Quotes from Ludwig Goransson

Something I grew up with is John Williams, of course, with 'Indiana Jones' and 'Star Wars.'

I work pretty fluidly across all genres.

Obviously, the 'Rocky' theme is one of the most recognizable themes in film.

If you make modern rap music, how do you write without ripping off anyone else? It's just about having a distinct voice in your songs.

Chance The Rapper is a person who really knows what he wants.

So much music in Africa was created for specific moments, written for rituals or for a funeral or for challenges, thousands of years ago, and these rhythms are still used.

I wanted to be the best guitar player in the world. And then my dad got me a portable recorder, so I started writing my own music.

The plan was just to make great art, and working with Donald Glover, who is such a renaissance man, we've been working together for ten years, and he is always pushing the envelope in a way - like, whenever we work together, I have no idea what it is going to turn out to be.

I'm just constantly figuring out new ways to reinvent myself.

That's important for me, to never just relax and be too comfortable with what you have.

Some of my favorite scores include Bernard Herrmann's Hitchcock scores.

I think in 'Rocky IV' there are three montages with three five-minute songs, which is insane. You can't do that today.

I'd say for a film composer, 'Star Wars' is kind of like the holy grail of film music. It's probably the best film music ever written.

I traveled to a library in South Africa called ILAM (International Library of African Music), which has a collection of about 500 different instruments that don't really exist anymore.

Travelling is a key part of my life. It keeps me inspired, takes me to new places, introduces me to new sounds, and allows me to explore new environments and soundscapes.

For the last 10 years, I've been working with Donald Glover and Ryan Coogler, and we've put down so much time really trying to make the best that we can, whether it's a movie, a film score, or a song.

I just want to say, creating music with Childish Gambino has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

I never used to get calls from artists or labels, but once you have a top 20 hit, you start getting them.

Growing up, I was listening to a lot of Metallica, a lot of instrumental guitar music because I started out as a guitar player.

No matter where you're born or what country you're from, you connect with 'This is America.' It speaks to people; it connects right to your soul. It calls out injustice, celebrates life, and reunites us all at the same time.

Needless to say, I like to create a unique sound for each project I do.

Needless to say, when I work on a film, it's mostly just me alone in my room just waiting to present the music to the director - and either he likes it or not.

I think to try to make new music and new ideas, you have to push the boundaries of existing music.

I love learning new things.