Ryan Lott, Rafiq Bhatia, and Ian Chang of Son Lux share their journey from indie success to scoring Marvel's Thunderbolts. They discuss the challenges and creativity of composing music remotely, incorporating unique sounds that capture different universes. The trio reflects on the balance of personal expression and collaboration, plus their memorable encounters with food and music. Their distinctive approach embraces deeper, melancholic themes, moving beyond typical superhero tropes, and hints at exciting future projects that blend technology with artistry.
Son Lux's collaborative process with the film's director from the beginning allowed them to shape the film's emotional and musical identity significantly.
The band embraced experimentation with unique percussion and sound design, pushing beyond traditional scoring to capture the film's character complexities.
Reflecting on their journey, Son Lux emphasizes staying true to artistic values and fostering collaboration while navigating greater visibility in the industry.
Deep dives
Excitement and Challenges of Thunderbolts Production
The release of the film Thunderbolts generated significant excitement for the composers, reflecting on their journey since their previous film, Everything Everywhere All At Once. They revealed that working on this project became a two-year-long endeavor, emphasizing the immense pressure and expectations associated with a major Marvel production. Visiting the set offered a firsthand look at the elaborate sets, showcasing the hard work and talent of the crew, which served as motivation rather than intimidation. The energy they felt during this immersive experience helped solidify their commitment to the project, reminding them of the collaboration needed to bring the film's music to life.
The Unique Collaborative Process
The composers had a rare opportunity to collaborate closely with the film's director early in the process, engaging in weekly discussions over several months to explore the sound for the film. This engagement allowed them to create a library of themes and ideas before the filming began, subsequently inspiring the actors and setting the tone for the project. By being intimately involved from the start, they transitioned their roles from being mere score contributors to integral creators of the film's emotional and musical identity. This rare level of involvement allowed them to establish the music as a foundational element rather than an afterthought, leading to a more cohesive experience.
Exploration of Sound and Themes
The creative process involved significant experimentation with sounds and themes that reflected the film's narrative, pushing the boundaries of traditional score composition. The composers began exploring the idea of a smaller, more intimate sonic quality, which allowed them to delve into the realities of the film's characters, marking a departure from typical superhero narratives. By focusing on unique percussion elements, including unconventional instruments and techniques, they sought to reflect the film's themes and character complexities. This innovative approach helped them craft a soundscape that while familiar to the superhero genre, also resonated deeply with new emotional dimensions.
Influences and Inspirations
Drawing from a diverse array of musical influences has been pivotal in shaping their collective sound, with each member citing experiences that have significantly informed their artistry. One composer mentioned an encounter with a record that redefined their perspective on sound, inspiring them to embrace noise and chaos as part of their musical palette. Another cited the impact of a collaboration that showcased meticulous arrangements, further exemplifying the value of shared exploration in crafting music. These experiences highlight a commitment to continual growth and adaptation as they navigate the complex landscape of film scoring.
Vision for Future Projects
As they reflect on their recent successes, the composers are excited yet aware of the responsibilities that come with greater visibility in the industry. They emphasize the importance of staying true to their artistic values, focusing on curiosity and exploration rather than solely pursuing accolades. With upcoming projects on the horizon, including a collaboration with new directors and actors, they aim to continue pushing boundaries while fostering a collaborative environment in the creative process. Their intention to invite more diverse perspectives into their work signifies a forward-thinking approach, ensuring continued evolution in their sound and impact within the film scoring landscape.
Oscar-nominated experimental band/composing trio Son Lux joins Score after their breakout success on EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, and as their latest film, Marvel’s THUNDERBOLTS*, releases in theaters.
How the solo project from Ryan Lott led to working as a trio with Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang — incorporating unique electronic instrumentation with crafty sound design (including unique percussion approaches). What it’s like living in three different cities as a band, working on albums, and coming off an indie project with The Daniels to help launch a new phase for Marvel — hence the asterisk in Thunderbolts*.Plus, getting the London Contemporary Orchestra to play “drunker” at Abbey Road, and finding the ideal balance of inner creative spark and broader collaboration on a major film.
Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
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