Moses Sumney had always been an artist who defied conventional categories. Known for his ethereal soundscapes and haunting vocals, Sumney’s work has often felt cinematic in scope. However, entering the world of film scoring was not something he had anticipated.

That changed when he was introduced to the script for Is God Is, the directorial debut of Aleshea Harris. Sumney felt compelled by the powerful narrative and knew he had to be part of it. The Amazon-MGM Studios project delves into a stirring tale of revenge and emotional healing, focusing on twin sisters Racine and Anaia as they confront their complex past.

Sumney’s role as a composer was a departure from his usual self-directed creations. He joined forces with Joseph Shirley, co-composer and producer, to bring Harris’s vision to life through sound. “Aleshea’s unique voice was clear from the first read of the script,” Sumney shared. “The process felt like a gathering of friends pooling our creative energies for a project that is both original and intense.”

The collaboration with Shirley was particularly significant, given their history. Having previously crossed paths when working with Ludwig Göransson on the Creed film, the two had built a rapport over the years. Their combined efforts sought to create a musical experience that mirrored the film’s emotional gravitas.

Key to this was the challenge of crafting a distinct sonic palette, something that Sumney tackled with his well-known “elastic voice.” Whether it was recreating scenes of telepathic communication between the twins or underlining moments of fury and introspection, Sumney’s vocal versatility became a foundational element of the soundtrack.

Reflecting on his project debut, Sumney expressed how scoring was both a test of adaptability and a rewarding experience. He mentioned, “The challenge was learning to let go of my usual independence, to listen and align with another person’s storytelling arc while infusing it with my own authentic sound.”

The film also drew attention to how unique and unexpected musical choices can enhance a narrative. An example was when a Death Grips track plays in a pivotal scene, adding an edge to the character’s experience—something that resonated profoundly with Sumney’s artistic ethos.

As he looks toward the future, Sumney remains open yet focused. While the experience has enriched his perspective, his current priority is completing his next album. “Creativity is multi-faceted, and while I’m keen on pursuing more film projects, my heart is in my music,” he says. The interplay between scoring and solo projects reflects an artist at the top of his game—willing to explore new avenues yet ever-aware of his own creative sovereignty.

Sumney’s entry into film scoring not only highlights his dynamic musical talents but also sets a new bar for what an artist can achieve when embracing collaboration and narrative-driven creativity. As Is God Is hits theatres, it’s clear that Sumney’s unique voice and vision have found a new medium, and audiences are all the better for it.