Mark Mothersbaugh

Mark Mothersbaugh, founding member of the New Wave band Devo, is an increasingly in-demand film and television composer, who recently did the score for “Thor: Ragnarok.” (COURTESY PHOTO)

Mark Mothersbaugh is best known as one of the founding members of the new wave Devo whose song “Whip It” was a staple of the 1980s. For more than 30 years, Mothersbaugh has been an increasingly in-demand film and television composer with an eclectic resume that includes “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” “Rugrats,” “Rushmore,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The LEGO Movie,” “Hotel Transylvania,” “21 Jump Street” and more.

Alec Kerr recently spoke with Mothersbaugh by phone about his score for “Thor: Ragnarok,” which blends his past with his present to create a fascinating and thrilling blend of synth and orchestral music.

Thor: Ragnarok

Thanks to director Taika Waititi, "Thor: Ragnarok" has a more playful tone and colorful aesthetic than the previous entries in the "Thor" franchise. (COURTESY OF DISNEY)

Big Trouble in Little China

"Thor: Ragnarok" director Taika Waititi listed John Carpenter's "Big Trouble in Little China" as an influence over the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX)

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