Moses Sumney on Crafting the Unique Score for "Is God Is"

Initially, Moses Sumney had not considered a career in film scoring. However, his perspective shifted dramatically after reading the screenplay for Aleshea Harris's directorial debut, "Is God Is." The narrative so deeply impressed him that he accepted Amazon-MGM Studios' offer to compose the film's music. He remarked in an interview with VIBE that the script's originality was captivating, and the project ultimately felt like a synergistic collaboration among friends. Alongside Harris's creative vision and co-composer Joseph Shirley's expertise, Sumney crafted both the score and soundtrack for this compelling movie. "Is God Is" follows twin sisters Racine and Anaia, who embark on a mission to eliminate their estranged, abusive father at their mother's behest, exploring themes of vengeance and profound emotional ties.

Sumney detailed his artistic methodology for the film, highlighting specific scenes that profoundly resonated with him, particularly the flashback sequences depicting the twins' origin story. These moments, described as graphic, required a distinctive musical interpretation. A notable aspect of his work was devising a unique sonic signature for the twins' telepathic communication, a task he undertook with Shirley. Their innovative solution involved utilizing Sumney's voice as the primary source for many of the film's sounds, manipulating it to create effects ranging from synthesizers to percussion. This approach underscored the film's raw emotionality, pushing the boundaries of the human voice much like the characters are pushed to their limits within the story.

The creative journey presented both challenges and triumphs for Sumney, who, accustomed to independent work, found adapting to the collaborative nature of film production demanding yet ultimately fulfilling. He cherished the opportunity to witness his music come to life on the big screen, a novel and deeply rewarding experience for him. Reflecting on his influences, Sumney cited Nicholas Britell's work for Barry Jenkins' films, especially "If Beale Street Could Talk," and the unconventional soundscapes of Cristobal Tapia de Veer for "Babygirl." He also expressed admiration for Stevie Wonder's experimental album, "Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants." Sumney's collaboration with Joseph Shirley, a long-time associate through Ludwig Göransson's network, was characterized by mutual respect and shared influences from Southern Black music, including blues, soul, and jazz, all contributing to the film's distinctive sonic tapestry.

This venture into film scoring has profoundly impacted Moses Sumney, leaving him with a deep appreciation for collaborative artistry. He now recognizes the immense power that emerges when diverse talents unite to realize a shared vision. While he emphasizes the importance of listening to and learning from seasoned professionals, he also champions unwavering confidence in one's unique artistic voice, asserting that experience does not always equate to a deeper understanding of one's own creative expression. This delicate balance between collaboration and individual artistic integrity is a lesson he carries forward, contemplating the possibility of directing his own films in the future.