How Blues Music Inspired Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler on SINNERS

Composer and executive producer Ludwig Göransson spoke with director, writer, and producer Ryan Coogler at his studio to talk about how the Delta blues and their family history inspired the film’s story and sound. They also break down the song “I Lied To You,” written by Ludwig and Raphael Saadiq, and performed by Miles Caton as Sammie in the film. Stay until the end for a special musical demonstration by Ludwig himself.

SINNERS marks Ludwig’s fifth feature collaboration with Ryan Coogler, following BLACK PANTHER, CREED, and FRUITVALE STATION. A globally recognized composer and producer, Ludwig has earned multiple awards, including two Academy Awards for BLACK PANTHER and OPPENHEIMER. His film and TV credits include VENOM, THE MANDALORIAN, and TURNING RED. As a record producer and songwriter, he has collaborated with artists like Chance the Rapper, Adele, HAIM, and Childish Gambino. He is also a co-founder of Proximity Media.

SINNERS is produced by Proximity Media and Warner Brothers. To hear the songs that inspired the SINNERS score and soundtrack, including artists discussed in this episode, listen here. Listen to the first episode of this special SINNERS series with Ryan Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw here.

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(02:19) Get Reel
(07:44) Blues Music
(22:22) Writing & Composing “I Lied To You”
(32:17) The Hero Guitar
(35:42) Prox Recs

In Proximity is a production of Proximity Media
Director: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola Mardo
Film Score, Theme Song, and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Video Producer: Bianca Catbagan
Director of Photography: Andrea Walter
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Video Editors: Bianca Catbagan and Andrea Walter
Audio Editors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Sound Recordist: Marcelo de Oliveira
Gaffer: Chris Boulos|
Key Grip: Kevin “Chui” Chiu
Production Assistant: Isabella Miller
Design and Social Media: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Faith Wang