In a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars universe continues to expand with the latest series, The Acolyte. Set 100 years before the events of Episode I: The Phantom Menace, this series explores a new era in the Star Wars timeline. Composer Michael Abels, known for his work on Jordan Peele's films and his Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar, took on the challenge of creating the musical score for this groundbreaking series.

Abels faced the task of balancing familiarity with innovation in his compositions. He aimed to capture the emotions and actions that feel quintessentially Star Wars while also introducing new musical elements to represent the unique characters, planets, and species featured in the series.

One notable first for the franchise was the inclusion of a vocal-led pop single, "Power of Two," performed by Victoria Monét. Abels collaborated with producer D'Mile to create this track, which samples music from a pivotal scene in the series.

Throughout the series, Abels crafted distinct musical themes for various characters, such as Osha, Mae, and Sol. These themes serve to underscore the characters' emotions, aspirations, and roles within the story.

When asked about the pressure of living up to the legacy of John Williams and Skywalker Sound, Abels emphasized the importance of setting aside intimidation and focusing on what feels right for the story. He recorded the majority of the score with live musicians in Vienna, while also incorporating virtual instruments when appropriate.

Abels also discussed the differences between working on a series like The Acolyte and his previous work on Jordan Peele's films. He noted that the extended timeline of a series allows for a deeper understanding and streamlined process among the creative team. In contrast, films offer more opportunity to dwell on individual details and respond to audience feedback.

The Acolyte features some intense and horrific moments, which Abels highlighted using dissonant and atonal music, as well as sound design elements and extended orchestral playing techniques. Despite these departures from traditional Star Wars music, Abels assured fans that the themes come together organically by the end of the series, providing a satisfying conclusion to both the story and the score.

The Acolyte is now available to stream on Disney+, inviting fans to experience this new chapter in the Star Wars universe and the captivating musical score that brings it to life.

Source: https://musictech.com/features/interviews/the-acolyte-soundtrack-michael-abels/