Composer Series - Ludwig Göransson

The Works of Ludwig Göransson: A Trailblazer in Modern Music 

Ludwig Göransson has become one of the most exciting and influential composers of the 21st century. From creating unforgettable film scores to producing chart topping tracks, he’s carved out a reputation as a master of musical innovation. Known for blending traditional sounds with cutting edge production techniques, Göransson’s work spans film, television, and music collaborations, leaving a lasting impact across genres. 

In this short blog, we’ll take a closer look at Göransson’s journey, explore his standout works, and celebrate the creativity that defines his music. 

 

Early Days and Musical Roots 

Born on 1st September 1984 in Linköping, Sweden, Ludwig Göransson grew up in a family that encouraged his love of music. His father played guitar, and his mother worked as a teacher, fostering an environment where creativity thrived. Göransson began playing classical guitar as a child, eventually studying jazz composition at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. 

A turning point came when he moved to Los Angeles to study film scoring at the University of Southern California (USC). There, he immersed himself in Hollywood’s creative scene and met collaborators who would shape his career, including director Ryan Coogler and actor turned musician Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino). 

 

Making Waves in Film and Television 

From Sitcoms to Stardom: Community 

Ludwig Göransson’s first big break came with the hit sitcom Community (20092015). Tasked with composing music for the show, he demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt to different genres, whether it was parodying action scores or crafting heartfelt melodies. The experience honed his versatility and prepared him for more ambitious projects. 

Collaborating with Ryan Coogler: A Creative Partnership 

One of Göransson’s most important partnerships has been with director Ryan Coogler. Their collaboration began with Fruitvale Station (2013), a powerful indie film based on the true story of Oscar Grant. Göransson’s subtle, emotional score complemented the film’s raw storytelling, showcasing his talent for enhancing narratives without overshadowing them. 

"Creed" (2015) 

Göransson took a major step forward with Creed, Coogler’s reinvention of the Rocky franchise. He created a score that blended orchestral arrangements with hip-hop beats, capturing the energy and grit of modern boxing while paying homage to the iconic original films. 

Key Tracks:  You’re a Creed: A stirring orchestral piece that builds emotional weight. Fighting Stronger: A track featuring rapper Vince Staples that seamlessly fuses rap and symphonic elements. 

"Black Panther" (2018) 

Black Panther was a gamechanger, not just for Göransson but for film music as a whole. To create a truly authentic and groundbreaking score, he travelled to Africa and collaborated with local musicians, incorporating traditional instruments, rhythms, and vocal styles into the soundtrack. 

Highlights of the Black Panther Score: Talking drum: Representing T’Challa (Black Panther), this West African instrument gives the score a distinct identity.  Fula flute and vocals: Used to evoke Erik Killmonger’s character, reflecting both beauty and tragedy. Orchestral fusion: A mix of African traditions and Western symphonic elements mirrors Wakanda’s blend of culture and technology. 

The Black Panther score earned Göransson an Academy Award for Best Original Score, solidifying his place as a leading figure in film music. 

Key Tracks: Wakanda: A majestic theme that introduces the hidden nation.  Killmonger: A haunting piece combining African vocals with electronic textures. Ancestral Plane: Ethereal strings and choral elements transport listeners to a mystical realm. 

Redefining Television Scoring: The Mandalorian 

With The Mandalorian (2019), Göransson took on the challenge of creating a fresh sound for the Star Wars universe. Instead of relying on the franchise’s iconic orchestral style, he introduced an entirely new sonic world, drawing inspiration from spaghetti Westerns, tribal percussion, and electronic music. 

Key Features of The Mandalorian Score: Bass recorder: This unconventional instrument gives the main theme its rustic and otherworldly feel.  Hybrid soundscapes: Göransson blends acoustic instruments with synthesizers to capture the show’s mix of ancient and futuristic elements. 

The score won Göransson an Emmy Award and established him as a trailblazer in television music.  Key Tracks:  The Mandalorian: The iconic main theme, instantly recognisable and unique.  The Mudhorn: A tense, action packed track with tribal rhythms driving the momentum. 

 

Collaborations with Childish Gambino 

Outside film and TV, Göransson has made waves in the music world through his work with Donald Glover (Childish Gambino). Their partnership began in 2011, resulting in some of the most innovative hip-hop and R&B music of the last decade. 

 "Awaken, My Love!" (2016) 

Göransson coproduced this critically acclaimed album, which marked a major stylistic shift for Glover. The album blends funk, soul, and psychedelic sounds, with Göransson’s live instrumentation adding a rich, organic quality. 

Key Tracks:  Redbone: A Grammy winning track with smooth falsetto vocals and lush production.  Me and Your Mama: A soaring blend of gospel and funk. 

 

 "This Is America" (2018) 

The cultural impact of This Is America was immense. Göransson coproduced the track, creating a stark and unsettling musical backdrop that perfectly complemented its themes of violence and systemic injustice. The song’s sharp shifts between gospel and trap reflected its layered social commentary. 

Entering the World of Video Games: Battlefield 2042 

Göransson expanded his repertoire with the score for Battlefield 2042. Known for pushing boundaries, he crafted an intense, futuristic soundscape using dissonant electronics and immersive sound design. This project underscored his adaptability and ability to innovate across different media. 

A New Chapter: Tenet (2020) 

Christopher Nolan’s Tenet presented a unique challenge, and Göransson rose to the occasion. Taking over from Hans Zimmer, he created a score that played with the film’s themes of time manipulation. By using reverse sound design and heavily synthesised textures, he delivered a soundtrack as mind bending as the movie itself. 

Key Tracks:  The Plan: A pulsating, high energy piece that drives the film’s climax. 

 

What Makes Göransson Stand Out? 

Ludwig Göransson’s music is defined by his ability to: 

1. Blends genres seamlessly: Whether mixing African rhythms with orchestral grandeur (Black Panther) or combining trap and gospel (This Is America), he bridges musical worlds effortlessly. 

2. Experiment with instruments: His use of unconventional tools, like the bass recorder (The Mandalorian), sets him apart. 

3. Enhance storytelling: Göransson’s scores are deeply intertwined with the narratives they support, heightening the emotional impact of every scene. 

Looking Ahead 

Ludwig Göransson is not just a composer, he’s a musical visionary, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether it’s in Hollywood, on streaming platforms, or in the music industry, his influence is undeniable. As he takes on new projects, his ability to innovate and inspire shows no signs of slowing down.

Photo Credits - Ludwig Göransson - Instagram

Battlefield 2042 - Businesswire