Gin Blossoms 'really seem to shine' in movies

They wrote some of the biggest alternative rock hits of the '90s in "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You."

They also found success lending their songs to movie soundtracks such as "Til I Hear It From You" from the 1995 movie "Empire Records."

This weekend, members of the Gin Blossoms hope their success with the movies will continue as they perform in the 11th annual Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe.

The goal of the cafe is to underscore the importance of music in films and to connect artists from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers with filmmakers.

Having its music appear on the silver screen is nothing new for the Blossoms, based in Tempe, Ariz. Big-name films such as "Speed," "Wayne's World 2" and "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days" have all featured Gin Blossoms' music.

It's a trend that guitarist Scott Johnson, speaking to the Deseret News earlier this week from his Arizona home, said the band hopes to continue.

"Definitely, for sure. We've had a lot of success in the past doing it. We're actively pursuing getting our songs in TV or film," he said.

Whether it's because of singer Robin Wilson's voice or the band's distinctive melodic rock sound, Johnson said the combination of the big screen and Gin Blossoms music has always worked well.

"When it's in the theater, we really seem to shine," he said.

The Blossoms' 1995 hit "Follow You Down" has been the most requested song in the band's catalog by film makers looking to use the music, Johnson said.

As a musician and songwriter, Johnson admits it's exciting to see fellow musicians on the movie awards shows accepting the top prize for best soundtrack, whereas in the past those types of awards were usually reserved for actors and filmmakers.

"That's definitely career-changing stuff. We love radio, and that was a big part and still is a big part of our career. But we're ready to accept our Oscar," he said with a laugh.

The Gin Blossoms, who still tour consistently but haven't played a concert in Utah since 2003, will play Friday at the ASCAP Music Cafe. The band also has a showcase planned for more TV and movie types in Hollywood later this year at another ASCAP-sponsored event, Johnson said.

"We appreciate ASCAP. They've always been there since the beginning," he said.

The band is set to sign a new deal with Savoy Records, a label typically associated with jazz acts. But Johnson said the company wanted to branch out into more alternative rock bands. If all goes according to the ambitious schedule the label is hoping for, Johnson said the Blossoms may have a new album by August.

If you go ...

What: Gin Blossoms

Where: Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe, lower Main Street, Park City

When: Jan. 16, 4 p.m.

How much: free to Sundance Film Festival credential holders ages 21 and older

E-mail: preavy@desnews.com