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The diverse and innovative artist-producer Flying Lotus made his directorial debut with the film Ash, which hit theaters on March 21.
As part of this project, he has released “Oxygene,” the first track from the film’s original soundtrack. The movie, a venture into the realms of space horror, features performances by Aaron Paul, Eiza González, and Flying Lotus himself, whose real name is Steven Ellison. The atmosphere of “Oxygene” is established with ominous synths that evoke a sense of dread, reminiscent of unsettling footsteps, before introducing shakers and melodic organ elements that offer a hint of optimism amidst the terror.
“Oxygene” is among the 27 tracks curated for the Ash soundtrack, which builds upon the film’s eerie and immersive experience. A trailer for the feature was released last fall, and the film had its premiere at SXSW on March 11 prior to its wider theatrical release.
In a statement regarding the score, Flying Lotus reflected on the creative process, describing it as both motivating and demanding. He indicated that the bulk of the composition was completed during the latter stages of post-production and color grading while he was in New Zealand. “I was moving between different rooms to monitor progress and retreating to my own space, working solely with just my laptop and controller,” he explained. He also drew from legendary composers known for their distinctive electronic soundtracks, such as John Carpenter, Akira Yamaoka, Angelo Badalamenti, and Vangelis, to craft a unique auditory experience for the film.
Additionally, in October, Flying Lotus released Spirit Box, an energetic EP that marked his first solo project outside of soundtracks since Flamagra in 2019. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he shared, “I create constantly, and now I feel aligned enough to catch up with my artistic vision. The latest work is chaotic, loud, and fast-paced, but there’s also a desire to convey a steady vibe. I want these tracks to resonate clearly before potentially presenting something even more experimental later.”
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