In the new film Cold Storage, actors Liam Neeson, Joe Keery, and Georgina Campbell face off against a mysterious toxic substance turning people into zombies. Before discussing the zombie threat, a unique topic came up during an interview: Liam Neeson’s curious question about trip-hop music, prompting Joe Keery to explain the genre. This moment offers insight into the musical influences behind the movie and the actors themselves.
What Liam Neeson Asked About Trip-Hop and Joe Keery’s Attempted Explanation
During a conversation with Rachel Leishman for CBR, Liam Neeson turned to co-star Joe Keery and asked, “Joe, what is trip-hop?” Keery gave an impromptu answer, describing trip-hop as a genre characterized by breakbeat drums and originating in the early 1990s. He admitted he wasn’t entirely sure and joked about being grilled for his explanation. Keery said,
“Trip hop is a genre, it’s kind of like, I don’t know, it’s like kind of breakbeat drums, I would say with, I don’t know, it’s early 90s, I guess… Anybody else have a better explanation? I don’t know, someone’s gonna grill me, but I basically would just listen to all these playlists because it says in the book actually, that that’s what he’s listening to on his way into work,”
showing both his humble humor and dedication to capturing his character’s vibe.
Understanding Trip-Hop and Its Role in Cold Storage
Trip-hop is a style of dance and electronic music that emerged from the United Kingdom during the 1990s, noted for its moody, atmospheric sound. Prominent artists such as Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky helped define the genre. In Cold Storage, trip-hop helps portray Joe Keery’s character, Travis ‘Teacake’ Meacham, shedding light on his personality through the music he listens to on his way into work. This musical touch adds depth to Travis and guides the actor’s performance.
Joe Keery’s appreciation of music extends beyond this film, having featured prominently in his previous roles. For example, in Stranger Things, music became a memorable element, introducing fans to classic tracks like David Bowie’s Heroes, Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill, and Prince’s Purple Rain. Keery’s own musical work is noted for influences reminiscent of David Byrne and The Talking Heads, with some comparisons to Paul McCartney, underscoring his genuine musical understanding despite struggling to define trip-hop precisely.
Joe Keery’s Musical Background and How It Influences His Acting
Aside from acting, Joe Keery is also a musician in the band DJO, pronounced like his own first name. Since his rise to fame post-Stranger Things, his song Endings Beginnings has gained attention. Keery revealed how music sometimes intertwines with his on-screen roles depending on the project. He explained,
“Sometimes I’ll do that, but it really depends on, I don’t know. One size doesn’t really fit all, I would say. Sometimes that’ll work for something, and sometimes it wouldn’t,”
highlighting the variable ways music supports his characters.
For Cold Storage, Keery created multiple trip-hop playlists as part of his preparation but later questioned their necessity. He admitted,
“For this one, though, I did listen to like a bunch of trip-hop playlists, but it kind of was inconsequential at the end of the day. I think I did a lot of it and then I kind of was like, ‘Well, maybe you really need to do that.”
This mix of thoughtful preparation and candid uncertainty illustrates the actor’s creative process while navigating layered roles.
Cold Storage’s Cast and Release Information
Alongside Joe Keery as Travis ‘Teacake’ Meacham, the film also stars Liam Neeson as Robert Quinn, Georgina Campbell playing Naomi Williams, and Sosie Bacon as Dr. Hero Martins. These performers combine their talents to deliver an intense battle against the terrifying toxic goo threatening humanity. Cold Storage is set to open in theaters on February 13, offering audiences a suspenseful cinematic experience with added layers of character depth conveyed through music.
The Importance of Music in Storytelling and Acting
Music often serves as a vital creative tool linking musicians and actors, both professions thriving on imagination. Joe Keery’s engagement with trip-hop and other genres demonstrates how sound can influence character portrayal and enhance storytelling. Liam Neeson’s straightforward question about trip-hop introduced a lighthearted moment of curiosity that contrasts with the film’s intense themes, highlighting the sometimes unexpected ways actors connect with their roles.
As Cold Storage approaches its release, fans can anticipate not only thrilling action but also subtle musical nuances that enrich the narrative. The inclusion of trip-hop reflects a thoughtful approach to character development, and Keery’s honest reflections offer an insightful look at how music shapes performance, even amid uncertainty about defining a genre.
