Space Cadet 56 is a creative soundtrack project by James Tottle, where music is the added element in an ambitious science fiction story. The project includes over 30 original pop-rock songs, each one assigned to a chapter, so the music can flow with the narrative as opposed to standing in the background.
Each piece of music is written and performed by Tottle, and is varied in mood. Certain tracks are more cheerful and poppy, while others are more introspective and atmospheric, mirroring the darker and more serious aspects of the story. This keeps the music entertaining and gives the various elements of the story a musical identity.
The music is particularly appealing in that it serves as a part of something bigger. The soundtrack is quite filling, and the mystery of the man’s identity (Patient 56) has a great deal of room to build tension, emotion and curiosity.
Another aspect of the project’s personal quality comes from Tottle’s approach. He doesn’t restrict himself to a specific style of songwriting; he lets the guitars, melodies and atmospheric elements evoke various emotions throughout the story.
Space Cadet 56 is a soundtrack in more than one sense, as it isn’t just a series of unconnected songs. The project is an interesting mix of pop-rock songwriting and sci-fi storytelling as each track plays a role in creating a greater music world.
