When scoring a film, the right musical choices can instantly transport the audience to a different era. Fly Me to the Moon (2024) does this brilliantly with the track Run It Again by Daniel Pemberton. This soul-funk-infused piece, layered with Latin percussion and jazz-blues elements, perfectly sets the tone for a story that blends romance, humor, and the excitement of the Apollo 11 mission.
In this article, I’ll break down the key ingredients of this soundtrack and why it works so well for this type of film.
Why Does This Music Fit the Film?
Fly Me to the Moon tells the story of a marketing executive and a NASA official who develop a promotional campaign for the first moon landing. The film combines charm, wit, and a touch of nostalgia, requiring a score that reflects its retro yet energetic atmosphere.
Run It Again does exactly that by channeling the sophistication and groove of the 1960s, a time when jazz, blues, and funk heavily influenced pop music. Listen to the track below:
Let’s take a closer look at the musical elements that make this track work:
Soul-Funk Groove on Drums
The syncopated drumbeat gives the track its lively and sophisticated feel. This kind of groove was a defining characteristic of 1960s music, making it a natural fit for a film set in that era.
Latin Percussion for Extra Flavor
A key feature of this track is its use of Latin percussion, which adds a rich and pulsating rhythm. The instrumentation includes:
✅ Conga
✅ Cowbell
✅ Shaker
✅ Bongos
These elements make the track feel both vintage and vibrant, adding energy without overpowering the melody.
Electric Piano for a Nostalgic Feel
The smooth, warm tones of the electric piano reinforce the retro aesthetic, creating a backdrop that feels both elegant and laid-back. It supports the harmony without taking focus away from the groove.
Blues-Jazz Guitar: Minimal but Expressive
Instead of complex solos, the guitar contributes short, expressive licks, making each note count. Key characteristics include:
✅ Blue Notes (adding tension and a bluesy edge)
✅ Jazz Licks (short, stylish phrases that elevate the sophistication)
This minimalistic approach gives the track a cool, effortless charm.
Bluesy Bassline That Drives the Groove
One of the highlights of this track is its blues-influenced bassline, which follows this pattern: A - C - Eb - D - C - G
This progression adds swing and movement, keeping the rhythm dynamic and engaging.
The Role of Space in the Harmony
While the track maintains a steady groove, the harmonic texture is intentionally sparse, with pauses that create a playful contrast between sound and silence. This technique enhances the expressive quality of the track and reinforces the film’s lighthearted, stylish tone.
How to Compose a Score in This Style
If you want to create a retro, sophisticated soundtrack, here are some key takeaways from Run It Again:
✅ Use vintage-style grooves with swing
✅ Write a bassline with bluesy movement
✅ Incorporate rich Latin percussion elements
✅ Keep the guitar expressive but minimal
✅ Leave space in the harmony for breath and rhythm
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