Exploring the Soundscapes of “THE DAYS” and “Gannibal”: A Unique Approach to Music in Dramas

Movies, music, games, and dramas—streaming platforms have become our go-to for diverse forms of entertainment. The landscape of production, technology, and creative approaches in the entertainment industry keeps evolving, offering viewers an ever-changing experience.

In a world where entertainment is constantly reshaped, two gripping works have caught global attention. “Gannibal,” a psychological thriller currently streaming on Disney Plus, and “THE DAYS,” a social drama revolving around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011, now available on Netflix. These two globally distributed pieces are capturing audiences not only due to the realistic performances of the actors and carefully crafted visuals, but also because of the emotional intensity that accompanies their stories.

The Musical Minds behind the Scenes:

Behind these captivating dramas lies the music produced by Los Angeles-based musical producer Koyo Sonae, Japanese vocalist Maiko Horisawa, known for her appearances in NHK’s Taiga drama “Kirin ga Kuru” and the popular “Resident Evil” game series, and Canadian composer Brian D’Oliveira. Music Natalie delved into the music of “Gannibal” and “THE DAYS,” uncovering the intricacies of drama accompaniment and exploring the distinctions between their approach and conventional Japanese dramatic music.

Unveiling the Invisible Energy: Capturing Nuclear Radiation

Koyo, the Hollywood music agent and musical producer, shared his unique process of creating music that resonates with the drama’s essence. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with composers and musicians, considering directorial and sound director inputs. The journey of crafting the perfect musical backdrop begins with envisioning the concept and then forming a team to bring it to life.

Bringing “THE DAYS” to Life:

Koyo discussed the challenge of translating the serie atmosphere of a submerged nuclear power plant into music. This required a musical production that blurred the line between film scores and sound effects, a trend prominent in Hollywood films. Brian D’Oliveira was selected to compose for “THE DAYS” due to his unique ability to express unseen energies through music. Brian’s approach involved imagining sounds as living entities, allowing the composition to evolve naturally from the tone.

Invisible Energy: A Surprising Instrument

A Surprising Instrument Brian shared his approach of valuing sound over melody, focusing on tone and instrumental nuances. He detailed the utilization of a unique instrument, the theremin, modified to be a transducer. This unconventional setup enabled the conversion of electromagnetic waves into vibration, resulting in a distinctive auditory experience.

Collaborative Dynamics:

The collaboration between Brian D’Oliveira and Maiko Horisawa became a synergy of similar musical approaches. Their connection enabled them to understand and interpret each other’s creative intentions without the need for excessive verbal communication.

As an observer, Koyo highlighted the extraordinary interaction between Brian and Maiko. koyo underscored the importance of shared space and time in collaborative projects, emphasizing that true creativity often thrives when creators work together physically.

Maiko elaborated on her role as a vocalist, explaining how she interpreted the essence of the dramas’ themes through her voice. She found herself not just singing but reflecting on the message and emotion behind the compositions. Maiko’s collaboration with Brian allowed her artistic freedom in delivering the song’s intended emotion.

Exploring the Production Process:

Koyo discussed the differences in musical production between conventional Japanese dramas and international projects like “THE DAYS” and “Gannibal.” He noted that Hollywood’s trend of merging music and sound effects enhances the immersive experience for viewers, transforming the conventional approach to accompaniment.

The world of entertainment continues to evolve, with music becoming an essential part of storytelling. The innovative approaches taken in dramas like “THE DAYS” and “Gannibal” exemplify the power of music to evoke emotions and enhance storytelling. The collaborative efforts of producers, composers, and vocalists shape an unforgettable auditory experience that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. Just as the artists of these dramas have been influenced by predecessors like Ryuichi Sakamoto, their work will inspire future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of music in storytelling.

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