall, the Kiner family’s journey in composing Star Wars music has been about finding a delicate balance between paying homage to John Williams’ iconic sound and creating a unique musical identity. With their vast experience and careful approach, they have successfully contributed to the Star Wars universe while adding their own distinctive touch. The recent episode of Ahsoka featuring C-3PO’s return serves as another testament to their skill and ability to seamlessly blend their own compositions with Williams’ iconic themes.