Moses Sumney had never been “terribly interested” in being a film composer.
But when he read the script for Aleshea Harris’ directorial debut, Is God Is, it blew him away. So much so that he had to say yes to Amazon-MGM Studios’ offer to score t. “I thought the script was really wonderful and it was cool to read such an original voice jump off the page […] In the end, it actually felt like a lot of friends and mutual friends sort of coming together to do something great,” he explained to VIBE.
The actor-singer—in collaboration with Harris’ vision and the expertise of co-composer and producer Joseph Shirley—created the score and soundtrack for the riveting film. Is God Is is a story about twin sisters Racine (Kara Young) and Anaia (Mallori Johnson), tasked with killing their abusive, absentee father at the request of their mother. It highlights revenge and the lengths one may go to while confronting deeply rooted, emotional ties.
Sumney spoke with us about his musical approach, favorite film scores, the Is God Is scene that initially resonated most with him, the challenges and rewards of being a novice composer, and whether he’d do it all again.
Warning: This feature contains spoilers from the film Is God Is.
