Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and the Music of Pixar’s SOUL

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What do Lin-Manual Miranda, and Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross all have in common?

They are all one award away from being EGOT holders and are also all known for being uber-talented musicians who have scored films for Walt Disney Studios.

Photo: ©2020 Disney/Pixar

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Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and the Music of Pixar's SOUL

The music of Pixar's SOUL is integral to the story. This soundtrack is unlike any other Disney/Pixar score I've ever heard. The music is what makes you FEEL the things you feel while watching a film.

Music speaks to me

Here's part of why the music storyline of SOUL spoke to me. Music has always been an important part of my life. My dad was a music major and amateur musician. I grew up in a home where music was a part of everyday life. I learned an instrument at the age of 6 and played instruments all through college (usually more than one). I still have my flute and piccolo, though I rarely play.

For 2 years of college, I studied vocal performance at a music conservatory before I decided being a poor struggling musician wasn't really the path I wanted to take. I was 4 when my parents realized I could *really* sing; I sang in the church choir from the time I was old enough to read the words for the music and memorize the tune, even before I could read music. I performed all through high school and college.

Nine Inch Nails for good times and bad

In high school, I discovered Nine Inch Nails. The summer between high school and college were some dark days. I spent a lot of time comforting myself with ragey, angsty music and NIИ was at the top of the list. Pretty Hate Machine, Broken, and The Downward Spiral were on repeat. Trent Reznor was a musical god.

Fast forward a few years and NIИ is still my go-to nasty, ragey music choice, but over the years they've gotten a little less ragey but maintain their intensity. And musically, Reznor and Ross are a creative duo genius. When I first discovered their other works beyond NIИ, I was pleasantly floored. 

Did you know that Reznor and Ross have scored a number of films (and won several awards for many, as well) such as Bird Box, The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, Mank, and “Watchmen“? 

Three Albums Released for Pixar's SOUL

Walt Disney Records released three albums for SOUL on December 18: Disney and Pixar’s SOUL Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, SOUL Original Score vinyl album, and Music From and Inspired by SOUL vinyl album. 

Photo: ©2020 Disney/Pixar

The music of Pixar's SOUL is transcendental. I ordered SOUL Original Score vinyl album the day it released, and I hadn't even heard it yet; I knew it was going to be good based on history.

Composed/scored by Reznor and Ross with original jazz compositions by Jon Batiste, make for sublime riffs and transitions, as well as soulful R&B, jazz, and gospel tracks. To complement the project, musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, and Yo-Yo Ma consulted on the project to ensure the jazz and overall sound was just right.

Photo: ©2020 Disney/Pixar

Batiste's jazz compositions underscore Joe's life in New York City. Reznor and Ross provide the score for the other parts of SOUL, primarily for scenes set in cosmic realms of The Great Before or that involve characters from it.

Reznor's and Ross' score is comprised of real and synthetic instruments, creating an ethereal sound for the storyline around the characters of The Great Before. Peaceful, meditative, sublime. It touches my soul.

And yes, Nine Inch Nails, Hamilton!, Moana, and Soul are all on my playlist.

Photo: ©2020 Disney/Pixar

Be sure to check out our Pixar SOUL Movie Review and Best Quotes!

Be sure to check out other quotes collections from our favorite movies and television shows!

About Pixar's SOUL

What is it that makes you…YOU? Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film Soul introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx)–a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before–a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks, and interests before they go to Earth.

Photo: ©2020 Disney/Pixar

Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (Inside Out, Up), co-directed by Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short “Lou”).

Disney and Pixar’s Soul will be available exclusively on Disney+ (where Disney+ is available) beginning Dec. 25, 2020.

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