Soundtrack
Academy Award Winning Best Original Song 2007 "Falling Slowly"
The Once soundtrack was mostly written and performed by the stars of the film, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The song "Fallen From the Sky" features Hansard's Irish indie band, The Frames. The acoustic guitar plays a lead role in the folk rock soundtrack with support from the piano, bass, cello, violin, viola, and percussion.
Impact of "Falling Slowly"
The most popular song from Once, "Falling Slowly", received not only critical acclaim but attention from the hit television program American Idol. "Falling Slowly" was performed twice on American Idol. The first time in season 8 by winner Kris Allen, and the second time by winner and runner up Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox of season 9. Typically harsh judge, Simon Cowell thought highly of Allen's performance while all the judges raved about the duet between DeWyze and Bowersox.
Impact of "Falling Slowly"
The most popular song from Once, "Falling Slowly", received not only critical acclaim but attention from the hit television program American Idol. "Falling Slowly" was performed twice on American Idol. The first time in season 8 by winner Kris Allen, and the second time by winner and runner up Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox of season 9. Typically harsh judge, Simon Cowell thought highly of Allen's performance while all the judges raved about the duet between DeWyze and Bowersox.
Making the Music for the Film
The majority of the music for the film was recorded and mixed at The Forest Studio in Kildare, Ireland. Several of the songs were recorded earlier than 2007 though at Sono Studio in Prague. Since the budget for the film was tight, some of the songs were home-recorded in Dublin.
Street Music
Busking is the act of performing in public places for money. In Once, Hansard's character plays on Grafton Street in Dublin. In Ireland, busking is legal and often encouraged as entertainment for passersby. Music is very social in Ireland. Some buskers are only in it to make money but others use the opportunity to promote their own music. Whatever their motivation though, musicians do it for the love of performing.
Glen Hansard and The Frames
Since the release of The Frames' first album in 1991, Hansard has become an established musician and has even tackled several acting roles, including Once and The Commitments (showing at the film festival after Once at 9:30). Hansard plays the guitar player, Outspan Foster, in The Commitments, which was directed by Alan Parker. Hansard has said that he regrets taking time and focus away from his music to act. With The Frames, he has released 9 albums. He also has a duo with Markéta Irglová called The Swell Season, which has released 2 albums other than the Once soundtrack. Hansard says he was influenced by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Van Morrison.
Since the release of The Frames' first album in 1991, Hansard has become an established musician and has even tackled several acting roles, including Once and The Commitments (showing at the film festival after Once at 9:30). Hansard plays the guitar player, Outspan Foster, in The Commitments, which was directed by Alan Parker. Hansard has said that he regrets taking time and focus away from his music to act. With The Frames, he has released 9 albums. He also has a duo with Markéta Irglová called The Swell Season, which has released 2 albums other than the Once soundtrack. Hansard says he was influenced by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Van Morrison.
