The new generation of film composers and soundtracks

Music, like any of the arts throughout history, is always changing and evolving, adapting to new trends, creating newer sounds, and the world of cinema is no exception. This evolution within film soundtracks becomes evident if we compare the great masterpieces of more classical or renowned composers such as Ennio Morricone or John Williams, with the innovative creations of the new generation that is just starting out. New technologies, universal influences and even the emergence of new musical genres, all of this accompanies this new generation of composers that we cannot lose sight of.

Current musical trends.

We cannot talk about the composers who are currently filling the tabloids without mentioning what the current musical trends are, since that is where they will choose their references when it comes to getting inspired.

Hybridization of genres

Nowadays, the lines between different musical genres are becoming increasingly thinner, even creating hybrids between styles that you wouldn't imagine! This is reflected in films in compositions with an unmistakable identity of their own, such as what Hans Zimmer did in 'Dune' (2021), where he dares to combine traditional instruments and synthesizers to achieve a futuristic sound.

Use of advanced technology and electronic music

All technological advances impact the branches of culture in some way, and in the case of bands, this translates into the mix of organic melodies and digital productions. A good example of this can be seen in Tenet (2020).

Minimalism and repetition

The definition speaks for itself. It is a trend inherited from the first special effects in cinema, to create tension and suspense.

Cultural diversity and global sounds

Globalization in the world leads to a better understanding of many of the cultures that inhabit our planet, and this allows composers to integrate them into their soundtracks to enrich the atmospheres. A clear example of this is what Göransson did with the compositions he created for Black Panther (2018).

Emotionally immersive music

With each passing day, soundtracks move from being mere accompaniments in the scene to expressing a series of emotions that occupy the main focus in the film. This is perfectly reflected in 'Joker' (2019), where Hildur Guðnadóttir uses strings and melancholic melodies to reflect the protagonist's psyche, getting closer to the viewer.

How does music influence contemporary society?

Music has been closely associated with society since the beginning of time, but today it is even more closely linked than ever to our daily lives.

It plays a crucial role as a means of social, emotional and even political expression at times, and greatly influences how people receive that expression and interpret it based on everything around them. It is almost another means of communication.

A very graphic example is the soundtrack of the series Euphoria (2019-present), where Labyrinth manages to represent the battles, doubts and emotions of teenagers through his musical compositions. It's not all partying!

Leading young composers of today

Surely the first composers that come to mind when you think of Hollywood are Williams or Zimmer, but let's go a little further. You are about to learn a little more about the new generation of musical geniuses from the world of cinema.

First of all we will talk about Daniel Pemberton, from which you surely recognize melodies in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020). Pemberton successfully strives to blend classic compositions and sounds with the most modern trends to stay up to date and reach younger audiences.

We can't not talk about Hildur Guðnadóttir, who at just 41 years old is already recognized for her atmospheric and deeply emotional style. Are you curious to hear her very special songs? She has participated in joker (2019) and Chernobyl (2019).

Finally, again among our paragraphs, is the recently awarded Ludwig Göransson, a great musical craftsman. He is capable of fusing genres and cultural references, as we have mentioned before, but he is also capable of telling the whole story of a film with the very emotional melodies of his pieces, which earned him an Oscar for Oppenheimer (2023)

Famous Spanish composers of today

But we don't have to go far to talk about key composers and to keep an eye on new geniuses; in Spain we have a national product of great quality. Today we will talk about two of them:

Did you know? Lucas Vidal? Well, he is one of the most internationally recognised young Spanish composers. His compositions stand out for combining the most recent with more traditional orchestrations. He is the author of such outstanding soundtracks as Fast & Furious 6 (2013) or Palmeras en la nieve (2015). He has been awarded on several occasions, including two Goyas and an Emmy!

We also introduce you, if you didn't know, to Ivan Palomares with compositions as powerful and evocative as you can find in films like In lthe stars (2018) or in the series The fence (2020)

Composers who have revolutionized soundtracks in today's cinema

All these new faces refresh the references and characteristics of musical compositions in general, and create a great revolution that completely reorganizes the strong points of music in film. Some of the protagonists of this revolution are:

Ramin Djawadi; uses epic themes and leitmotifs for the characters as its hallmark. You've probably heard of it from big productions like game of Thrones and movies like Pacific Rim. Max Richter, for its part, is the epitome of minimalism, it is able to excite many with little, as can be seen in Ad Astra and The Leftovers, where he adds a layer of emotional depth to the images. And finally we have  Jóhann Jóhannsson, author of unmistakable soundtracks such as Arrival and HitmanJóhansson uses electronic layers and textures to achieve the musical figures that characterize him so much.

Had you noticed all this?

Current trends in film music

Without a doubt, one of the most exciting trends in film music today is the collaboration of purely musical artists in compositions for films. These collabs They add freshness and contemporaneity to the soundtracks, and manage to attract younger audiences, making them connect more and better with the story and the characters.

Billie Eilish dazzled us with her contribution to the main theme of No Time To Die (2021), or who wouldn't remember Trent Reznor's participation in composing the entire musical universe of Seven (1995) or Soul (2020).

The most outstanding soundtracks of recent years

In recent years, some soundtracks have left an incredible mark, combining innovative music with collaborations from great artists.

In the top 3 are Black Panther (2018), with Kendrick Lamar and Göransson fusing African rhythms and hip-hop; A Star is Born (2018), where Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper created a soundtrack full of emotions; and The Lion King (2019), with Beyoncé breathing new life into the music of this classic story.

These soundtracks not only complement the films, but have become cultural phenomena that connect deeply with the audience.

Come and see the Film Symphony Orchestra and experience the best compositions of these and other musical geniuses live. Don't miss it! #FSOTARAB is waiting for you.