Interview: ‘WondLa’ Composer Joy Ngiaw on Worldbuilding Through Score
Among the many hidden gems waiting to be discovered on Apple TV+, the sci-fi animation series WondLa may just be the most criminally underrated of them all. Based on the book series by Caldecott-winning children’s author Tony DiTerlizzi, WondLa traces the epic journey of 16-year-old Eva, the only human across the entirety of the strange planet known as Orbona. With gorgeous visuals and a thrilling story, WondLa earns its epic quality in more ways than one. Perhaps the most crucial element, however, is the show’s immersive score, courtesy of award-winning composer Joy Ngiaw, who describes her early conversations with Skydance Animation as a “creative playground where [she] could explore different sonic palettes and melodies for WondLa‘s diverse world.”
Ngiaw has played a pivotal role in Skydance Animation’s evolution since the studio released its debut short film Blush in 2021. She impressed that project’s creatives with her unique decision to incorporate her own vocals into the film’s score.
“I enjoy layering multiple vocal lines to create ethereal textures.” says Ngiaw. “And using the human voice to add a more intimate, emotional element to certain scenes.”
With encouragement from Skydance and Apple Music, Ngiaw similarly recorded vocals for her work on WondLa, furthering the show’s otherworldly sense of adventure. Season 2 of the series introduces several new locales across Orbona, and Ngiaw made sure to establish a unique sonic identity for each and every one. Beyond her own voice – perhaps her favorite instrument – Ngiaw turned to everything from synths to Didgeridoos to Fujara flutes and Bukkehorns to reflect Orbona’s range of futuristic as well as natural environments.
Of course, Ngiaw’s knack for sonic worldbuilding is just as evident in her character themes on WondLa. Eva’s relationship with her strange new home is the emotional crux of the series, and Season 2 tests that relationship like never before.
Full interview: Awards Radar
