Indie artist Moses Sumney, celebrated for his distinctive vocal talents and acting, embarked on an unexpected cinematic journey, composing the score for the film adaptation of Aleshea Harris's acclaimed play, 'Is God Is'. Despite initial reservations about entering the world of film composition, Sumney found himself drawn to the project after an encounter with the script, which he described as undeniably brilliant. His collaboration with seasoned composer Joseph Shirley brought forth a unique sonic tapestry that redefines the Western genre, intertwining diverse musical traditions with an innovative use of the human voice.

Sumney's foray into film scoring began with a clear reluctance, having found previous short film experiences challenging. Yet, the profound narrative of 'Is God Is', a tale of two twin sisters pursuing vengeance against their father, compelled him to reconsider. He had been aware of Harris's work and had even met the playwright previously, fostering a mutual respect that paved the way for their creative partnership. Harris's vision for the film as a reimagined American Western, distinctly featuring Black characters and traversing the American South, sparked Sumney's interest in crafting a score that would synthesize these rich cultural elements with the classic Western motif of heading west.

The resultant soundtrack, a collaborative effort with Joseph Shirley, known for his work on major productions like 'The Mandalorian', is a masterclass in atmospheric sound design. It navigates a complex soundscape, incorporating whistling, Americana folk elements, gospel hymns, and the spiritual depth of delta blues. While possessing the structural essence of an old Spaghetti Western, the score introduces a darker, more ethereal quality, a conscious decision by Sumney and Shirley to avoid overt referentiality. Sumney's vocalizations, including humming and percussive body sounds, became central to the score's identity, a creative choice born partly from the film's intimate budget. This limitation, however, became a catalyst for innovation, pushing the composers to explore raw, organic sounds emanating from the human body itself.

The dynamic between Sumney's indie production background and Shirley's extensive experience in grand cinematic compositions proved to be a fertile ground for creativity. Sumney humorously notes that Shirley often sought to expand the sound, while he aimed for greater intimacy, a dichotomy that ultimately enriched the score. Shirley himself expressed immense satisfaction with the collaboration, praising Sumney's intuitive and progressive approach to music. He highlighted their shared exploration of various genres and moods to perfectly encapsulate the twins' perilous journey into the heart of darkness portrayed in Harris's story.

Looking ahead, Sumney remains open-ended about future film scoring opportunities. He acknowledges the inherent challenges of serving another's artistic vision, a stark contrast to his usual self-directed projects. Nevertheless, he expresses deep pride in the work accomplished with Shirley and Harris on 'Is God Is', having gained invaluable experience from the endeavor. His focus now lies on sharing this unique cinematic creation with the world, with future scoring projects contingent on finding another script as compelling and inspiring as 'Is God Is'.